The Best Actress Race: Dark Horses

1. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, "Smashed"

Winstead has always been a likeable presence in light fare like “Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World” and “Live Free or Die Hard,” but few could have been prepared for her funny, sad, raw performance as an alcoholic who struggles to get sober in “Smashed.” Hollywood loves when a pretty girl gets down and dirty, but this is no mere stunt. The film is much better than it sounds on paper, with a surprising sense of humor, and Winstead is fantastic without ever being showy. Winstead has great chemistry with Aaron Paul, who plays her hard-drinking husband who has no interest in sobriety, and pulls off some of the trickiest scenes of the year. Case in point: When her character, a grade school teacher, throws up in front of her young students, she claims it’s morning sickness. The moment is horrible, hilarious, and somehow sympathetic.

Photo Source: Sony Classics