Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
For his fifth Academy Award nomination (with two past wins in the Lead Actor category), the celebrated character actor is the frontrunner for his portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln.
Hugh Jackman, Les Misérables
This is only Jackman's first Oscar nomination, which he earned for playing Jean Valjean, the rags-to-riches hero at the heart of the beloved musical.
Denzel Washington, Flight
Washington's sixth nomination (with two past wins, his last for Training Day over a decade ago) comes for his turn as alcoholic pilot Whip Whitaker.
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
A fellow first-time nominee, Cooper is being recognized for his emotional portrayal of Pat, a bipolar man who must return to his old life and unexpectedly finds a new love.
Joaquin Phoenix, The Master
This marks Phoenix's third nomination (for playing troubled WW2 vet Freddie Quell) and, though he has yet to clinch a win, Joaquin thinks the Oscars are "bulls--t."
Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained
This is Waltz's second nomination (for playing bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz). His first nomination—and first win!—was also in a Quentin Taratino film.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Hoffman's fourth nomination comes for playing the calculating, titular master of the film. He has one past win, which happened to be for his first nomination in Capote.
Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook
The most nominated actor in his category (with seven in the past and two wins), De Niro competes again for his turn as Pat Sr., an overbearing father and football fanatic.
Alan Arkin, Argo
Arkin's stint as Lester Siegel, a blunt movie producer who aids the CIA in creating a fake film for a coverup, is the actor's fourth nomination, with one past win.
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
The projected winner of the group, Jones earns his fourth nomination (with one past win) for playing staunch Republican and anti-slavery activist Thaddeus Stevens.