Mid-Year Oscar Buzz: The Performances

It's just about 6 months until we wrap up 2008, and at this point, there are only a handful of performances earning rave reviews and gaining Oscar buzz. Here are the batch of actors and roles that have everyone talking: a Joker, a Visitor, a smuggler, a double threat, Woody's latest muse and a little animated robot.

BEST ACTOR
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor

BEST ACTRESS

Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Julianne Moore, Savage Grace
Julianne Moore, Blindness

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight








BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Christina Barcelona










Oh yeah, and did I mention this guy? :