Ten Actresses Most Likely to Earn Academy Award Best Actress Nomination

Here is a list of ten actresses whose contributions to film over the last year should put them in the running for an Academy Award Best Actress nomination:

Meryl Streep in "Julie and Julia"- Streep's portrayal of famed chef Julia Child was a biography role full of comedy and passion. She has a great critical vibe going considering her recent Golden Globe win for this part.

Helen Mirren in "The Last Station"-Dame Helen Mirren's powerful portrayal of Sofya Tolstoy, wife of author Leo Tolstoy, was another in a very long line of great film performances. She is loved by critics worldwide and is a near perennial favorite for a nomination.

Hillary Swank in "Amelia"-Swank played eccentric aviator Amelia Earhart in a film that was long in coming to the screen. Ms. Swank's multiple Oscar wins in recent years may play a part in her not winning the coveted statue this year, but she will definitely get a nomination, as she is a darling of the Academy voters.

Marion Cotillard in "Nine"-Ms. Cotillard's past experience as a singer was put to great use playing Luisa Contini. She also has great credibility with Academy voters, considering her 2007 Best Actress win for the role of Edith Piaf in "La Vie en Rose."

Penelope Cruz in "Nine"-a past Oscar winner, Ms. Cruz continues to bring the heat, this time as Carla. She also might get considered for work in "Broken Embraces," a lesser-known, foreign film.

Michelle Pfeiffer in "Cheri"-Ms. Pfeiffer had a career-defining role as Lea de Lonval. Let's face it; if you want someone to play the seductive older woman, Michelle Pfeiffer is an excellent choice.

Gabourey Sibide in "Precious"-In her very first acting role, Ms. Sibide has earned widespread critical acclaim as Precious, an overweight, pregnant, illiterate Bronx teenager sent to an alternative school in the hopes of turning her life around.

Emily Blunt in "The Young Victoria"- Ms. Blunt had the daunting task of playing a Queen Victoria in her early years as ruler of England. Bit of an outside chance. For my money, Ms. Blunt should get a Best Supporting Actress nod for her work in "Sunshine Cleaning."

Vera Farmiga in "Up in The Air"-As Alex, Ms. Farmiga held her own in the charming presence department alongside George Clooney.

Amy Adams in "Sunshine Cleaning"- Ms. Adams was wonderful as Rose, a single mother trying her hand at running a business. I thought she was much more likeable in this film than in "Julie and Julia." This film has been out quite a while and likely off the radar of Academy voters.

PREDICTION: I think Helen Mirren will be a surprise winner as Sofya Tolstoy.