10 Best Actress in a Supporting Role Potentials for the 2010 Oscar Awards

Precious, released October 3, 2009, is the heartbreaking story of a young, obese, abused teenager growing up in Harlem, pregnant with her second child. She begins attending an alternative school, where she learns the true meaning of life and moves to make a better life for her and her baby. Also starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mariah Carey, and Paula Patton.

2. Anna Kendrick for "Up in the Air"

Up in the Air, released December 23, 2009, is about a man who travels around the country firing people, living out of a suitcase, until this company does something he never expected: grounds him. Also starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Jason Bateman.

3. Samantha Morton for "The Messenger"

The Messenger, release November 13, 2009, is the story of an American soldier struggling with an ethical dilemma when he becomes involved with the widow of a fallen officer. Also starring Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, and Steve Buscemi.

4. Julianne Moore for "A Single Man"

A Single Man, released November 6, 2009, is a story that centers on an English professor who, after the sudden death of his partner, tries to go about his typical day in Los Angeles. Also starring Colin Firth, Nicholas Hoult, and Matthew Goode.

5. Penelope Cruz for "Nine"

Nine, released December 25, 2009 is a story about famous film director Guido Contini as he struggles to find harmony in his professional and personal lives, as his engages in dramatic relationships with his wife, his mistress, his muse, his agent, and his mother. Also starring Marion Cotillard, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Nicole Kidman.

6. Maggie Gyllenhaal for "A Crazy Heart"

Crazy Heart, released December 16, 2009, is a story about a broken down, hard living country music singer who's had too many wives, too many years on the road, and too many drinks too many times, but tries to find salvation with the help of a journalist who discovers the true man behind the musician. Also starring Jeff Bridges, James Keane, and Rick Dial.

7. Judi Dench for "Nine"

Nine, released December 25, 2009 is a story about famous film director Guido Contini as he struggles to find harmony in his professional and personal lives, as his engages in dramatic relationships with his wife, his mistress, his muse, his agent, and his mother. Also starring Marion Cotillard, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Nicole Kidman.

8. Natalie Portman for "Brothers"

Brothers, released December 4, 2009, is a story about a young man who comforts his older brother's wife and children after he goes missing in Afghanistan. Also starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, and Clifton Collins, Jr.

9. Sigourney Weaver for "Avatar"

Avatar, released December 18, 2009, is a story about a paraplegic marine sent to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, where those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture. Also starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Stephen Lang.

10. Rachel Weisz for "The Lovely Bones"

The Lovely Bones, released January 15, 2010, is the story of a little girl who has been murdered and watches over her family, and her killer, from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. Also starring Mark Wahlberg, Saoirse Ronan, and Susan Sarandon.