Pro: Giamatti is a former nominee for "Cinderella Man" and many feel has been slighted over the years for his roles in "Sideways" and "American Splendor."  Playing a man through 30 years of his life (something he's had experience with before in his Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe winning turn as "John Adams"), Giamatti is consistently impressive as a character that's incredibly hard to pin down.  Sony Classics could put enough heat behind him to make some noise, but he'll need his fans in the HFPA and SAG to stand up as well.

Con: At this point, the picture is just getting a one-week qualifying run in NY and LA before returning to theaters later in the Winter.  Not being on the big screen consistently before nominations is a big concern. Hopefully Classics will reconsider.