Best Actress

Will Win: Natalie Portman – Nina Sayers in “Black Swan”

Natalie Portman is the most likely candidate to win Best Actress this year. Her role as Nina Sayers in the film “Black Swan” won her both the Screen Actors Guild award and a Golden Globes award for Best Actress in a Drama. In addition, Portman’s recent pregnancy and engagement have granted her particular recognition and sympathy. This dancing diva will take home the Oscar for sure.

Should Win: Annette Bening – Nic in “The Kids Are All Right”

Not only did actress Annette Bening receive a Golden Globe this year for Best Actress in a Comedy, but this is her fourth Academy Award nomination. Bening plays the part of Nic in “The Kids Are All Right,” and the role earned her many positive reviews. The movie itself earned the Golden Globes award for Best Picture (Drama). Bening’s sophisticated and time-tested talent makes her a smart choice for this award.

Dark Horse: Nicole Kidman – Becca in “Rabbit Hole”

Australian actress Nicole Kidman is the dark horse for this category. Kidman took home an Oscar in 2003 for her role in “The Hours” and earned both a Golden Globe and SAG award nomination for her role in “Rabbit Hole” this year. However, the talented redhead was outvoted in favor of Natalie Portman in both cases. Will Kidman be defeated by Portman once again? Probably, but she has a shot.