Newcomers and Vets Battle for Oscar's Good Actress

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Newcomers and Vets Battle for Oscar's Good Actress

Although there is nearly a month until the Academy Award nominations are announced, the Los Angeles Times is trying to figure out who the nominees and winners of the actress awards will be.

Newcomers Carey Mulligan of "An Education" and Gabourey Sidibe of "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" are both top contenders.

Both young women have already gotten nominations for National Board of Review, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics Choice Movie Awards.

Other less sure bets are Abbie Cornish of "Bright Star," Emily Blunt from "The Young Victoria," and Mo'Nique, also from "Precious."

Oddly enough, 15-year-old Saoirse Ronan of "The Lovely Bones" is among the vets, having been nominated two years ago for "Atonement."

Other veterans who have a good shot at hearing their names on February 2 include Meryl Streep for her role as Julia Child in "Julie & Julia" or for her turn in "It's Complicated."

Also likely candidates are Helen Mirren in "The Last Station," Sandra Bullock for "The Blind Side," and Penélope Cruz and Marion Cotillard from "Nine."

Gina Wilhelm Actress