The Conversation: 2015 Oscar Predix: Wild at Heart… Arquette Leads Dern & Co. for Best Supporting Actress Win

The Nominations: Best Supporting Actress
Patricia Arquette in “Boyhood”
Laura Dern in “Wild”
Keira Knightley in “The Imitation Game”
Emma Stone in “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
Meryl Streep in “Into the Woods”

Shoulda Been a Contender: Elisabeth Moss for “Listen Up Philip” or Tilda Swinton for “Snowpiercer”

True, Ms. Streep might be the best aspect of the tepid Into the Woods, but why we have to see her name in these lists nearly every year NO MATTER WHAT has become one of the many insane in-jokes to tarnish the reputation of the Academy Awards. Any number of other excellent supporting turns from deserving, talented actresses should have taken that slot, including a zany breath of fresh air from Tilda Swinton in Snowpiercer, or Elisabeth Moss in Listen Up Philip.

Should Win: Laura Dern for “Wild”

One of several consistently underrated yet excellent performers has been Laura Dern. She steals all of her scenes in Wild, and she’s exactly what makes the film emotionally effective.

Could Win: Laura Dern for “Wild”

And with that, she could be the sneaky dark horse in a category that often is cited as most unpredictable.

Will Win: Patricia Arquette for “Boyhood”

The clear front runner is (the also consistently underrated) Patricia Arquette will have collected a Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, Independent Spirit (tomorrow) and this gold statue.