BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Who’s In:

Sally Field, Lincoln

Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables

Helen Hunt, The Sessions

Who’s Probably Also In:

Amy Adams, The Master

Ann Dowd, Compliance

Who Could Be In Instead:

Maggie Smith, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Nicole Kidman, The Paperboy

Judi Dench, Skyfall

            Admittedly, I’m being kinda stubborn on this one.  Sure, it seems most Oscar-y for Dame Maggie Smith to waltz away with this one, but that’s just the problem: The whole race is TOO predictable.  Somebody’s gotta be the “surprise” nominee.  So I’m taking a gamble on ace character actress Ann Dowd (who I know and love from Freaks and Geeks.)  Hers is the tiniest film in the mix, but she managed the NBR award and a Critics’ Choice nod.  Like the supporting actor contest, there needs to be at least one first-timer.