This year’s Best Supporting Actress field isn’t as stocked as Best Actress, but it still offers a number of fine performances from which to choose.

I came up with a shortlist of nine women I considered for my top five and I’d be thrilled if any of them made the Academy’s cut (which hasn’t been announced as I write this but will be a day old when you read it). My guess is that only three of the nine will be recognized by Oscar.

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Every year I look forward to a host of movies based on factors such as the director or cast, a write-up in Entertainment Weekly‘s Fall Preview, or early buzz out of the festival season.

It’s rare that a movie completely sneaks up on me, but when one does it is often the most rewarding experience. Examples from recent years include Mudbound and Tower, two powerful and expertly crafted films that started entirely off my radar.

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