Oscar Roundup: Oct. 10

After last week’s onslaught of awards-baiting films, it’s a little quieter this week. Besides The Duchess (expanding nationally), which stands a chance in the Best Costume Design, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Actress races, here’s what’s opening today.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

Possible

Best Actress, Sally Hawkins
She’s got the money reviews: Manohla Dargis of the New York Times calls her “glorious.” But will her incessantly perky character irk more Oscar voters than she charms?

Best Original Screenplay, Mike Leigh
Leigh has said his scripts are largely the result of improvisation. But that hasn’t stopped the Academy from nominating him in this category for the phenomenal Secrets & Lies, Topsy-Turvy, and Vera Drake.

Long shot

Best Supporting Actor, Eddie Marsan
The veteran of Mike Leigh films is always interesting to watch. And he plays off Hawkins very effectively.

BODY OF LIES

Long shot

Best Supporting Actor, Russell Crowe
Sure, he gained dozens of pounds to play a suburban CIA agent. And it’s a weak category this year. But crummy reviews for the film have likely killed his chances.

addCredit(“Crowe: Francois Duhamel; Hawkins: Simon Mein”)