Cate Blanchett “The Aviator”
For her: Blanchett is always excellent, and it’s more than time to make up for her 1998 Elizabeth snub.
Against her: Madsen has been coming on strong.
Odds: 2:1
Virginia Madsen “Sideways”
For her: She’s been collecting critic’s awards all season; could pull a Marcia Gay Harden.
Against her: Doesn’t have the notoriety of the other nominees.
3:1
Natalie Portman “Closer”
For her: She shines in her first “grown-up” role; this is the category for ingénues.
Against her: The fact that in this category, anything can happen.
4:1
Laura Linney “Kinsey”
For her: Many felt she was overlooked for 2000’s You Can Count on Me; now could be the time to reward her.
Against her: It’s the film’s only nomination.
5:1
Sophie Okenedo “Hotel Rwanda”
For her: Everyone who saw the film praised its cast.
Against her: But how many people saw it? In the toughest category of the year, she’s not a frontrunner.
8:1
From:
About me: “'But I don’t want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. 'Oh, you can’t help that,' said the Cat. 'We’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.' 'How do you know I’m mad?' said Alice. 'You must be,” said the Cat, 'or you wouldn’t have come here.'” -Lewis Carroll