2. The Master
Although not nominated in the Best Picture category, The Master could land a few surprise awards, as long as Tom Cruise and his fellow Scientology devotees dont have too much to do with it. So, where could P.T. Andersons striking portrayal of post WWII drifters and seekers deliver a few shocks? Joaquin Phoenix portrays a character capable of evoking much empathy from the audience the Academy voters included. His unpredictable personality and raw acting ability has served him well in the past, but he has not won an Oscar yet. Will this be his and The Masters year? Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman have also been given the nod for their supporting roles in the film. Both are incredible talents and have forged impressive careers in supporting roles for years. This is Hoffmans third nomination in the category and Adams fourth. Unlike Hoffman, Adams has not picked up an award yet (his was for Leading Actor in Capote 2005), so surely shes not going to have to wait for a fifth nomination in the category before she gets the gold?