The Role: Ma Rainey, the Mother of the Blues and leader of her band. The groundbreaking musician and LGBTQ icon was once dubbed the ugliest woman in show business, and with the aid of false teeth, horsehair wigs, elaborate gowns, and a fat suit, Oscar winner Viola Davis gave life to the woman whose voice would have hundreds queuing up for hours just hear her croon or catch a glimpse of her on stage. Davis embodied not just Rainey’s presence on stage but also her steadfast determination not to allow anyone to diminish or dismiss her worth. The Odds: Currently, there isn’t a clear frontrunner for Best Actress. Andra Day won the Golden Globe, Carey Mulligan took home the Critics Choice, and Frances McDormand won the BAFTA, but we are giving Viola Davis’ win at the SAG Awards the most weight and believe she will be our likely winner. This is fitting as her pedigree and previous Oscar nomination warrant it, and her only win was for a Supporting Role; she is more than overdue to win for a lead turn.