The Best Actor Contenders were:

PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN (Capote)
Barring an unexpected upset, Hoffman is expected to cruise to victory in this category having dominated the awards season so far.

HEATH LEDGER (Brokeback Mountain)
Ledger has a small chance of victory if he rides on the coattails of an anticipated Brokeback victory

JOAQUIN PHOENIX (Walk The Line)
It is hard to see any chance of a Phoenix victory since his film did not make the best picture shortlist as anticipated, the flip side is if enough Academy members who wanted to see "Walk" get a best picture nod and now feel the only major way they can vote for it is for best actor (and actress).

DAVID STRATHAIRN (Good Night, And, Good Luck)
He is the dark horse in this race

TERENCE HOWARD (Hustle and Flow)
He could be the wild card in the pack

WINNER: PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN (Capote)