American actress Chase Infiniti, 24, is set to join the 2026 Oscars race for Best Lead Actress following her acclaimed performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another.
Infiniti made her feature film debut in the drama, playing Willa Ferguson, the daughter of a former radical, Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio). Her performance has earned strong industry buzz, positioning her among this year’s top contenders.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for the newcomer, echoing the rise of Sinners breakout star Miles Caton, who will receive the Rising Star award for his lead role in Ryan Coogler’s film.
With Infiniti competing in the Lead Actress category, there will be no vote split with her One Battle After Another co-stars Regina Hall and Teyana Taylor, both being considered for Supporting Actress nods.
The film, adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, is also generating wider Oscars momentum. Industry projections suggest that it could secure up to six acting nominations — with DiCaprio and Infiniti in lead categories, and Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Hall, and Taylor in supporting slots.
If realized, that would make One Battle After Another the first film in Academy Awards history to earn six acting nominations.
