Pro:  It's hard to believe, but the two-time winning acting legend hasn't been nominated for Oscar since being recognized for "Cape Fear" over 20 years ago. Somewhat shocking for an actor of De Niro's caliber and six previous nominations. In David Russell's "Playbook," De Niro gets arguably his best role in a decade. As Pat Solitano, Sr. De Niro plays a man who is fighting his own lifelong gambling addictions while being unable to come to terms with his son's mental illness. De Niro somehow balances it all with humor, heart and some appropriately tough Philly love.

Con: What do "What Just Happened," "Wag the Dog," "Cop Land," "Marvin's Room," "Heat" and "Casino" all have in common? They are all movies since 1992 that featured a great performance by De Niro which the Academy decided to ignore.  What's to say they won't do it again in 2013?

- Gregory Ellwood