1.Helen Hunt,The Surrogate(Predicted Winner)
-Oscar winner Helen Hunt will be playing a surrogate hired by John Hawkes to loose his virginity.Very less is known about the film and her role but those who had watched it in Sundance enjoyed her bold performance .The only thing that could hurt her chances is the risky theme and if the film is explicit.
2.Keira Knightley,Anna Karenina
-Although she more of a celebrity than a actress,Keira Knightley had proved that she is a descent actress by choosing challenging roles throughout her career like Atonement,Pride and Prejudice,Never Let Me Go and The Dangerous Method.In Anna Karenina,Keira will be playing an aristocrat having affair with the Count which will be played by Kick Ass star Aaron Johnson.The affair will have a serious implication on her marriage and her life.
3.Laura Linney,Hyde Park On Hudson
-Laura Linney will be playing Margarett Suckley, a distant cousin of the the President Roosevelt who had a affair with the president.Laura Linney is a talented actress and a three time Oscar nominee.I loved her innocent looks and her performance in Kinsey and really looking forward of her interpretation of the famous scandal.
4.Viola Davis,Wont Back Down
-Viola Davis would be playing a mother trying to improve a failing school alongside Maggie Gyllenhaal.She was the favourite of many to win last year,so she could win this time.I'm very happy to see Viola in a another dramatic role as there are less black actress in these genre of films.
5.Mary Elizabeth Winstead,Smashed
-It seems it is quite often that one of the slot of best actress given to young upcoming actresses who gave their best performance.past years,we had Jennifer Lawrence,Gabourey Sidibe,Carey Mulligan and the recent Rooney Mara and this year it looks like it is Mary Elizabeth Winstead getting her first nod.Her portrayal of the alcoholic teacher who is trying to fix her addiction is getting the attention of the critics.Just filmed in 19 days,many critics had already praising her performance of the complex and multilayer character.
6.Amy Adams,Trouble With The curve
-Three times Oscar Nominee Amy Adams would be playing Clint Eastwood daughter in this film which will explore the father/daughter duo trying to fix their relationship.Amy Adams also has another two interesting roles this year(The Master and On The Road)
7.Marion Cotillard,Lowlife
-playing a immigrant who was tricked being a burlesque dancer,this is her first English speaking lead role.There will be singing,dancing and drama,sounds Oscar bait to me.The only problem here is I'm not sure the actual release date of this film.
8.Melanie Lynskey,Hello I must Be Going
-Just like last winner Octavia Spencer,Melanie Lynskey had been playing the roles of the friend or sister or aunt.Hello I Must Be Going showcased her acting chops and critics loved her portrayal of the middle aged woman having affair with a younger boy.Although a really damn good campaigning is required for her to secure a nod.