George Clooney in 'The Descendants'

Odds for a nomination: All but certain. This is the sort of role, full of unexpected emotion and vulnerability, that earned Clooney a nod a couple years ago for 'Up in the Air.' In fact, even though he's working with a talented ensemble cast, the role of a dad coping with the imminent death of the wife who cheated on him makes the film a showcase for Clooney.