![A fan favorite, Bradley Cooper's performance in "Silver Linings Playbook" as a man dealing with bipolar disorder feels honest and easy to relate to for many. His character is vulnerable, which earns votes. ](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/87/a7/1361291601_5436_Bradley%20Cooper.jpg?itok=ZQ3THJTN "A fan favorite, Bradley Cooper's performance in "Silver Linings Playbook" as a man dealing with bipolar disorder feels honest and easy to relate to for many. His character is vulnerable, which earns votes. ")
![Joaquin Phoenix gave the performance of the year in "The Master" as a lost, primal former soldier. His character is all basic drives and urges, and Phoenix explodes on screen. Unfortunately, "The Master" is too difficult a film for most audiences and Phoenix's negative attitude towards the awards process won't earn him many votes.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/3e/7e/3e7e318a8aad52461ac1e574f266dfb1.jpg?itok=s2drQnBy "Joaquin Phoenix gave the performance of the year in "The Master" as a lost, primal former soldier. His character is all basic drives and urges, and Phoenix explodes on screen. Unfortunately, "The Master" is too difficult a film for most audiences and Phoenix's negative attitude towards the awards process won't earn him many votes.")
The winners of the 85th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on Sunday, Feb. 24. The year offered a variety of strong leading actor performances, from a historical biopic to the modern story of a man dealing with addiction. Daniel Day-Lewis as President Lincoln has the edge after winning numerous awards, but Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman appeal to the audiences. For a complete list of the nominees in all categories, click here. Here is a look at each of the Best Actor nominees.
![Joaquin Phoenix gave the performance of the year in "The Master" as a lost, primal former soldier. His character is all basic drives and urges, and Phoenix explodes on screen. Unfortunately, "The Master" is too difficult a film for most audiences and Phoenix's negative attitude towards the awards process won't earn him many votes.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/9c/d6/9cd6860a8d760adcc2853f7eca5d415c.jpg?itok=opatLNBs "Joaquin Phoenix gave the performance of the year in "The Master" as a lost, primal former soldier. His character is all basic drives and urges, and Phoenix explodes on screen. Unfortunately, "The Master" is too difficult a film for most audiences and Phoenix's negative attitude towards the awards process won't earn him many votes.")
![A fan favorite, Bradley Cooper's performance in "Silver Linings Playbook" as a man dealing with bipolar disorder feels honest and easy to relate to for many. His character is vulnerable, which earns votes. ](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/87/a7/1361291601_5436_Bradley%20Cooper.jpg?itok=g1R_uD4G "A fan favorite, Bradley Cooper's performance in "Silver Linings Playbook" as a man dealing with bipolar disorder feels honest and easy to relate to for many. His character is vulnerable, which earns votes. ")
![Denzel Washington has already won two Oscars over the years, but he is not likely to win his third this year. His performance in "Flight" is one of his finer works, but the film didn't have the staying power to make an impression; his performance has already been forgotten by many.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/bb/a2/bba242132b8bfcc3d353bbce47f54ac7.jpg?itok=DS9MX67N "Denzel Washington has already won two Oscars over the years, but he is not likely to win his third this year. His performance in "Flight" is one of his finer works, but the film didn't have the staying power to make an impression; his performance has already been forgotten by many.")
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