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Nominees:

1) Rooney Mara, Carol

2) Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs

3) Rachel McAdams, Spotlight

4) Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl

5) Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight

The Best Supporting Actress race has been one of my personal favourites this year for how close it has been between three of the five  nominees, but mainly because of how much of a game-changer it would have been had Vikander and Mara been considered for Best Actress instead of Best Supporting Actress.

At the Golden Globes, Winslet was shocked to hear her name announced as victor. The actress lends her talents to Steve Jobs along with Michael Fassbender, thus securing her sixth nomination. Could she win? It wasn’t likely up until her Golden Globe win, bearing in mind Mara and Vikander weren’t vying for the statue. While Winslet delivers an excellent performance in her film, the inclusion of the two younger stars will spell trouble for the Titanic actress.

Alicia Vikander has been virtually everywhere this year, from Ex Machina to The Danish Girl to Man From U.N.C.L.E..The actress has been prolofic to say the very least and has shown that she is one to watch out for in the coming years. Of all her roles, her turn in The Danish Girl as Gerda Weinar is probably her best, as her character exudes a spirit of resillience and unconditional love that is passionate and touching. The actress recently walked away with the Critics’ Choice Award in this category, and so an Oscar win is definitely in the horizon. 

That said, Vikander faces her biggest threat in Rooney Mara who plays Therese in Carol opposite Cate Blanchett. A more physical role, Mara gives a striking performance reminiscent of one of Audrey Hepburn‘s. The innocent naivety   with which she carries herself is perfect for the role, and one that has seen Mara pick up accolades legt and right. But is it enough to go all the way? Oscar precursors will make it clearer, but chances are strong for now.

I said this when I reviewed Spotlight, and I will say it again: Rachel McAdams gave a good performance, but not one deserving of an Oscar  nomination. There are plenty of other actresses who deserved it more this year. Naturally, as it stands now, she has the least chances for an Oscar win, unlike her stellar film.

Actress Jennifer Jason Leigh completes the list of nominees for this category, and joins Rachel McAdams in the not-likely-to-win circle. While she is an actress who merits all the praise she has been getting, The Hateful Eight not doing as well as expected in terms of box office and critical response will hinder her. Furthermore, the race between the two frontrunners is too strong to break.

So, here’s how it’s looking, and this one could go either way:

Winner: Alicia Vikander

Possible upset: Rooney Mara

Honourable mention: Kate Winslet

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