8. Cate Blanchett: Best Actress

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FER3C394aI8&w=584&h=390]

Mark my words: If there’s a sure thing at this year’s Oscars, it’s Cate Blanchett, giving what is easily the year’s best performance. Blanchett has always been mesmerizing onscreen (and is owed one Oscar for I’m Not There.), but she’s never been close to this great. Her spoiled heiress in Blue Jasmine is scary good, a performance that elevates every scene she’s in. Considering she’s in a Woody Allen movie and the Academy loves him, there’s no way she can lose.