Pro: The legendary actor received his first and only Academy Award nomination almost two years ago for "The Last Station."  His performance as a widower who comes out to his son (Ewan McGregor) and embraces his homosexuality late in life is extremely touching and arguably his best work since "The Insider." Plummer also appears in David Fincher's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" which will boost his profile during the season.

Con: Even in a very competitive field it would be shocking not to see Plummer make it. The only concern is whether Academy members will watch the screener they were conveniently sent before the Thanksgiving holiday.