http://www.awardscircuit.com/oscar-pred ... t-actress/
BEST ACTRESS
The predicted nominees
1.
Amy Adams - Big Eyes
Two years in a row, she’s been nominated. Five nominations in total since 2005. It’s got to be weighing on her and Oscar voters. There’s already early talk that she’s a standout. Is it her time to shine?
2.
Michelle Williams - Suite française
This adaptation looks to be utilizing all the wonderful things we’ve come to love about Michelle Williams. After three respectable nominations, she’s starting to build the narrative of “overdue.” This could be the one.
3.
Emily Blunt - Into the Woods
The role won the Tony in Lead Actress. She was a near miss for “The Young Victoria” and “The Devil Wears Prada.” If she nails it, and the film is a success, this is an easy get.
4.
Marion Cotillard - Macbeth
This looks too good on paper. It’s a travesty that Cotillard hasn’t been nominated since her win. “Public Enemies,” “Nine,” “Inception,” and “Rust & Bone” were all worthy of mentions. I’m a believer.
5.
Jennifer Garner - Men, Women, & Children
In the past two years, her husband won an Oscar for Best Picture, and last year she was the “third wheel” among Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey. This can easily go supporting but I’m feeling some sentiment coming her way. There’s also that “Juno” snub that still hurts.
Other top-tier contenders
6.
Hilary Swank - The Homesman
According to people who have read the novel, the role is tailor-made for Swank. She was probably #6 for “Conviction” which still shows they still like her (she got the SAG nod).
7.
Jessica Chastain - Miss Julie
A classic play that is directed and adapted by Liv Ullman. Chastain also looks to have another banner year for herself. They may commit to something like they did with “The Help.”
8.
Jessica Chastain - The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby
Another film but some have already seen it and say she’s terrific. Three hour run-time may be a bit much but first-time writer/director Ned Benson may provide her a strong chance at Oscar recognition. She also has the loss for “Zero Dark Thirty” under her belt.
9.
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Readers of the book say this mention is pretty likely given the role. After charming audiences with her performance in “An Education,” I’m eager to see what Pike can do with a meatier role.
10.
Jennifer Lawrence - Serena
She’s too hot to handle at the moment, even if some are already saying she’s miscast. What last year showed us, is JLAW is here to say, at least for a while. She’ll also have “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1″ at the end of the year.
Also in contention
11. Reese Witherspoon - Wild
12. Emma Stone - Untitled Cameron Crowe Project
13. Nicole Kidman - The Railway Man
14. Nicole Kidman - Grace of Monaco
15. Shirley MacLaine - Elsa & Fred
16. Cate Blanchett - Carol
17. Naomi Watts - While We’re Young
18. Scarlett Johansson - Under the Skin
19. Anais Demoustier - The New Girlfriend
20. Lea Seydoux - The Lobster