Last year, Meryl Streep finally (or was that mercifully?) broke into the select group of three-time Oscar-winning actors.  In 2013, chances are good that either Daniel Day-Lewis ("Lincoln"), Denzel Washington ("Flight"), Robert De Niro ("Silver Linings Playbook"), Dame Maggie Smith ("The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel") or Sally Field ("Lincoln") will join her.  Besides their fine performances this season, all five absolutely deserve it based on the breadth of their long and impressive careers (unlike say two-time honorees Hilary Swank, Kevin Spacey or Diane Wiest).  The best chance for it to happen is with Day-Lewis or Washington going up against each other in the best actor category, but Smith could also pull it off in the supporting actress race.  In any event, it adds a historical footnote to what will likely be a lot of returning winners to the nominees pool this year. And, as evidenced by Ms. Streep just nine months ago, rewarding legends can be pretty exciting and create a memorable moment for an increasingly dicey Oscar show.

- Gregory Ellwood