Oscar Winner Predictions: Best Actress

The competition: Cate Blanchett’s unhappy wife (Carol), Brie Larson’s loyal mother (Room), Jennifer Lawrence’s struggling inventor (Joy), Charlotte Rampling’s loyal spouse (45 Years), Saoirse Ronan’s optimistic immigrant (Brooklyn).

Previous winners: Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Natalie Portman, Sandra Bullock, Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard
My winner: Brie Larson
The facts: This is Blanchett's seventh nomination. She has won twice, in 2004 for "The Aviator" and in this category in 2013 for "Blue Jasmine." This is Lawrence's fourth nomination in six years. She won in 2012 for "Silver Linings Playbook." Ronan was nominated once before, in 2007 for "Atonement." This is the first nomination for Rampling, and the first for Larson, who took home the Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Critics' Choice Awards. Larson and Ronan's films are up for Best Picture.

Who should win: This is a great list. I liked Rampling and Ronan but they wouldn't be my first choices. Blanchett was good too but I don't think it's her absolute best work. I personally think that Lawrence was absolutely terrific in her film, and that she deserves this nomination just as much as for her previous roles. Ultimately, though, it's Larson who astounds and will rightfully win this.
Who will win: Every award has gone to Larson, and she'll take home this one too. It will easily be the best win of the night.