If the best supporting actor race is wide open, the best supporting actress race is a case study of populist favorites vs. critics favorites.  On the one hand, you have performances by Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain ("The Help"), Melissa McCarthy ("Bridesmaids") and Judi Dench ("My Week with Marilyn") that audiences adore.  The critical class, however, would champion Janet McTeer ("Albert Nobbs"), Charlotte Gainsbourg ("Melancholia"), Shailene Woodley ("The Descendants") or Vanessa Redgrave ("Coriolanus").  The Academy?  Too soon to say. Clearly, this is one category where a number of deserving nominees won't get invited to the party on Oscar nomination morning. Who's seriously in the mix and who's not? Click on the numbered tabs above and review the field.

Who do you think will make the best supporting actress final five this year? Share your thoughts below.