Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Supporting Actress & Supporting Actor

The Oscar nominations are a little more than a week away, which means it's time to finalize the predictions for whose name will be called as a nominee. There's usually a surprise here and there, so I'll try to do my best.

Best Supporting Actress (Predicted 5)

Vera Farmiga - Up in the Ar

She has kept popping up in all the right precursors, and since the film is bound to be a Best Picture nom, it looks like she’s safe.

Anna Kendrick - Up in the Air

See Vera Farmiga. Plus the NBR win.

Mo’Nique - Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

The most certain and definite lock in this category who is on her way to actually win here.

Julianne Moore - A Single Man

She’s got a lot of respect in the industry, and I have a feeling that some Academy members are liking A Single Man more than they let on.

Samantha Morton - The Messenger

Every time she gets nominated, it’s a surprise. I’m betting she’s the one surprise in this category in a film that’s quickly gaining traction.

Alt.

Penélope Cruz - Nine

Despite Nine getting obliterated by the critics, Cruz seems to be the only person who keeps popping up at the award shows. Since they know of her from her win last year, it could be a possibility for her to grab a weak spot away from Morton or Moore. Still, her film’s critical and financial flop doesn’t bode well, but she could very well be called.

Best Supporting Actor (Predicted 5)

Woody Harrelson - The Messenger

His buzz seems to have come out of nowhere, but now it seems like people are discovering the film and really liking it. That and his success with Zombieland means this is a good year for him.

Christian McKay - Me and Orson Welles

My wildcard pick for this category, as the people who have seen this film really, REALLY love his performance. He might get just enough top votes to sneak in.

Christopher Plummer - The Last Station

The veteran of the group who has never been nominated before, and with such a dominant role in the film, it plays in his favor.

Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones

Even though the film tanked, Tucci’s performance still garners attention. It’s the showiest performance in the film, not to mention he also got acclaim for Julie & Julia. A well respected actor by actors.

Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

What’s to say here? He’s the great screen villain, a brand new talent for American audiences, and he is absolutely amazing. This is the role that’s now tailored made for this category, and there’s little to actually stop him winning.

Alt.

Matt Damon - Invictus

At this point, Damon actually seems like a pretty good lock, particularly since he’s gotten all three major precursor nominations (Critic’s Choice, Golden Globe, SAG). However, in the end, Damon doesn’t have a lot of high support for this performance, and the votes he gets will probably be considerably low. Damon’s star power could still give him an edge, especially over McKay, but I see him succumbing to other actors with a more passionate base.