Pro: As noted, he's in a lot of movies this year. That helps (though it could hurt), but while we don't full know the extent to which he's utilyzed in Kathryn Bigelow's 'Zero Dark Thirty,' he could pop in an ensemble of lesser-known faces.

Con: Once again, vote-splitting could thin out his chances. And we're really just guessing here anyway since 'Zero Dark Thirty' feels like such an unknown commodity this far out. Plus, the canon of war cinema has rarely allowed for much appreciation of performances by the Academy.

- Kristopher Tapley