They clearly like her and this role is extremely baity. Having Fox Searchlight behind her is a good sign. However the movie is released in September and that might be a bit late, in a race where several of the strong contenders debut in December.

Cameron Diaz is considered by many (including myself) due to at least a first nod. Under Curtis Hanson's direction she could finnally breakthrough this year. It's not a baity role and it could be another silly comedy but I have a good feeling about this one. 

Unlike several of previous BA winners, Charlize is not wasting any time and has some really interesting projects coming out. Courtroom dramas tend to do well with the Academy and this one is directed by Whale Rider's Nikki Caro.

It's hard to deny that Uma is due for at least another nomination and maybe a win so I really want to put her in. But I have the feeling that I am only considering this movie due to the fact that La Streep is in it. We will see. Uma also has The Producers.

Ziyi Zhang is slowly becoming an household name and has been starring in some of the most successful asian movies of the last years. The role is extremely Oscar-Baity and she is starring in "supposedly" one of this year's frontrunners.

Other Contenders

This is a performance that would definetely receive an Oscar nod if the movie was released in November. Having been just released, I am not sure if Allen's buzz will last till January. Hopefully it will. She really needs to pick one of the early awards like NBR.

David Cronenberg's movies have yet to receive major Academy attention but Bello is due and underrated. Early release date doesn't help.

I have high hopes for this movie and this one could definetely be the contemporary comedy nominated for Best Picture. Claire Danes is a very underrated actress and she really deserves to be right up there. 

I really have no idea if Rent will turn out to be another Moulin Rouge or another Phantom of the Opera. 

Dunst is definetely the best actress of her generation and she should have 2 nods by now. Maybe under Cameron Crowe's direction she will finnalyl get in. A Golden Globe nod is almost a sho-in if the movie delivers.  

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This received good reviews at last Sundance but it doesn't have a major studio behind it. Linney's role might go supporting. 

Give this woman an Oscar, please. Moore is definetely one of the most overdue actresses working today and I know the Academy is just waiting for a good movie to give it to her. Will this one make the trick? Where is the buzz?

She is clearly liked by the Academy as her 2 nods prove. If the movie is ready in time and delivers, she even might be a threat for the win.

On paper this really sounds like a sure-bet and I even had Gwyneth in my predictions last year. But the fact that it keeps changing its release date and doesn't even have one at the moment troubles me. And what will happen with Miramax now that the Weinsteins left? 

Could this be a return to form from James Ivory? If yes and if a studio like Focus picks this up, Natasha could find herself with her first Oscar nod.