McConaughey is new odds-on fave to win Best Actor Oscar

Matthew McConaughey’s latest role in Dallas Buyers Club has not just earned the actor widespread critical acclaim; it has also shot him into favouritism to land Oscars glory.

Having gradually shaken off the rather sticky Rom-Com tag in recent years, McConaughey’s transformation to acclaimed actor was well on its way to completion following roles in Mud, Killer Joe and Magic Mike.

However it’s his latest depiction of real-life Texan Ron Woodroof, an HIV sufferer given 30 days to live back in 1986, in the film Dallas Buyers Club which has seen McConaughey fly to the front of the betting at 1/3 to claim the coveted Best Actor Oscar at the upcoming academy awards.

The film, which premiered in London on January the 29th, has also been nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, though it’s McConaughey’s performance as the leading character which steals the show.

A Texan himself, McConaughey had to live like a hermit and lose over three stone for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, to ensure he breathed maximum realism into the portrayal of Woodroof.

For an Oscars laden with big-hitting films and performances, it would be some coup for McConaughey to win the award ahead of previous favourite Chiwatel Ejiofor (3/1) for 12 Years A Slave and previous multi-nominee in the category Leonardo Di Caprio (10/1) in The Wolf of Wall Street.

And although Dallas Buyers Club, at 100/1, is highly unlikely to trump 4/11 favourite for Best Picture – 12 Years A Slave, it could sweep a famous double in the Best Supporting Actor category with co-star Jared Leto the overwhelming 1/7 market leader.

Previous winner of the award Michael Fassbender (12 Years), is next up at 6/1 in the same category.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.