SAG Predictions: Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture

Last year’s nominees:
ANNE HATHAWAY, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
ANGELINA JOLIE, CHANGELING
MELISSA LEO, FROZEN RIVER
MERYL STREEP, DOUBT
KATE WINSLET, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

This category usually does a good job predicting the eventual Oscar nominees, and it’s also been where a lot of eventual nominees have first entered the race after being snubbed at the Golden Globes, like Melissa Leo (Frozen River), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace), and Naomi Watts (21 Grams). Surefire contenders this year include Carey Mulligan (An Education), Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia), and Helen Mirren (The Last Station). I’m not positive that newcomer Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) will make it in for her debut performance, and, if she hadn’t been snubbed for her role in “Atonement” two years ago, Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones) might have a shot. Abbie Cornish (Bright Star) and Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) may round out the list, while it’s always possible that Tilda Swinton (Julia), Penelope Cruz (Broken Embraces), or Michelle Pfeiffer (Cheri) could squeeze in. If voters are really feeling like singing, Marion Cotillard (Nine) might also end up with a nomination.

Predicted nominees:
ABBIE CORNISH, BRIGHT STAR
HELEN MIRREN, THE LST STATION
CAREY MULLIGAN, AN EDUCATION
GABOUREY SIDIBE, PRECIOUS
MERYL STREEP, JULIE & JULIA

Final predictions will be offered on Wednesday, December 16th, after Golden Globe nominees are revealed. SAG nominations will be announced on Thursday, December 17th, and come back to Movies with Abe for a detailed look at each race.