2014 Oscar Power Rankings: Best Supporting Actress (Sept. 3)

We’re not just putting her here because she’s Meryl Streep. We’re putting her here because, on paper, ‘August’ has all of the elements Oscar loves to see in a drama. It’s based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The ensemble is loaded with marquee talent, from Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor and Benedict Cumberbatch to Chris Cooper. And then there is Streep, playing the manipulative mother pulling everyone’s strings during a reunion. The part should deliver an Oscar nom, if Streep can nail the performance. And when has that ever been a problem?

Part of me thinks Oprah Winfrey can get nominated for ‘The Butler’ simply because she’s Oprah. Her popularity can boost the ratings of a struggling television broadcast (and don’t think decisions like that don’t play into the nomination process). But then I saw ‘The Butler,’ and realized Winfrey’s quite good as Gloria Gaines, wife to the title character who provides a support system – and a motivator – at home, away from the White House. Winfrey earns a spot at this table. Now we’ll just see whom the Academy puts around her.

Have you seen Mulligan spitting nails at Oscar Isaac in the deliciously disgusted trailers for ‘Inside Llewyn Davis?’ Go watch them and tell me you’ve seen a better portrayal of a woman done wrong by an artist. She’s at the end of her rope with this deadbeat, and Mulligan looks like she’ll be able to turn that angst and frustration into an awards-worthy role. The young actress, who recently was nominated for ‘An Education,’ also did outstanding work opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘The Great Gatsby,’ but it’s the Coens’ latest that should have her in the discussion come Oscar time.

I was moved by Michael B. Jordan’s performance in Ryan Coogler’s ‘Fruitvale Station.’ It’s a tragic turn, playing a man doomed by fate. But I was blown away by Octavia Spencer’s raw power. Playing Jordan’s mother, she only gets a handful of scenes to convey a series of important emotions – disappointment at her son’s wayward decisions; hope that he’s back on the right track; quiet devastation when she loses him – and she nails each one. If ‘Fruitvale’ builds into a powerful Oscar contender, similar to last year’s ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild,’ then Spencer can (and should) contend in the Supporting Actress category.

I believe in Jennifer Lawrence. I believe in her talent, and I believe in the spell that she has cast over the Academy. We’ll need to see David O. Russell’s ‘American Hustle,’ but at the moment, I believe that Lawrence will continue to mesmerize, and  distance herself from a strong ensemble that also includes Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jeremy Renner. Lawrence should fall into a Supporting category, and though she won last year for Russell’s ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ Oscar just might like having her around, and a nom would ensure that she’s still a major player on Oscar eve.

Viola Davis, ‘Prisoners;’ Cameron Diaz, ‘The Counselor;’ Jennifer Garner, ‘Dallas Buyers Club;’ Naomie Harris, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom;’ Sally Hawkins, ‘Blue Jasmine;’ Catherine Keener, ‘Captain Phillips;’ Jessica Lange, ‘Therese;’ Melissa Leo, ‘Prisoners;’ Juliette Lewis, ‘August: Osage County;’ Rooney Mara, ‘Her;’ Margo Martindale, ‘August: Osage County;’ Lupita Nyong'o, ’12 Years a Slave;’ Zoe Saldana, ‘Out of the Furance;’ Kristin Scott Thomas, ‘Only God Forgives;’ June Squibb,’ Nebraska;’ Emily Watson, ‘The Book Thief’