The Supporting Actress Contenders were:

RACHEL WEISZ (The Constant Gardener)
Having won the Golden Globe and SAG in this category, Weisz seems poised for Oscar glory but the supporting categories are often difficult to predict and if there is going to be any surprises, it could start here.

MICHELLE WILLIAMS (Brokeback Mountain)
It would be a shame if the anticipated wins by Brokeback do not come with at least one for the acting categories. Should Academy voters feel the need to do so, Michelle seems the best bet of the three nominations they have.

AMY ADAMS (Junebug)
Amy Adams obviously has a strong fanbase--without it she would not be here. But the question is, will they be strong enough to outdo her competition, namely Rachel Weisz (Golden Globe and SAG winner) and Michelle Williams (starring in the most nominated film of the year and tied with Adams for the BFCA award)?

CATHERINE KEENER (Capote)
Both she and McDormand are the only Oscar veterans, and Keener has yet to win. Nonetheless, there's not as much undying passion for her this year, and her performance is not typical for the category in the first place, so it is doubtful if it has any serious chance to win. The majority of the Capote love will be bestowed upon Hoffman

FRANCES MCDORMAND (North Country)
Frances is just category filler at this point, remembering that she's already won the Oscar and that she made it this far with North Country is likely to be considered award enough.

WINNER: RACHEL WEISZ (The Constant Gardener)