By Fitz of Nevermind Popular Film.
Penelope Cruz - Nine
Virtually a contender every single year Cruz has yet again netted a nomination for her work in Rob Marshall's Nine. Cruz's performance as Guido's mistress Carla wowed almost every critics while the film's response was tepid at best.
Vera Farmiga - Up in the Air
When on Charlie Rose Jason Reitman said that there was no other choice for the character of Alex than Vera Farmiga and after watching Up in the Air you know he's right. Farmiga has given excellent performances in Oscar caliber films before in such as The Departed but it is in Up in the Air that Farmiga truly shines as she and Clooney replicate the tit-for-tat dialogue that could be found in classics such as It Happened One Night or Casablanca.
Anna Kendrick - Up in the Air
Relative newcomer Anna Kendrick would have been readily recognized for her work in the Twilight series before her career exploded onto the scene as Natalie Keener in Up in the Air. George Clooney may be the moxie of the movie but Natalie is the heart as a junior exec that realizes that the soul is not worth sacrificing for money. Amazingly charming despite her prissy exterior Natalie, under Kendrick's guiding, is fantastic in this film.
Maggie Gyllenhaal - Crazy Heart
To the dismay of many Gyllenhaal was not nominated for her role in Secretary but it looks like the Academy is striving to correct that mistake with Gyllenhaal's nomination for her role in Crazy Heart. Gyllenhaal plays Jean Craddock a sensible-minded mother with a four-year-old that should know better than to fall in love with a grizzled, alcoholic country singer in Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges).
Mo'Nique - Precious
Very rarely are the words tour de force and Mo'Nique together in a sentence, but after her performance as Mary in Precious that is no longer the case. Make no means about her chances of winning Mo'Nique has taken the Critic's Choice, Golden Globe and SAG awards for her horrifying portrayal as a domestic monster.
Who Will Win:
Mo'nique gave a terrifying performance and with all the momentum she has built up through the awards season she is guaranteed the naked gold man come March.
Who Was Snubbed:
Melanie Laurent - Inglourious Basterds
While Pitt and gang were the face of the film Shosanna played an integral part of the story and was the center of attention in the most tension-filled scene all year. Try eating a crepe without shuddering.
Marion Cotillard - Public Enemies
The heart of John Dillinger's affections Cotillard delivered as a coat check girl caught up in the celebrity whirlwind of being a gangster's girl.
