The year might be young, but one of the biggest contenders leading into the 2015 Oscar race is undeniably Meryl Streep. The actress has been nominated for 18 Oscars and could find herself nominated for her 19th for the film "Into the Woods." The actress will also appear in "Suffragette," which could be a meatier role considering women's rights is at the center of the film.
Octavia Spencer received a lot of buzz this past year for her work in "Fruitvale Station." However, she failed to get the nomination. This year she reteams with Tate Taylor for "Get On Up." The actress won the Oscar for "The Help," which was directed by Taylor.
Vanessa Redgrave seems to have a great role in the highly anticipated "Foxcatcher." The movie was supposed to be released in 2013 but was delayed due to an overcrowded slate. With Redgrave a fixture of the Academy for a number of years, this could be her comeback to the Oscars after a 20-year absence.
Keira Knightley could easily get an Oscar nomination for "The Imitation Game"; the film was reportedly purchased for $7 million by the Weinstein Company and has a lot of buzz. Knightley has been nominated once but in recent years has received buzz for a number of other roles. With Harvey Weinstein behind her campaign she is likely to return to the Academy Awards next year.
Sarah Paulson had a breakout performance in "12 Years a Slave" last year and this year could finally get her first nomination for Todd Haynes' "Carol." Haynes is known for getting actresses nominations. However, the film is currently in production and may not be finished in time for Oscars.
Jena Malone and Katherine Waterson may also get shortlisted for Paul Thomas Anderson's "Inherent Vice." Warner Bros. is releasing the movie, which has topped many lists as one of the most anticipated films of the year. Given Anderson's track record with the Oscars, especially in the acting categories, either one of these actress has strong chances.
Kristen Scott Thomas is one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation. However, she has only been nominated once at the Oscars in 1996 for "The English Patient." Her role in "Suite Francaise" looks promising and with the Weinstein Company distributing there is an even greater chance.
Felicity Jones is currently on the rise and has been giving awards-worthy performances. Her role in "The Invisible Woman" received raves and this year her work in "Theory of Everything" could be promising.
Brie Larson almost got nominated last year for her work in "Short Term 12." The actress gave a breakthrough performance in the SXSW Film Festival winner, and given the caliber of her acting, the Academy may want to makeup for her snub by nominating her in the new film "The Gambler." The only problem: the film has no release date and Paramount may want to delay the movie until 2015.
Other possible Oscar contending actresses include Jessica Chastain and Ellen Burnstyn for their work in "Interstellar," Hailee Steinfeld for "The Homesman" and Carrie Coon for "Gone Girl."