12. Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role
The Nominees: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood), Laura Dern (Wild), Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game), Emma Stone (Birdman), Meryl Streep (Into The Woods) Who Will Win? Patricia Arquette (Boyhood) Who Should Win? Patricia Arquette (Boyhood) Best Supporting Actress is traditionally one of the most exciting categories at the Oscars, but this year offers up a pretty bland selection - Meryl Streep gets her 301st nomination for Into The Woods based off name rather than anyone having enjoyed her in it and Laura Dern wouldn't have got nominated for a slight turn in Wild had the shortlist been any better. At least there's a deserving winner in Patricia Arquette, who gives Boyhood's mother (and the whole film) emotional grounding. There's also some good outside shot competition from Emma Stone in Birdman.
