7. Django Unchained
Quentin Tarantino has flirted with Oscar about as many times as he he's flirted with Uma Thurman. Which is to say briefly, but intensely nonetheless. Pulp Fiction started him off right, and since then he's only had one other work (Inglourious Basterds) nominated for Oscar gold. Never one to be kept down, though, Mr. Tarantino seems to be a good candidate for the show this year. In addition to the expanded nomination field, the fact that he has Oscar winners and nominees in his stable certainly helps the picture's odds. After all, Christoph Waltz was unknown to American audiences - and Academy voters - before his performance in Inglorious Basterds blew everyone away. Much as before, Oscar seems ready to welcome the Pulp as well as the Fiction. (Also, Leonardo DiCaprio for Best Supporting Actor... it might just happen this time!)