Oscars 2020 odds: Joaquin Phoenix and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood early favourites

Phoenix’s performance as the character previously brought to life by Heath Ledger is tipped for awards season glory

Joaquin Phoenix is the early favourite to win the best actor Oscar in 2020 for playing the Joker, according to Oddschecker.

The Joker's inclusion at two prestigious film festivals – it will hold its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival later this month before screening at the Toronto International Film Festival – is rare for a comic book-based film, fuelling speculation it will be a major awards season contender.

At the time of writing, Phoenix is tipped to win at odds of 9/4, with Tom Hanks at 3/1 for A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, Taron Egerton at 10/3 for Rocketman and Antonio Banderas at 7/2 for Pain and Glory.

The bookies have currently got Netflix divorce drama Marriage Story, starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, in the top spot for best picture at odds of 5/1. Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is in close second at 6/1.

Oddschecker is not currently listing the odds for best actress winners, but strong contenders are Penelope Cruz for Pain and Glory, Nicole Kidman for Fair and Balanced, Helen Mirren for The Good Liar and Saoirse Ronan for Little Women.

The nominations will be announced closer to the ceremony, which will take place on Sunday 9th February 2020.