Fans of Tracy Letts's dark Oklahoma comedy will likely file this one under "no-brainer," but why not saddle up to the safe bet? The role of pill-popping, sharp-tongued Violet Weston is catnip for any actress. Indeed, when I caught the Broadway production in 2007, Estelle Parsons's understudy killed so much I wasn't too disappointed I missed the play's star. Combine that with the industry's most lauded actress and you obviously have a recipe for an Oscar run, despite the fact that she already has three to her name. That won't stop The Weinstein Company from gunning hard, now will it? I wouldn't even be surprised if the film ends up being an overall frontrunner in the race.

- Kristopher Tapley