With a new Golden Globe gracing her mantlepiece, Natalie Portman is a favourite to take the Oscar in this category. But she's up against some powerful actresses many consider more due Oscar's glory.

Cate Blanchett's spirited channelling of Catherine Hepburn in The Aviator may well garner the Australian actress her first Oscar nod.

Laura Linney's portrayal of sex researcher Alfred Kinsey's wife could get the nod -- not only for her solid performance, but also as the Academy's sole, token recognition of the biopic Kinsey. However, it's more likely she will go home empty-handed in light of Oscar's aversion to subjects overtly sexual.

That means feature-film newbie Virginia Madsen will recall her first Oscar experience as a sweet disappointment, alongside the relatively unknown Hotel Rwanda star Sophie Okonedo.