The nominees are ...
Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie, Away from Her
Marion Cotillard, La Vie En Rose
Laura Linney, The Savages
Ellen Page, Juno

This is the only category where Juno was expected to shine, and for good reason: Ellen Page, who looked pretty one-note and Garofalo-ish in the trailers for the film, delivered a well-rounded and substantive performance that more than carried the movie. Talk about heart. Page may have to settle for a nomination, as both Cotillard and Christie are considered favorites for this award. But, ya know, I'd really LOVE to see Laura Linney take it home, after years of top-notch work that's gone mostly unnoticed in award land. I was telling a friend the other day that Linney and Mary Louise Parker are my favorite actresses because they do consistent work and don't get caught up in the glamour. Doesn't mean I don't want to see Linney on the red carpet ... writers, don't fail us now.