Oscars: Idris Elba, Rooney Mara, And The Frontrunners In The Best Supporting Actor & Best Supporting Actress Race

It feels like I say this every year, but the supporting categories for the Academy Awards are, at least until the very end of the season and after SAG and co. announce their nods, much harder to call than the leading categories. It’s not always clear which actors (or even the extent of their roles) will get a push until the movies in question are widely seen, and it’s even less clear which performances will connect with voters.

Nevertheless, the potential nominees and winners in this year’s race are starting to crystalize for the 2016 Oscars, and having looked at the lead categories already, I'll now turn to the supporting categories. Both these races are still wide, wide open, but it’s certainly starting to become clear which performances may resonate and which won't. Take a look at the full analysis and early predictions below.

Best Supporting Actress

The Locks:
The category for Supporting Actress seems to have the thinnest roster of contenders this year. And even...