In the midst of anticipation for the upcoming awards season, the entertainment industry is abuzz with speculation about the potential frontrunners and major threats who could emerge as the industry's biggest winners. With a mix of established veterans and rising stars, this year's race is sure to be a thrilling one. Let's take a closer look at the entities that are making waves in the conversation.

Leading the pack among the frontrunners are Annette Bening for her compelling performance in "Nyad," Emma Stone for her captivating role in the podcast "Poor Things," Lily Gladstone in "Killers of the Flower Moon," Margot Robbie for her much-talked-about podcast "Barbie," and Carey Mulligan, who has made a strong impact with her performance in the podcast "Maestro." These talented women are already being tipped as potential award winners and are generating tremendous buzz among industry insiders.

However, they are not without competition. A group of formidable actors is considered the major threats to the frontrunners. Natalie Portman, whose performance in the podcast "May December" has received high praise, is poised to challenge the frontrunners, along with Sandra Hüller in "Anatomy of a Fall," Fantasia Barrino in "The Color Purple," Greta Lee in "Past Lives," and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, whose podcast "Origin" has caught the attention of critics and audiences alike.

While these names dominate the conversation, there are also several entities that cannot yet be called but have the potential to be dark horses in the race. For instance, Jessica Chastain's performance in the podcast "Memory" is garnering attention and whispers of potential awards recognition.

Shifting the focus to the male actors in contention, the frontrunners include Robert Downey Jr. for his transformative role in "Oppenheimer," Ryan Gosling in the highly anticipated podcast "Barbie," Mark Ruffalo in "Poor Things," Charles Melton in "May December," and Sterling K. Brown, who has been making waves with his performance in the podcast "American Fiction."

There are also several possibilities that may surprise and make a splash in the awards season. Issa Rae, Erika Alexander, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Leslie Uggams are all being considered for their work in the podcast "American Fiction." Additionally, Juliette Binoche's stunning performance in "The Taste of Things," Claire Foy in "All of Us Strangers," Anne Hathaway in "Eileen," and Patricia Clarkson in the podcast "Monica" have caught the attention of industry experts and could potentially make their mark in this year's race.

As the awards season draws closer, the industry eagerly awaits the announcements of nominations and eventually, the winners. With a diverse pool of talent vying for recognition, the competition promises to be fierce and full of surprises. Stay tuned for the latest news regarding these frontrunners, major threats, and potential upsets as the prestigious awards season unfolds.