Oscars 2016: Predicting All The Winners

2. Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role

The Nominees: Brie Larson (Room), Cate Blanchett (Carol), Charlotte Rampling (45 Years), Jennifer Lawrence (Joy), Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)

Who Will Win? Brie Larson (Room)

Who Should Win? Brie Larson (Room)

OK, this is the award Rooney Mara should be set to win - she may not be the title character, but Terese is the protagonist of Carol and it's her emotional blossoming alongside the sure-but-weak Cate Blanchett that anchors the movie.

In lieu of her though, Brie Larson's stunning turn in Room would actually be a deserving win (even if it isn't actually the best performance in the movie - that honour goes to Jacob Tremblay as her wide-eyed son). She's been running a great Oscar race and it'd be shocking if anyone else took it, although it is great to see the amazing work of Rampling and Ronan appreciated (and Joy to only get one nom).