Hillary Swank “Million Dollar Baby”For her: she managed to beat Bening back in 1999, and once again her role is the more dramatic of the two; major critical praise
Against her: Don’t count Bening out just yet.
Odds: 3:2
Annette Bening “Being Julia”
For her: Hollywood loves being able to honor the few great roles out there for middle-aged actresses.
Against her: No one wants to hear an Annette Bening acceptance speech.
Odds: 3:1
Kate Winslet “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
For her: Two fantastic performances this year from an Academy favorite.
Against her: Sunshine’s March release has pushed it from voters minds.
Odds: 5:1
Imelda Staunton “Vera Drake”
For her: A moving performance about a controversial topic.
Against her: This race is Swank’s and Bening’s to lose.
Odds: 10:1
Catalina Sandino Moreno “Maria Full of Grace”
For her: First Colombian actress to be nominated for an Oscar.
Against her: She’s the youngest and least famous of the five.
Odds: 15:1