Last year, the Oscar race was won long in advance by Hilary Swank, who ended up coming through in the end, making the other four nominees mere window dressing. But this year, the race is wide open. While Reese Witherspoon is an early favorite, she by no means has the win locked up.

After you check out these best actress hopefuls, don't forget to take a look at our picks for best picture and best actor, and tell us what you think.

The five nominees:
small photoCharlize Theron
Dressing down again for a gritty role ‑- which the Academy loves ‑- Theron is a hero in North Country, which should make it even easier for her to snatch up a statue.


small photoJudi Dench
The choice is a little old school, but so are the majority of the Academy voters, who love the kind of great acting Dench delivers in Mrs. Henderson Presents, a World War II story of triumph and heartbreak.

small photoKeira Knightley
While her character swooned over Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, moviegoers have been falling hard for this 20-year-old actress.

small photoReese Witherspoon
Walk the Line is really Joaquin Phoenix's movie, but Witherspoon should still score as Cash's lady love, June Carter.


small photoFelicity Huffman
This is definitely her year, winning an Emmy and now picking up lots of notice for playing a transsexual in the indie road movie TransAmerica.

Last year's winner: Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby)




35 member responses

members say:


Reese absolutely deserved her win. She did a wonderful job.
--Posted by anonymous


Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon was June Carter Cash
--Posted by Denny_Thomas, Glenview, IL


North Country
I think Charliese Thieron was outstanding in this. The only reason it won't win is because it is too anti male--good ole boy. So I root for Reese Witherspoon
--Posted by lucy, santa barabara, CA


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North Country
I think Charliese Thieron was outstanding in this. The only reason it won't win is because it is too anti male--good ole boy. So I root for Reese Witherspoon
--Posted by lucy, santa barabara, CA


Best Actress
Reese Witherspoon
--Posted by Karen Babb, Rocky Face, GA
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