Pro: Hoffman is a former best actor winner for his role as Truman Capote in "Capote" and has been nominated twice since in the supporting category for "Charlie Wilson's War" and "Doubt."  He's also a Golden Globe, BAFTA, Indie Spirit Award and SAG Award winner. Hoffman has received a boatload of acclaim for numerous roles over the years, but his work as Lancastar Dodd in "The Master" is unquestionably one of his finest performances to date. Some Academy members may question whether writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson succeeded in making "The Master" accessible enough for audiences, but they'll all agree the cast is awards-worthy.

Con: None. It would be an upset of epic proportions if he wasn't nominated.

- Gregory Ellwood