Best Supporting Actress
Tough call here, as everyone seems to think all five ladies have a shot at winning. They do, but some probably won’t be called to the stage this year. A win for Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), could mean that they want to reward the most nominated film with at least one major trophy, but outside of the Image Award, Henson hasn’t won anything major for her performance. Ditto Amy Adams (Doubt), who has seen co-star Viola Davis take, not only the majority of the strong critical praise for their film, but also seems to have more support within the industry, who want her to succeed (witness Meryl Streep’s SAG speech). Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler) is also someone that we are rooting to succeed and with her third Oscar nomination, it seems apparent that voters do too. A win for her could signal that Mickey Rourke is on to win later that night, but the last film to win two acting awards without a Best Picture citations was The Miracle Worker back in 1962. But in the end, it seems like Penélope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) is going to make it very hard for anyone to try to outlast her in this race. And now with Kate Winslet out of this race, it would seem that the shift has gone back to Cruz, although, especially after last year, it is never a smart move to think a race as heated as this is ever a done deal.
Final Predictions and Ranks:
1. Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
2. Viola Davis, Doubt
3. Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
4, Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
5. Amy Adams, Doubt
Who Should Win: Viola Davis, Doubt
Who Should Have Been Nominated: Hiam Abbass, The Visitor; Rosemarie DeWitt, Rachel Getting Married and Ari Graynor, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist