Road to the Oscars: Actress in a Leading Role

          Jessica Chastain -- In Zero Dark Thirty, Chastain had confidence when her character needed it, and she had trepidation when it was called for. I always think of Chastain as Jodie Foster playing Clarice Starling and want her to win the Oscar, too.

          Jennifer Lawrence -- Lawrence was funny and emotional at the same time in Silver Linings Playbook. She was really good in it, but in a showdown against Chastain, Chastain should win.

          Emmanuelle Riva -- As a deteriorating old woman, Riva is spectacular. I think her on-screen husband did a great job too, but I would satisfied in seeing her win for them both.

          Quvenzhané Wallis -- To my amazement, Wallis was really good in Beasts of the Southern Wild. We shall she if she evolves to be a good actor as she ages, but here she did some fine work as a ridiculously young little kid. She had some really philosophical things to say, and she said them in a genuine and spot-on manner. I definitely do not want to see her win an Oscar anytime soon or recite a speech from a cell phone again (Critics' Choice Movie Awards).

          Naomi Watts -- I did not see Watts' performance in The Impossible. She looks believable and everything, but I don't think she should beat her competition.

          Out of all the nominees, my personal favorite to win is Chastain. Not that the others are undeserving, but that I connected with her the most. Plus, this might make up for my antagonism toward The Help last year. Maybe. Probably not. :)