Oscar Predictions: Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Like Best Supporting Actor, I don’t feel that great about any of these contenders. Vera Farmiga (Nothing but the Truth) is in a movie no one saw, and it’s just too infinitesimally small to manage a nomination. Oscar veteran Debra Winger (Rachel Getting Married) could surprise, but the film has shaky support and aside from Bill Irwin, she’s the least likely cast member to get a nomination. Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) scored a SAG nomination, though I don’t think she’ll make it all the way to Oscar. The same goes for Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler), whose performance just didn’t have much substance. Viola Davis and Amy Adams (Doubt) both have Globe and SAG nominations, and while many doubt Adams’ chances, I think that she will make it in, just like Cate Blanchett last year in the lead actress category for “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.” I’d be ecstatic if Davis didn’t get nominated for her meager twelve-minute performance, but I know I’m pretty much alone in my distaste for the actress and her performance. Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) gave a wacky performance in Woody Allen’s latest film that seems to have won over enough people to assure her a spot. Kate Winslet (The Reader) just won two Golden Globes, and unless for some reason voters opt to place her in the lead category for this film as well as “Revolutionary Road,” she should be safe. The last slot, assuming Tomei and Henson won’t make it, is between two contenders who don’t quite have the precursor support but may score nominations like Samantha Morton and Djimon Hounsou in 2003 for “In America.” I’d personally be thrilled if either of them made it in since I adored both of their performances. Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire) is a total newcomer whose breakthrough performance in the most buzz-worthy movie of the year should be the one getting recognized instead of costar Dev Patel. I’m thinking that spot number five will go instead to Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married) was incredible as the title character in one of the best movies of the year. The Oscars might just be the chance for her to step out of her onscreen sister Anne Hathaway’s shadow. Assuming the list below, I’m betting on Kate Winslet to take home the gold.

Final predictions:
AMY ADAMS, DOUBT
PENELOPE CRUZ, VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
VIOLA DAVIS, DOUBT
ROSEMARIE DEWITT, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
KATE WINSLET, THE READER