BEST ACTRESS
- Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth: The Golden Age)
- Julie Christie (Away from Her)
- Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose)
- Laura Linney (The Savages)
- Ellen Page (Juno)
Julie Christie delivers a career performance. Under Sarah Polley, she is affectingly raw in exhibiting her character's Alzheimer's. At the same time, Marion Cotillard becomes Edith Piaf. With the assistance of top-notch make-up, Cotillard looks, sings, and acts just like Piaf. If you haven't heard of Edith Piaf, familiarize yourself with her story and music. If you haven't seen La Vie en Rose, make time to soak in Cotillard's wonder.
Next to the French actress, no one has received more press concerning their nomination than Ellen Page. For Page to take on the role of an eloquently rebellious pregnant teenager is one thing, but for her to execute the part like she did is another. Page carries the most buzz and that, perhaps, could lead to an upset. Linney is worthy, but forgettable. Blanchett will get her recognition elsewhere. So, that leaves three. Put your money on Christie with a safety wager on Cotillard.
- Probable Academy Pick: Julie Christie
- Possible Upset: Marion Cotillard
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
- Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)
- Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
- Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Charlie Wilson’s War)
- Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild)
- Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton)
Javier Bardem. Period. Bardem’s ability to appear more villainous and capable of stalking down any victim easier than Michael Myers is a testament to his unruffled, yet hair-raising, character. Additionally, in his quiet, unapproachable, and crazed role, Bardem encompasses the supremacy of No Country for Old Men and his portrait of a fictionalized villain goes down in history as one of the best.
- Probable Academy Pick: Javier Bardem
- Possible Upset: Non-existent
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
- Cate Blanchett (I’m Not There)
- Ruby Dee (American Gangster)
- Saoirse Ronan (Atonement)
- Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone)
- Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton)
If there is any category that may split voters, it's this one. The "Supporting" Oscars are notorious for surprises, and this year is no different. Consider this category open for an unexpected victor. Even though Cate Blanchett is the odds-on favorite for her transfixing role as Bob Dylan, don't be shocked if Ruby Dee or Amy Ryan gets the call to walk up to the podium for an emotional acceptance speech. Ruby Dee would be an Oscar packed with too much sentiment and not enough honesty. Amy Ryan would be a just choice. Saoirse Ronan or Tilda Swinton would shock the world with a win. While I'm thinking Cate Blanchett, I'm hoping Amy Ryan.
- Probable Academy Pick: Cate Blanchett
- Possible Upset: Amy Ryan
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