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Oscar tip sheet: Best actress

January 16, 2014 at 8:07PM

This image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Cate Blanchett in a scene from the film, "Blue Jasmine." Corruption tale ìAmerican Hustle,î digital love story ìHerî and historic saga ì12 Years a Slaveî as well as "Blue Jasmine," are among the motion picture nominees for the Producers Guild of America announced Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Sony Pictures Classics) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

cate blanchett

"Blue Jasmine"

Role: Jasmine (nee Jeanette), a Manhattan socialite now poor and disgraced.

In her favor: She radiates the tense energy of a thoroughbred racehorse, and the spectacle of her designer-label ego disintegrating is mesmerizing.

Then again: No then again. Woody Allen has directed a lot of actresses to well-deserved Oscars, and Blanchett is a cinch to join them.

sandra bullock

"Gravity"

Role: Dr. Ryan Stone, a hyper-competent astronaut terrified to find herself adrift in space.

In her favor: Bullock's heroic character has a tragic back story richer than that of most space explorers. The rigors of her effects-heavy performance are well-known and impressive.

Then again: Though it's a career-best performance in a top-flight role, the academy's prejudice against sci-fi films is a significant hurdle.

judi dench

"Philomena"

Role: Philomena Lee, a real-life Irish retiree in search of the son taken from her 50 years earlier.

In her favor: A resonant character, both a daffy old dear and a wise woman of hard-won dignity. Sublime chemistry with co-star Steve Coogan.

Then again: The film's bleak laughs, emotional body blows and seriously considered religious themes seem to confuse many viewers. Their loss.

meryl streep

"August: Osage County"

Role: Violet Weston, a pill-popping, stiletto-tongued Southern matriarch using her husband's funeral lunch to chew up her daughters and relations.

In her favor: A full-diva, claw-the-walls portrayal of an emotional nihilist. Reams of juicy dialogue straight from Tracy Letts' Pulitzer-winning stage play.

Then again: Some overpowering performances leave viewers feeling elated. This solo showoff extravaganza is not one of them.

emma thompson

"Saving Mr. Banks"

Role: Starchy "Mary Poppins" author P.L. Travers, engaged in bad-tempered negotiations with Walt Disney over the film rights.

In her favor: No one does aggrieved, intelligent British women better than Thompson.

Then again: Being the best part of a manipulative, mediocre film is no key to Oscar success.

amy adams

"American Hustle"

Role: Con woman/former stripper Sydney Prosser (a k a English aristocrat Lady Edith Greensly), a key player in a farcical FBI sting operation.

In her favor: Adams conveys intelligence, survival instinct and a kindhearted core. And she wears sternum-baring '70s disco gowns like a boss.

Then again: She's up against Cate Blanchett.

Sandra Bullock in "Gravity" (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

This image released by The Weinstein Company shows Judi Dench, left, and Steve Coogan in a scene from "Philomena." The British comic and Oscar-winning actress co-star in the film opening Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, which explores the benefits and costs of faith through the true story of Philomena Lee. (AP Photo/The Weinstein Company, Alex Bailey) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

This image released by The Weinstein Company shows, from left, Meryl Streep, Julianne Nicholson and Juliette Lewis in a scene from "August: Osage County." Steve McQueenís historic saga ì12 Years a Slave,î Jon Wellsí dysfunctional family adaptation ìAugust: Osage County, Jean-Marc Valleeís early AIDS epidemic drama ìDallas Buyers Clubî the White House servant tale ìLee Danielís The Butlerî top the list of outstanding performances for the 20th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards with three nominations each. (AP Photo/The Weinstein Company, Claire Folger) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) shows Disneyland to "Mary Poppins" author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) in Disney's "Saving Mr. Banks," releasing in U.S. theaters limited on December 13, 2013 and wide on December 20, 2013. (Francois Duhamel/Disney Enterprises, Inc./MCT) ORG XMIT: 1146618 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

This image released by The Weinstein Company shows Judi Dench, left, and Steve Coogan in a scene from "Philomena." The film was nominated for a Golden Globe for best motion picture drama on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. The 71st annual Golden Globes will air on Sunday, Jan. 12. (AP Photo/The Weinstein Company, Alex Bailey) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)