The 2014 Oscars are almost here and, much like the tail end of the infamously long awards telecast, we saved the best categories for last. The Best Actress nominees this year are a strong crop: Amy Adams delivered plunging necklines and a dual identity in “American Hustle,” Cate Blanchett gave an intense performance in “Blue Jasmine,” Sandra Bullock was out of this world in “Gravity,” Judi Dench charmed in “Philomena” and Meryl Streep took us to the floor in “August: Osage County.” But in this gaggle of gifted actresses, who will take home the honors?



Who Will Win: Cate Blanchett


Cate Blanchett wowed critics with her portrayal of fallen socialite Jasmine French in Woody Allen’s latest offering. She scooped up this year’s Golden Globe in the category, not to mention the SAG Award, the BAFTA and many others. Girlfriend is, deservedly, on a roll, one that will likely continue Sunday night.



Who Should Win: Sandra Bullock


Flashback to last October, before everyone was pretending not to be impressed by “Gravity.” Sandra Bullock carried the movie on her shoulders, delivering her performance largely from inside an insane box that director Alfonso Cuaron built to help give the illusion that Bullock really was floating alone in space. And here’s the thing: We believed that she really was. A huge part of the awed reaction to “Gravity” was due to Bullock’s stunning performance, one that, as the movie loses the luster of its release, has faded out of the public’s favor.


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