By Tony Johnson | Arts & Entertainment Editor

Our final series of predictions analyzes the odds of possible contenders in the Best Actress category.

Natalie Portman, Black Swan– Natalie Portman’s physically demanding and perplexing performance as a (to say the least) disturbed ballerina in Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan has earned her the most praise since her Golden Globe-winning work in Closer back in 2005. Though Cate Blanchett took the Oscar home that year, this may prove Portman’s day. She has some big competition (especially from Annette Bening; see below), but having already won four awards from Critic’s Groups (including the Boston Society of Film Critics and New York Film Critics Online) and has recently been nominated for another Golden Globe. Annette Bening does have seniority, but Portman’s enchanting performance may attract Academy voters of all ages.

Annette Bening and Julianne Moore, The Kids Are All Right– Their noms would mark the first time two actors or actresses earn a nomination for the same movie since Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis did in 1991’s Thelma and Louise. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore both give equally lovable and touching performances in Lisa Cholodenko’s The Kids Are All Right, but in different ways. Moore seems to have the most screen time and provides the most laughs in the movie, while Bening is the soul and gives evidence that families of all types have their share of dysfunction. Bening would be the more likely to win, but both deserve a nomination, especially since Moore was deprived of one last year for her supporting role in A Single Man and Bening has yet to be given her own Oscar after multiple nominations.

Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole– Though she hasn’t carried a movie or received high critical acclaim since Cold Mountain, Kidman gives a powerhouse performance in John Cameron Mitchell’s adaptation of the Tony award-winning play. As a mother of a deceased young boy, Kidman gives a sincere and respectful feeling to actual mothers who have lost their children. While the former actresses in her category are more likely to win it, she most certainly should earn a nomination for her memorable role in a nightmare no mother wishes to experience.

Halle Berry, Frankie and Alice– The movie itself hasn’t garnered spectacular reviews, but Berry’s performance has, and is becoming her most celebrated since starring in the Academy Award-Winning Monster’s Ball. She hasn’t been on the big screen in about three years, but Berry put a lot of research and effort into playing an exotic dancer with multiple personality disorder, and should be welcomed back at the Kodak theatre without hesitation.

Possible Nominees-

Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine– This underrated actress gave all she had (along with costar Ryan Gosling) in Derek Cianfrance’s dark take on a marriage in crisis, but with a lack of “best picture”- type nominations for the movie, her chances of getting an Oscar nomination may be affected, especially since the film will not see wide release until late this year.

Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone– Lawrence’s performance in this summer’s most celebrated indie drama certainly had critics and audiences talking, especially since the dark film made viewers forget she was ever a part of TBS’s sitcom dud, The Bill Engvall Show. Though her work has certainly raised her status, the movie came out in the summer, and performances later in the fall and winter often make Academy members forget about those earlier in the year.

Anne Hathaway, Love and Other Drugs– Yes, the movie was considered a disappointment by the majority of viewers. However, Hathaway is one of the most likable actresses out there, and her performances are always something special. Her work here is no exception. Yet, her touching and serious role as a Parkinson’s-inflicted free spirit totally contrasts with the crude humor the movie emphasizes. The failure of the film to provide a suitable backdrop to her character greatly impact her chances of getting an Oscar nom, despite a nod for the Golden Globe.