With the 83rd Academy Awards only days away, the anticipation for who will win the major awards is growing. The category for Actress in a Leading Role offers a list of top-notch actresses, most of whom have been nominated for an Academy Award before. All actresses portrayed real woman dealing with real problems and for that they deserve the honor of the nomination. Hosted by James Franco, who is nominated for an Oscar, and previous Oscar nominee Anne Hathaway, the Academy Awards will air on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Annette Bening for quotThe Kids Are All Rightquot
Annette Bening is a four-time Oscar nominee for her roles in “The Grifters,” American Beauty,” “Being Julia” and “The Kids Are All Right.” The movie is about two children of a lesbian couple that bring their biological father back into the family. Reuters
Nicole Kidman for quotRabbit Holequot
The Australian-born actress has been nominated for three Oscars and won one for Best Actress in 2002 for her role in “The Hours.” This year she is nominated for her work in “Rabbit Hole.” This role also won her a Golden Globe nomination. Reuters
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Ree Dolly in "Winter's Bone." Reuters
Natalie Portman for quotBlack Swanquot
Natalie Portman has received a lot of recognition for her role as Nina in “Black Swan.” The role also won her the Golden Globe for Best Actress as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role. In 2005 she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Closer.” Reuters
Michelle Williams for quotBlue Valentinequot
In 2005 Michelle Williams was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Brokeback Mountain.” “Blue Valentine” is about a modern married couple dealing with the harsh realities of life. Williams plays the role of Cindy, while actor Ryan Gosling plays her husband, Dean. Reuters
Academy of motion picture arts and sciences Oscars