Best ACTRESS
And the predicted nominees are:
- Annette Benning (Being Julia)
- Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby)
- Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake)
- Kate Winslet (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
- Catalina Sandina Moreno (Maria Full of Grace)
Well, in retrospect, given that I have guessed all 5 nominees, this doesn't look like such a tough category to predict. Basically I stayed away from the Uma Thurman fans wishful thinking and that paid off.
The first three actresses seem to be certain nominations, while Kate Winslet has a strong chance. For the fifth spot, I do not believe Uma Thurman will make it and I am going for the safest next bet with Moreno. If I were to follow my whim here I would probably go with Julie Delpy or even Nicole Kidman for the 5th nomination.
Annette Benning (Being Julia)
Golden Globe and NBR winner, Benning is a serious candidate at winning this category. With BFCA and SAG nominations as well, the Oscar nomination is in the pocket.
Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby)
With the Golden Globe and BFCA wins at the top of other critic awards, her nomination is also a sure shot.
Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake)
While I haven't yet seen Vera Drake, Staunton was considered a frontrunner by a lot of analysts. Winner of the most critic awards including NYFCC, LA and Chicago and also nominated by the Golden Globes, BFCA and SAG, her nomination is also a lock.
Kate Winslet (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
With the classic nomination trio under her belt (Golden Globes, BFCA, SAG) and a few critic awards wins, Winslet should add her 4th Oscar nomination this year, with a great performance that exposes an acting range wider than her previous track would've indicated.
Catalina Sandina Moreno (Maria Full of Grace)
With BFCA and SAG nominations and an extremely emotional role, she seems the safest bet for the 5th nomination.
Runners Up
Julie Delpy (Before Sunset)
Good performance in a loved movie that however didn't seem to have generated sufficient award buzz.
Nicole Kidman (Birth)
Kidman is an Oscar favourite so a lot of undecided voters write her name down, especially remembering last year's snub.
Uma Thurman (Kill Bill: vol.2)
A lot of fans would rejoice if Uma would get nominated and while her deserving performance was recognized by the Golden Globes and BFCA, I do not believe it will be sufficient for an Oscar nod.
Scarlett Johansson (A Love Song for Bobby Long)
The greatest injustice of last year's nominations, Johansson doesn't look like she will receive her deserved recognition this year either. Her good performance brought her a Golden Globe nomination, but in a movie that is largely ignored it will not suffice for the Oscars.