Oscar Nominees: Best Actress in a Leading Role

My predictions: 3/5
My ballot: Coming soon!
The nominees: Jessica Chastain, Olivia Colman, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Kristen Stewart

Having the nominees announced in alphabetical order can be a comforting – or distressing – thing depending on the circumstances, and in this case I was very relieved to hear Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) called first since I had expected her to get snubbed. Others were likely thrilled that Kristen Stewart (Spencer) made the cut, bouncing back from SAG and BAFTA snubs and getting in over Lady Gaga, who made both those lists. The other surprising inclusion was Penélope Cruz (Parallel Mothers), who did get some good buzz but didn’t have much precursor support. It’s a shame that Alana Haim, whose film underperformed in a major way, couldn’t get in, while two expected and worthwhile performances, Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter) and Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos) round out the list. It’s interesting to point out that none of these films are up for Best Picture, and aside from Stewart, who is her film’s only nomination, each has only one or two other bids.

My current bet to win: With Gaga out of the race, I’m going to default back to Stewart, though this is going to be a very competitive category.