Black Faces in Oscar Mix

This was a weak year for black men in Hollywood. So far none of them, not even Will Smith are even being looked at for Oscars. But the ladies may be well represented, although none are getting acclaim for leading roles. Best Supporting Actress is shaping up to be interesting for Black Hollywood.

Sure Bets

Taraji P. Henson better get her dress ready because her performance in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is getting an insane amout of Oscar Buzz, so much so that she's pretty much guaranteed one of the five slots for Best Supporting Actress. Many believe Taraji may be the film's only acting nomination, pretty huge considering most pundits believe "Benjamin Button" is the front runner for Best Picture.

She only has two scenes in "Doubt" but that's enough for Viola Davis to snag a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She's a vetern stage actress, but come February she'll be the talk of Hollywood as many industry insiders believe only Penelope Cruz stands in her way for the win in Supporting Actress.

Possibilities

Beyonce is a Golden Globe nominated Actress, but this time she has Oscar on her mind. Her turn as Etta James in "Cadillac Records" looks like she's doing a imitation of Effie White rather than Etta James, but she's in serious consideration for a nomination in Best Supporting Actress.

She already has an Oscar but her performance in "The Secret Life of Bees" is getting Jennifer Hudson a small amount of Oscar buzz. She has a better chance at a Golden Globe nomination based on name recognition and sympathy votes from her family tragedy.