Best Supporting Actress Predictions (as of 11/13/12)

Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables

Pros: She has matured and proven herself many times as an actress, gave a best in show performance earlier this year in The Dark Knight Rises and she has been the star that all of the trailers has been highlighting

Cons: While an impactful role it is a small role, some people may not take her seriously enough yet

Sally Field, Lincoln

Pros: A veteran actress who is making a comeback as one of the most famous first ladies in a very well received film

Cons: Has already won twice, doubtful she will win again.  Will definitely get nominated though

Helen Hunt, The Sessions

Pros: Another actress making a comeback this year.  This is an emotional role that also showcases here beauty

Cons: Helen Hunt may have been out of the public eye for too long, this movie might not register with the Academy

Amy Adams, The Master

Pros: Always a popular actress around Oscar time, gives one of her best performances

Cons: The role was small and the movie may end up being forgotten

Scarlett Johansson, Hitchcock

Pros: Scarlett is usually up for a nomination, it is her time and playing a former movie star usually gets Oscar attention.  Having been in The Avengers earlier this year can't hurt her either

Cons: For whatever reason she is still looked down upon, this role may not be large enough to reward, don't know if this movie will even work

Runner-Ups

Samantha Barks, Les Miserables

Pros: She was so good and popular as Eponine in the 25th Anniversary that she is reprising it in her film debut.  This can be a show stealing role and the beautiful young actress certainly has experience at it

Cons: Her name hasn't been brought up in any of the advertisements, all of the buzz is around Anne, it is hard to get a nomination in your first movie

Kerry Washington, Django Unchained

Pros: A dependable actress who has never had an Oscar role before, playing the object of affection can do well in this category  Also Tarantino can write memorable female characters

Cons: Yet again, how big is this role?  They may reward other actresses before her

Maggie Smith, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Pros: Legendary actress who hasn't been nominated in a while, this category may be open enough for her to get in

Cons: Also in contention for Quartet, this will not be one of the more popular movies in contention

Kelly Reilly, Flight

Pros: A well-received performance in a very important role.  If voters respond to Flight she very well could get noticed

Cons: The movie needs to do well for her to do well, there isn't enough buzz around this role and she isnt well-known enough to get in on her own

Nicole Kidman, The Paperboy

Pros: An actress people like in a sexy, trashy, unlikable role

Cons: This movie has not resonated with many, may take a better role for her to be welcomed back