Brad Pitt in 'Moneyball'

Also based on "true events," Pitt plays the very real Billy Beane. He's been racking up acclaim for his performance at festivals throughout the year, which likely won't go unnoticed by the Academy. Plus it's always nice to have a sports epic in the mix, a la 'Raging Bull,' 'Rocky' and 'The Wrestler.' (Cheeky aside: what better way to get Brangelina to the Oscar ceremony?)