The nominees include Jennifer Jason Leigh for The Hateful Eight, Rooney Mara for Carol, Rachel McAdams for Spotlight, Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl and Kate Winslet for Steve Jobs.
Analysis: It is great to finally see Jennifer Jason Leigh finally nominated for an Oscar after an impressive acting career. For Rachel McAdams, the nomination this year will be her reward. This competitive category is a tight race between three actresses: Rooney Mara, Alicia Vikander and Kate Winslet.
The film Carol earned rave reviews and if the Academy decides to award it anywhere, this would be the category to do so. Alicia Vikander won the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for her performance in The Danish Girl making her a true threat for the win, especially since her role in reality is a leading role, and the actress is campaigning supporting. Kate Winslet has the Golden Globe win in her favor, as well as the BAFTA win this past week. The only downside is that Winslet already have an Oscar to her credit (for “Best Actress” for The Reader) so the Academy might decide to spread to love to either Rooney Mara or Alicia Vikander. It will most likely be a toss-up: Winslet or Vikander. Either actress would be deserving.
