Top 5 Best Actors In A Leading Role [PHOTOS]

The 2012 Oscars won't take place for months but already people are all abuzz about what films and what actors are up for Academy Awards.

Undeniably, one of the most awaited and sought after categories remains to be The Best Actor in a leading role. It's hard to predict who will get nominated so early on, but we've kept our eyes peeled and came up with a list of people we think deserve the coveted prize.

Here we present our top 5 picks for the Best Actor award:

Michael Fassbender in "Shame"

This Irish-German actor first came to our attention when he played Lt. Archie Hicox in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds". Now, he has caught the attention of critics with his spectacular performance in this erotic drama about an unstable yuppie with an insatiable sexual appetite.

Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"

As Hollywood's heartthrob, Brad has always reeled in the big bucks for any movie he's taken part in. His role as a baseball team's manager in "Moneyball" is quite unlike the usual flashy roles he's taken in the past years, but many critics have agreed that it's one of his best.

George Clooney in "The Descendents"

This year, Clooney comes to us with not just one, but two Oscar-worthy performances in "The Descendents", and in "The Ides of March". However, we think that his touching performance as a land baron who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughters while coming to terms with his wife's past infidelities may prove to be a winner for him.

Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"

Although this French actor is relatively unknown in Hollywood, he has made several notable French films. His role as a fading silent film star in this actual silent film was able to showcase his serious acting chops. Having already snagged The Best Actor award in the Cannes Film Festival, Jean Dujardin is a real forerunner for the Oscars.

Leonardo DiCaprio in "J.Edgar"

Leo's boyish good looks and charm have always given him a huge following, especially in the female department. But in the past decade, Leo's superb acting has also won him the respect of more discriminating viewers and critics alike. With 3 Oscar nominations and no win on his belt as yet, 2012 may be Leo's lucky year with his riveting portrayal of J. Edgar Hoover in Clint Eastwood's newest drama, "J. Edgar".

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