Helen Mirren, The Queen
	Helen Mirren, The Queen

Is there any debate over whom all other leading ladies must curtsy? Helen Mirren has been considered a lock ever since she graced the screen as Britain's stoic matriarch in The Queen. Cleaning up at the Golden Globes and pretty much everywhere else this year doesn't hurt her chances either. But, despite this category appearing to be the year's easiest to predict, it's also quite competitive.

If Oscar history teaches us anything, it's that Academy voters tend to favor pretty, little starlets just this side of thirty. In fact the last AARP card-qualifying actress to take home a golden statuette was Jessica Tandy back in 1990. If this trend continues, then look to another one of Her Majesty's loyal subjects to win: Kate Winslet's brilliant performance as an adulterous mom in Todd Field's Little Children stands a good chance at dethroning The Queen. And don't rule out Spanish siren Penelope Cruz, who has garnered much-deserved praise (and a win at Cannes) for her haunted performance in Pedro Almodovar's Volver.

As for previous winners? Meryl Streep and Judi Dench are Oscar-worthy in anything. But, Streep's masterfully comedic turn in The Devil Wears Prada is better suited for the Globes. Don't expect a repeat performance here. Dench, who's gripping turn as a lonely London school teacher in Notes on a Scandal could also pull off an upset, but she's already thrown in the towel.

We applaud Dame Dench for downplaying the whole Oscar thing, as it's this year's hot new campaign style, but she's already declared that she won't be able to attend the ceremony. That's a big no-no for this category (someone's pretty face has to grace the front page of every newspaper the next morning). So, our money's on Mirren. Besides, we heard she made some saucy remarks backstage at the Globes. No doubt, those comments will be rehearsed to perfection come Oscar night.