The Best Actress has been narrowed down to 10 contenders.
The actress to beat is currently Cate Blanchett who received rave reviews for her performance in "Blue Jasmin." She already received a Gotham nomination for her performance and is likely to win that award. Additionally, pundits have been predicting her to win an Oscar ever since August.
Sandra Bullock is also a huge contender as she carries "Gravity" all by herself. She may not win because of her recent win in the Best Actress race for "The Blind Side," but the Academy is sure to go for her performance.
Emma Thompson plays a real-life character in "Saving Mr. Banks" making her an obvious choice for the Academy. The Academy has given the Oscar to many women who have played real-life characters including Marion Cotillard for "La Vie En Rose," Meryl Streep for "The Iron Lady," and Reese Witherspoon for "Walk the Line." As a result Thompson is sure to be nominated.
Judi Dench has not been in the race since 2006 and this year her role in "Philomena" is getting a lot of buzz. Like Thompson, Dench also plays a real-life character and she plays a character audiences have not seen from her in a long time. However, Dench may be ousted from the race as she never campaigns for the Oscars.
Every time Meryl Streep makes a film, she is always considered for the Oscar. This year, Streep is sure to get nominated, especially with the Weinstein Company backing her film "August: Osage County." While she may not win due to her 2011 victory for "The Iron Lady," Streep looks to be a lock for a nomination.
Two women that have chances to get nominated are Amy Adams for "American Hustle" and Kate Winslet for "Labor Day." However, neither are sure bets. Adams' film has not been seen yet and that could hurt her campaign as the film is being released late. Meanwhile, Winslet's film is only getting a one-week Oscar qualifying release, which has never been a good sign to get an Oscar nomination. Additionally, the film has received mixed reviews and the Academy may overlook it as a result.
The last contenders are Adele Exarchopoulos for "Blue is the Warmest Color," Brie Larson for "Short Term 12" and Berenice Bejo for "The Past." However, with so much star power in a crowded year, these contenders will likely be overlooked.
First Predictions
1. Cate Blanchett - "Blue Jasmine"
2. Sandra Bullock - "Gravity"
3. Judi Dench - "Philomena"
4. Emma Thompson- "Saving Mr. Banks"
5. Meryl Streep- "August: Osage County
Potential Nominees
6. Amy Adams- "American Hustle"
7. Kate Winslet- "Labor Day"
8. Brie Larson - "Short Term 12"
9. Berenice Bejo - "The Past"
10. Adele Exarchopoulos- "Blue is the Warmest Color"