`` The Artist '' has been the unlikely frontrunner in the Academy Awards race . The industry did n't know what to make of `` Margaret , '' Kenneth Lonergan 's film was overshadowed by its long and troubled backstory -- so it chose to ignore it . `` The Help '' star Viola Davis is the red-hot favorite in that race . But it turns out there are other actors who have a chance to win an Oscar for their work on this year's Best Picture nominees.
`` The Artist '' has been the unlikely frontrunner in the Academy Awards race . `` The Help '' star Viola Davis is the red-hot favorite in that race . But it turns out there are other actors who have a chance to win an Oscar for their work on this year's Best Picture nominees.