With the Toronto, Venice and Telluride Film festivals finished and with the New York Film Festival in its final week it is clear to state that the Oscar race is very much an open competition this year with no front runner coming out of these festivals. The Best Actress race is actually looking to be among the most competitive in years.

With most of the performances already seen the following actresses are the current top five who could get nominated and join Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep as the next winner.

1. Cate Blanchett - “Carol” or “Truth”: Yes, Blanchett can take home her third statue after having won for her work on “The Aviator” and “Blue Jasmine.” This year she will compete against herself for the nomination. The first film that will be out in theaters is “Truth” and that performance is garnering the best reviews from the film and is also being mentioned as some of her best work to date. However, it is “Carol” that is more of a big contender as the film has not only garnered great reviews but also has showcases the best work of her career. The only issue is that the role is more of a supporting role and as a result the Academy may not go for the work.

2. Carey Mulligan - “Suffragette”: Back in 2009 Mulligan was nominated for “An Education” and won the majority of the critics groups and the BAFTA. The Academy failed to award her for her breakout work. This year her work in “Suffragette” is garnering raves even if the film itself is getting mixed response. The work in the movie is, however, extremely showy and Mulligan has been in two movies this year with great performances. She was also snubbed in 2011 for “Shame,” so this could be a career achievement nomination.

3. Saoirse Ronan - “Brooklyn”: Ronan has been one of the most acclaimed actresses since she was nominated 2007 for “Atonement.” Since then she has been nominated for the BAFTA for “The Lovely Bones” and scored raves for “Hanna.” Her work in “Brooklyn” has been getting raves since its world premiere at Sundance and has been fascinating critics alike. With such a strong Best Picture contender it is undeniable that she will be rewarded this year.

4. Brie Larson - “Room”: Larson was overlooked in 2013 for her work in “Short Term 12,” which historically beat out Blanchett at the Gotham and was nominated for the Critics’ Choice awards. This year she once again proves why she is one of the most impressive young actresses of her generation. “Room” won the audience award at the Toronto Film Festival and already has a lot of momentum with critics and pundits. Its unlikely that Larson will be overlooked if the film gets a Best Picture nomination.

5. Charlotte Rampling - “45 years”: This seems like the least likely of the five especially given that Lily Tomlin gives such an amazing performance in “Grandma” and Jennifer Lawrence will surely be up for “Joy.” However, once in a while the Academy surprises and rewards an actress who has showcased her talent in numerous performances but has never been nominated or has been snubbed various times. Rampling has been getting praised ever since winning Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival and IFC is making sure to release the movie before the end of the year to qualify for the Oscars. Rampling has never been nominated and she is known as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. The work she presents in Andrew Haigh’s latest film is seen as one of her finest performances.

While these are currently the strongest contenders, things may change in the next few weeks with Lawrence perhaps picking up steam for “Joy” or Tomlin convincing the critics for her work in “Grandma.” Emily Blunt could always sneak up for her outstanding work in “Sicario” while Angelina Jolie could convince in “By the Sea” if the film opens to raves at the AFI Film Festival.