Oscars 2014 Predictions: Best Supporting Actress (Updated)

Hello, Bloggers, for today, since I decided to do my updates for the other three acting categories at the Oscars, I will now update my predictions for Best Supporting Actress. Let me just say, like Best Supporting Actor, this is a very open category and was almost difficult to pick. Anyhow, here we go:
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine: I not only went with her because their are those that say she has a shot at getting nominated, but because I'm going with my heart and I want her to get nominated. While watching her performance, I remember thinking to myself "Wow, who is that actress? She's very good". Plus, ladies who have starred in Woody Allen movies have had good fortune with the Academy, with the list being too long. So, I would cross my fingers for her to score a nod and jump up and down if she does.

Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle: After just scoring an Oscar for Best Lead Actress, Lawrence seems to be capitalizing on her success by starring in upcoming potential Oscar favorite American Hustle. Because her co-star Amy Adams seems to be leaning more towards Best Lead Actress this year, that could leave a slot in the open race for Best Supporting Actress for Lawrence.

Margo Martindale, August: Osage County: Now onto a veteran actress who has been working since the 90's. I have read on a few websites like IndieWire and HitFix and on their Best Supporting Actress prediction pages, and they have said Martindale has worked with and is respected by Academy voters, so that could help and if she were to score a nomination, then Martindale could really see all her hard work and dedication in Hollywood start to pay off.

Lupita Nyong'o: 12 Years A Slave: For a performance that surprising to many is her film debut, Lupita Nyong'o is deservingly one of the leading frontrunners for a nomination and possible win for Best Supporting Actress. Anyone who has seen the film and praised her performance can conclude that her performance speaks for itself.

Oprah Winfrey, The Butler: Said to be a lock to be nominated ever since the film's release back in August, Winfrey has received some favorable reviews for her performance. Not only that will help her chances but her star power and the fact she has Harvey Weinstein behind her helps as well. If she does get nominated, then it'll be her second nomination for Best Supporting Actress as the last time she was nominated was back in 1986 for The Color Purple, and she will be the third black actress to have two Oscar nods with the first two being Viola Davis and her Color Purple co-star, Whoopi Goldberg.

Now onto the dark horse contenders who could "trot" their way into the competition:

Scarlett Johansson (Her): Depending on if a voice can be considered for a nomination.

Sarah Paulson (12 Years A Slave): While Nyong'o maybe getting the strongest buzz, why not consider one of her fellow co-stars? The Academy has definitely proven they have no trouble nominating actresses for their villainous portrayals.

June Squibb (Nebraska): A veteran actress like Martindale, but is about 83, and this could be her last chance at getting nominated, so I would say look out for her.

Emily Watson (The Book Thief): The film is slightly off the radar, but Watson is a 2-time Oscar nominee (Best Actress for Breaking the Waves, Hilary and Jackie), so she's essentially an Academy favorite.

Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyers Club): Depending on whether or not the fact McConaughey and Leto are getting more talk for their performances hurts her chances.

So, those are my picks for who I think will get nominated for Best Supporting Actress and the dark horses who could score a nod. If you agree or disagree or would like to add your own choices, please feel free to write in the comments section. Thanks for reading!