The Best Supporting Actress race has long been defined since the precursor awards began this year. The nominees feature two winners and three past nominees. Past winners include Octavia Spencer (The Help), Melissa Leo (The Fighter), Monique (Precious), Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona) and Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton).
Amy Adams- Adams' performance for "The Master" marked her fourth nomination in the category. She was previously recognized for her work in 2010's "The Fighter," 2008's "Doubt," and 2005's "Junebug." Adams has won five precursor awards including the LA and National Society of Film Critics. She was nominated for the Golden Globe, and BAFTA awards but her failure to obtain a SAG nomination minimized her chances winning her first Oscar. With Anne Hathaway winning every award, Adams is bound to go home empty-handed.
Sally Field- Field scored her third Academy Award nomination for her performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln." She previously won two Oscars for work on "Places in the Heart" and Norma Rae." Like Adams, Field won five precursors including the New York and Boston Film Critics. The actress was nominated for the BAFTA, SAG, and Critics' Choice but failed to win. She is also likely to go home empty-handed unless the Academy decides to change the tide and honor "Lincoln."
Anne Hathaway-Hathaway scored her second nomination for her performance as Fantine in "Les Miserables." The actress was previously recognized for her work in 2008 for "Rachel Getting Married." Hathaway is currently the front runner to win as she has already received over 20 precursor awards. She scored wins at the BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Golden Globes, and SAG awards. With these key wins, Hathaway has locked the Oscar.
Helen Hunt-Hunt scored her second Oscar nomination for "The Sessions;" she was previously nominated and won for her role in 1997's "As Good as it Gets." During precursor awards Hunt split critics' circles and awards organizations as many were unable to decide whether she was a supporting actress and or a lead. She won two supporting actress precursor awards but the lack of consensus hurt her chances. Although she was nominated for the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG awards, her performance did not win. Additionally the fact that her film "The Sessions" did not resonate in any other category, will likely make her chances of winning obsolete.
Jacki Weaver-Weaver surprised pundits by earning her second Academy Award nomination for "Silver Linings Playbook." She was previously nominated in 2010 for "Animal Kingdom." Weaver was never on the radar as she did not get recognized by any major organization or critics' circles. Additionally her performance lacked any emotional scene that the Academy likes to recognize. However, Weaver may have a chance at surprising once again if the Academy feels like awarding "Playbook" the Best Picture.
Predictions: This is Hathaway's race to lose. She has won every single major award and there is no stopping her at this point.