Oscar Winner Predictions: Best Actress in a Supporting Role

The competition: Patricia Arquette’s protective mother (Boyhood), Laura Dern’s devoted mother (Wild), Keira Knightley’s bright math whiz (The Imitation Game), Emma Stone’s angst-filled daughter (Birdman), and Meryl Streep’s charismatic witch (Into the Woods).

Previous winners: Lupita N’yongo, Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Melissa Leo, Mo’Nique, Penelope Cruz, Tilda Swinton
My winner: Announcing shortly after the Oscars!
The facts: This is the astounding nineteenth nomination for Streep, who was won three times. Dern and Knightley are each nominated for the second time, while Arquette, who won the Globe and the SAG, and Stone are first-time Oscar nominees. Arquette, Knightley, and Stone all have their films nominated for Best Picture.

Who should win: Stone
Who will win: All signs point to Arquette. Streep and Dern don’t have enough support for their films, which Knightley and Stone haven’t been recognized as the acting stars for their films. “Boyhood” may not win Best Picture, but Arquette will surely triumph here.