7. Bruce Dern - Nebraska
When it can, the Academy likes to reward veteran character actors who have continually put the nose to the grindstone, doing good, but largely unrecognized work. Bruce Dern, who started his career doing television in the early 1960's, certainly qualifies for this category. Nominated once before in 1978 for his work in Coming Home, I think it is safe to say that Nebraska will be his best shot at an Oscar nomination in some years. Teaming up with director Alexander Payne, who like David O. Russell, has had success in procuring actors Oscar nominations (five acting nominations in his last three efforts), Dern plays an elderly, boozing father who takes a road trip with his estranged son from Montana to Nebraska in order to claim a Million Dollar Sweepstakes prize the father thinks he has won. It sounds like the typical dramedy material that Payne has become known for, but it also sounds like it could be quite the showcase for Mr. Dern. Playing an aging father is the type of role the Academy respects, and as I alluded to before, I'm sure many will be looking for any excuse to nominate the under-appreciated acting veteran. Payne's blend of comedy and drama will also likely allow Dern to display a range of emotions, which is always a prerequisite for an Oscar nomination. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, soon enough we will be able to end the speculation and tell if the movie, and Dern's performance, will be true awards season players.