The Oscars 2009: Best Supporting Actress Nominees

The Spanish siren is one of film's genuine class acts, so if the bookies are right then a victory on Sunday night will be applauded from San Diego to Seville. She simply sizzles up on screen in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Her two screen co-stars, well Scarlett and Rebecca anyway, should take heed of the ease with which the former Cruise bed buddy steals the scenes she's in. The chemistry with hunky compatriot Javier Bardem is there for all to see.

First time in the nomination circle for the South Carolina actress, who pulls no punches in her role as the mother of a boy that is at the centre of a tug of war between a priest and a nun in Doubt. She's in esteemed company on Oscar night, along with her co-stars.

Primarily a TV and stage performer before her recent silver screen ascension, Viola could recently be seen as Diane Lane's best pal in Nights in Rodanthe. Look out for her in the upcoming political thriller State of Play alongside two former Oscar darlings Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck.

The lovely Marisa has got a 50/50 track record at the Academy Awards, her stunning comedic turn in My Cousin Vinny bagging her a shock 1992 golden guy before she missed out for In The Bedroom back in 2001. She'll be hoping to ride the Mickey Rourke love-in to glory again.

She puts in a subtle, vulnerable performance opposite the comeback king, as lapdancer Cassie who takes a shine to Rourke's jaded romantic in Darren Aronofsky's indie hit The Wrestler. Nobody would begrudge one of the great acting pros another turn in the worldwide spotlight.

The Enchanted star let Meryl and Philip go head-to-head in John Patrick Shanley's stage adaptation, however she still gets a big chunk of screen time to show her promising acting chops. It's a real about turn from the cute Disney blockbuster, her innocent young nun the story catalyst.

Let's not forget that dear Amy was given a taste of the Oscar craziness four years ago, thanks to a hugely entertaining role in the indie drama Junebug. Like 2005, she looks set to miss out again this year but she'll be back.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is chiefly a one-two punch of Pitt and Blanchett, but Taraji marks out her acting territory with a winning performance. A surprise gong on Oscar night, could mean David Fincher's Button could pick up steam during the night.

Her first Academy nomination has been given on the back of her sprightly turn as Queenie, the woman who acts as nursemaid to Brad's time-warping Benjamin. She's the long shot in a very strong race this year and should provide the punters with a sizeable dose of glamour on the red carpet ,whatever happens.