The Best Supporting Actress category is one of the most unpredictable categories at the Oscars as the Academy usually likes to surprise in their nominations, and sometimes, they even surprise with the eventual winner.

In the past, the category has seen Lupita Nyong'o, Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer and Melissa Leo take home the honor.

This year, the category looks to be dominated by new faces as well as some previous nominees.

One of the biggest contenders up to this point is Keira Knightley for her role in "The Imitation Game." The actress has already obtained an Oscar nomination in 2005, but since then she has been neglected for some of her best work. Her upcoming role could get her a second nomination because the Weinstein Company will be distributing the film, and the company is known for its Oscar campaigns. The film is opening in the festival circuit, and there is already a lot of buzz for the movie.

Jessica Chastain could also be up for this category for her role in "A Most Violent Year." Her role in the film is said to be extremely challenging and ambitious. However, the fact that it is has not showed up in the festival circuit and that A24 has kept the film a secret does not look good for Chastain.

Meanwhile, two actresses from "Into the Woods" are likely to be strong contenders. Former Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick could be back in the race for her role as Cinderella in the popular musical. The role is said to be one of the most challenging and it got Tony Awards for some Broadway stars.

Emily Blunt also looks promising as the Baker's Wife in the musical. The actress has been praised in a number of roles but has always seemed to be ignored when it comes to the Oscars. However, as the Baker's Wife, Blunt is getting the chance to be seen in a new light. Additionally, the Academy loves musicals and they have a long history of nominating actresses from musicals in this category.

Imelda Staunton could also be back in the race after being absent from the Oscar race for 10 years. Her latest role in "Pride" received rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival and sparked Oscar talk. Her performance and the film's major obstacle will be CBS Films. Last year, the company had a major Oscar contender in "Inside Llewyn Davis," but failed to give it a strong campaign. If the movie opens with a strong box office and Staunton campaigns strongly, then perhaps she can get into the race.

Patricia Arquette has also been getting a lot of Oscar buzz for her role in "Boyhood." For critics and pundits she had the strongest performance in the film. The Academy is likely to applaud her for taking risks and for allowing her to age on screen. However, the biggest question most pundits will be asking is if the distribution IFC Films will actually campaign.

Meanwhile, Viola Davis is getting strong reception for "Get On Up." While her role is short in the feature, she easily steals the show. The only problem is the film was released too early and has performed poorly at the box office. These factors may cause the Academy to forget that the film exists when it is time to vote.

Naomi Watts could also be back in the race for her role in "St. Vincent." Her role in the film required her to change her image by dying her hair pink and speaking in a Russian accent. The Academy loves accents and with the Weinstein Company behind the campaign Watts can easily get the nomination.

Other actresses in the conversation include Emma Stone for "Birdman," Laura Dern for "Wild," Marisa Tomei for "Love Is Strange" and Carmen Ejogo for "Selma."