Pro: Not that you're asking me, but if you ARE asking me, she deserves to win the Oscar walking away. It may be two hours of difficult downward spiral health issues, but Emmanuelle Riva is heartbreaking and stunningly authentic in her portrayal. The physicality of the performance isn't likely to go unnoticed by an actors branch that will surely be in awe of what her and co-star Jean-Louis Trintignant) have accomplished. Plus, the film could easily be in the Best Picture mix, which helps visibility.

Con: But foreign performances are always an uphill battle, particularly in films that don't end up clicking elsewhere in the race. The film is in good hands with Sony Classics, but they also have Marion Cotillard to worry about, and it just seems like a bit of a stretch to expect both to get in.

- Kristopher Tapley