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While Chadwick Boseman is no longer with us, his last film work was a huge testament to his talent, and he is the overwhelming favorite to win the 2021 Best Actor Oscar for his work as Levee in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
The film is nominated for five awards, including Viola Davis as Best Actress. The bio pic of the “Mother of the Blues” and her ambitious horn player as the navigate the music industry of the 1920’s. But no one in the major categories is more of a favorite than Boseman, who might be more known for his role as Black Panther.
If an underdog were to emerge, it would likely Sir Anthony Hopkins for his work in The Father. The 1991 winner in this category for his work as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of The Lambs, he’s been nominated a total of six times by the Academy; four as Best Actor and two as Best Supporting Actor.
Also Riz Ahmed is up for his first statuette for his turn as Ruben in Sound of Metal, the story of a heavy metal drummer who begins to lose his hearing. It’s a fantastic performance that in many years would be getting more consideration, but one that likely is overshadowed by both Boseman’s work in Ma Rainey’s film, as well as his career the Academy seems very likely to honor posthumously.
Below are the updated odds, as well as the betting splits for each actor, from DraftKings Sportsbook:
Best Actor 2021 Oscars
| Actor | Odds | % Handle | % Bets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Odds | % Handle | % Bets |
| Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) | -1667 | 79% | 22% |
| Anthony Hopkins (The Father) | +700 | 11% | 34% |
| Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) | +1400 | 5% | 17% |
| Steven Yeun (Minari) | +2500 | 4% | 22% |
| Gary Oldman (Mank) | +3300 | < 1% | 5% |
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