Best Supporting Actress
Penélope Cruz, Nine
A film director's seductive mistress (if she's half as tantalizing in the film as she is in the above photo, Cruz deserves not only a nod but the golden statuette itself)

Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air
A professional downsizer's trainee
Mo'Nique, Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
A pregnant, illiterate teen's Mom from Hell
Julianne Moore, A Single Man (with Colin Firth)
A married alcoholic pining for an English professor — who just happens to be both gay and suicidal
Emma Thompson, An Education
A school headmistress in 1960s London
The most disputed acting category in the 2010 Oscar race. In addition to the aforementioned five actresses, five others who could easily land a nomination (in case their movies open in the Los Angeles area in 2009 and don't bomb) are:
Vera Farmiga, as the object of professional downsizer George Clooney's desire in Up in the Air (above, top photo); Kathy Bates as a concerned mother (and courtesan) in Cheri (above, lower photo); Cara Seymour, as wayward Carey Mulligan's mom in An Education; Judi Dench as Daniel Day-Lewis' confidante in Nine; and Susan Sarandon as dead Saoirse Ronan's granny in The Lovely Bones.
And, in case they're pushed as supporting actresses, these three (potential best actress nominees) are just as likely to be nominated in the supporting category as the aforementioned 10 names: Rachel Weisz as the dead girl's mother in The Lovely Bones (above); Helen Mirren as Leo Tolstoy's wife in The Last Station; and Marion Cotillard as Daniel Day-Lewis' wife in Nine. (Cotillard also has a chance — though considerably more distant — of landing a nomination for Public Enemies.)

Other potential contenders are: Mariah Carey (above) and Paula Patton in Precious; Sissy Spacek, in case Get Low gets a 2009 release; Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren, and Stacy Ferguson in Nine; Kerry Fox in Bright Star; and Samantha Morton, in case she gets pushed in the supporting actress category for The Messenger.
Also, Sigourney Weaver in Avatar (above, with Giovanni Ribisi); Mélanie Laurent and Diane Kruger in Inglourious Basterds; Imelda Staunton in Taking Woodstock; Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Melissa Leo (I'm assuming in the old Michele Morgan role) in Everybody's Fine; and Cherry Jones and Kerry Washington in Mother and Child.
A couple of sources: Hitfix, The Gold Derby.






Granted Mariah Carey did well in her role in the movie Precious. But lets see, how much film time did she get? 5 minutes, out of a 1 1/2 hour movie? No, she showed that she may have talent as an actress but her role and performance does not qualify for even being nominated for best supporting actress. And its incredibly mind boggling that it even was. Further showing that the Oscar's are slowly becoming more about bribing that actual talent and dedication. Paula Patton though, AMAZING performance. An actress and character more memorable than Mariah Carey. And how she didn't get nominated is beyond me (like i said, money), and was Mo'nique's. Every field now a days seem to be corrupt now a days
Indeed, it's true that the actors may suffer if their films — THE LOVELY BONES, NINE — don't do well with critics/audiences. But that isn't always the case. I'd still say that Penelope Cruz has an excellent chance of landing a nomination. We shall see…
Now, AVATAR has a good chance to get a nomination in the best picture category. Several reviews are out, and they have been generally quite positive. But from what I've read, I don't believe the film has a chance in the acting categories.
Nine and The Lovely Bones is starting with bad reviews. Many critics find both film disappointing! If this continues, the two possible contenders from The Lovely Bones and the multiple Nine actresses who are all in the running for the Oscar Best Supporting Actress race might end up not being nominated!
Mariah Carey and Mo'nique though did really good in their supporting roles in Precious.To land in the Oscar top 5 would do them justice! Variety said "Pitch Perfect" to Mariah Carey's performance in the film!
Standing Ovation for Mariah Carey's performance in Precious! Precious deserves to get a lot of nominations including three actors for the Best Supporting category namely Mariah Carey, Mo'Nique, and Paula Patton. But Carey has my full support! The awards that she recently won for her role in the film just prooves how much she deserves to be nominated… even win!
being an actor i must say that Mo'nique def. deserves the Oscar. (Emma and Paula Great Job) for the people saying Mariah needs it, clearly don't know anything about acting or the meaning of Oscar. Now she did good as her character but you saw her twice throughout the movie. Meaning it did not take any work, "hard" work for her to be there. That's not what an Oscar recipient is. Sorry!
Mo'Nique clearly deserves it the most…
All i can say is watch the movie…she is horrifying and mesmerizing! Amazing
Yes, Emma Thompson nomination Actress suppoting role. She is fantastic.
mariah u deserve it u are amazing u did most for the role
I agree. Mariah for the Oscars!!
But if Penelope wins again I wont be upset.
Mariah Carey for Best Supporting Actress! Her performance in the film Precious is beyond good, it was perfect!
PC looks PHENOMENAL
I hpe Sigourney Weaver gets a nonmination. Shes one of our greatest actresses and shes never won.
Penelope Cruz' garters should win the Oscar!