9. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
This film has a lot going for it in terms of its nomination status: it was genuinely excellent, it continues an Award Winning franchise, and it's a technological marvel with its 48 Frames Per Second 3D presentation. However, the last two factors also work against its chances, seeing as The Academy gave Return of the King a massive orgy of awards love in 2004, thinking it was going to be the last chance they'd get. Also, 48 Frames Per Second is the new 3D, as in this is what you're going to hear moviegoers whinging about until they either accept it or just give up. (Love it or hate it, High Frame Rate has changed how we see films. With some tweaking to digital effects techniques, this could be amazing.) Still, it seems good enough to get a slot on expanded roster. If it does, don't expect it to win... that's what The Hobbit: There and Back Again is for, I suppose.