Standout Performances By Female Actors in a Supporting Role

10. Kerry Washington, “Django Unchained”

If nothing else, Washington wins the award for best character name. Washington plays Broomhilda von Shaft, whose rescue motivates the title character to save her from plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Washington has done consistently excellent work in films such as “The Last King of Scotland” and “Mother and Child.” As the most prominent female role in Quentin Tarantino’s male-heavy ensemble, she might finally break out in a big way.