As 2014 approaches its midway point, the Oscar conversation has slowly started to pick up once again. The year has already showcased a number of great art house and mainstream films and also promises a slew of hotly anticipated movies as well. The following is a look at early predictions of what the Best Actor race could potentially look like.

The actor race is usually one of the most competitive as there is always a number of standout performances that get overlooked. Ralph Fiennes' flashy and comic timing in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" stirred critics to hail him as a potential Best Actor nominee. The actor has long been out of the Oscar conversation since the 90s when he was nominated for his work in "Schindler's List" and "The English Patient." This new performance showcases a new side of Fiennes as he moves away from the dramatic performances audiences have become used to seeing him in. The real question is whether the Academy will give his comedic role a chance; the organization usually chooses more dramatic portrayals over comic ones when casting its ballots.

Tom Hardy has also created buzz for his performance in "Locke." Just after premiering at the Venice Film Festival, awards praise began. Even distributor A24 started posting "Consider This" ads before releasing the movie. However, the film did not resonate with audiences and ultimately failed to garner a successful box office. This could ultimately prove to be the film's undoing since box office bombs are generally ignored by the Academy.

Two films at Cannes also garnered Best Actor buzz. The first was "Foxcatcher," which premiered to outstanding reviews. And it was Steve Carell who really stole the show. Not only was the actor transformed physically, but he also took on a dramatic role that is different from the comedy he usually excels in. While the film does not open until November, it is very clear that Carrell will factor into the Actor race as the Academy likes when actors use prosthetics and play characters based on real-life individuals. Carell's performance fits that bill perfectly.

Timothy Spall from "Mr. Turner" also received considerable attention at Cannes for his role in the film. Not only does he play a character based on real life, but he also won the Best Actor prize at the festival. While that does not always mean a Best Actor nomination, it definitely gives the actor an edge. Many of the Best Actor winners at Cannes have earned nominations at the Oscars; some have even won. Among these actors are Bruce Dern for "Nebraska," Jean DuJardin for "The Artist," Javier Bardem for "Biutiful" and Christoph Waltz for "Inglorious Basterds." While nothing is secure, it does not hurt that the director of "Mr. Turner," Mike Leigh, is a fixture with the Academy, and most of his films get nominated for something.

Of the other rumored nominees, it is actually surprising to look at the list and realize that many have not even been nominated for the big awards yet throughout their respective careers. One of the actors that is getting a lot of buzz is Benedict Cumberbatch for his work in "The Imitation Game." The actor starred in five different films last year and was expected to get a nomination for his turn in "The Fifth Estate." That film performed well below standards critically, and Cumberbatch did not get his date with Oscar. However, many expect his new film will more than make up for it. Not only did Weinstein Co. pay $7 million at Berlin to acquire the rights to it, but the company has slated it for a November release, right in the middle of awards season.

Oscar Isaac also had a breakout last year for his work in "Inside Llewyn Davis." His performance in that movie had many pundits pin him as one of the biggest Oscar snubs of last year. However this year he gets another chance at Oscar glory with "A Most Violent Year." The film has generated a lot of buzz especially since J.C. Chandor directed the movie. However, there is no release date, and there is no security that it will actually be released in 2014.

The same could be said for Michael Fassbender's anticipated portrayal of Macbeth. The movie, which is being released by Weinstein Co., is completed but currently has no release date. At the Cannes Film Festival, though, a preview was showcased, and it created the most buzz of all the films in the company's slate.

Jeremy Renner has already received two Academy Award nominations and has become one of the most well respected actors of his generation. However last year, he was overlooked for his performance in "American Hustle." This year Renner could be back in the conversation for his work in "Kill the Messenger." Focus Features is known for its Oscar campaigns and also has programmed the movie for an October release; many Best Picture winners over the last few years have been released during that month.

Another strong contender is Michael Keaton for his work in "Birdman." The movie has already been scheduled by Fox Searchlight for an October release, and it is also directed by awards veteran Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Inarritu has led a number of actors to Oscar nominations, including Bardem for "Biutiful," Naomi Watts and Benicio del Toro for "21 Grams," and Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi for "Babel." Keaton has never been nominated for an Oscar, but many pundits believe this could be a comeback role for him.

Joaquin Phoenix could be back in the conversation for his role in "Inherent Vice." The actor is reuniting with Paul Thomas Anderson after "The Master," and their new collaboration is receiving a lot of buzz. Phoenix has been nominated three times, and even though he may be a controversial figure at times, he is an actor that the industry respects. Phoenix could also be in the conversation for his work in "The Immigrant." While the film opened early and was marred by a terrible marketing campaign, it is being backed by Weinstein Co., which is the master in terms of Oscar campaigns. The film's great reviews should also provide a huge boost.

Other major contenders in the category include Chadwick Boseman for his role in "Get on Up," Jack O'Connell for "Unbroken," Ben Affleck for "Gone Girl," Gael Garcia Bernal for "Rosewater" and Brad Pitt for "Fury."