Oscar Nominees: Best Actor in a Leading Role

My predictions: 3/5, picking Hanks and Redford over Bale and DiCaprio
My ballot: Come back in February!
The nominees: Christian Bale (American Hustle), Bruce Dern (Nebraska), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Matthew McConaughey (12 Years a Slave)

I asked for it not to happen, but knew it might. Why is Tom Hanks left off this list for the best performance he’s given in years, and when his film is recognized in Best Picture, Best Supporting, and Best Film Editing (don’t worry, it was also left out of another major category). To make room for Bale hardly seems worth it, since that’s a film that didn’t need all of its players nominated (most may disagree). I’m more okay with DiCaprio being here even if it’s not his best performance, and I’d rather not see him win for this role. Though “12 Years a Slave” is being touted as earning only nine nominations, it only really missed out in a few minor races, and I’m glad Ejiofor earns his first nomination here, along with Golden Globe winner McConaughey, whose film managed to score a place in the top race. That means that Robert Redford, who I’ll see later at the Sundance Film Festival Day 1 Press Conference, isn’t here, and his film earned only measly sound editing nomination. I wasn’t enthralled by the film, but I imagine he’ll be upset about that. My list will look remarkably different, and will certainly include Hanks (and Michael B. Jordan, whose film might as well not have existed.

My current bet to win: It could be DiCaprio or Ejiofor, but looks like McConaughey unless SAG tells us otherwise.