Rose Byrne transcends genre. She can—and has—done it all, from starring in some of the highest-grossing comedies like Bridesmaids and Neighbors to anchoring horror films such as 28 Weeks Later and the Insidious franchise. So when she appeared in an A24 film playing a frazzled mother juggling multiple crises at once, many were both surprised and impressed. But as someone who has followed her career since 2004, beginning with her haunting turn in Wicker Park, I can say this is exactly the kind of performance I’ve admired from her for more than two decades.

What surprised me most was how A24’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You seemed to materialize out of nowhere. It premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, yet I don’t recall much discussion surrounding it—let alone about Byrne’s powerhouse performance. Given A24’s track record over the years, I’m curious why the film didn’t generate more early buzz. The first time it truly landed on my radar was when Byrne began sweeping early critics’ awards for Best Actress. From there, momentum built quickly, and suddenly she was neck-and-neck with Jessie Buckley at every turn. Now, here we are, with Byrne officially an Oscar nominee.

The looming question is whether she can win. Of the five nominees, I’d argue she absolutely has a shot, bolstered by strong support from critics’ groups. That said, Buckley’s performance in Hamnet may have the edge, particularly as it’s tied to Best Picture and Best Director nominations. If you’re looking for optimism on Byrne’s behalf, consider the Academy’s decision to snub Paul Mescal in the supporting category—it may signal that Hamnet isn’t as universally admired within the Academy as it is elsewhere. Still, if I were placing a wager, I’d bet on Buckley prevailing. Regardless of the outcome, it’s gratifying to see Byrne earn her first nomination. The recognition feels long overdue for an actress whose talent has been quietly building toward this moment for years.