Terrence and Philip

The days of a Cate vs. Cate standoff may be numbered -- everyone seems to have jumped on the "I'm Not There" supporting bandwagon, leaving the "Elizabeth" leading possibility in the dust -- but we could replace that with a Phil vs. Phil race. You know, just for kicks.

There's much consensus that Philip Seymour Hoffman, already an Oscar winner for "Capote," tore up the screen this year in three very different roles. What's being bandied about with increasing volume and frequency is his potential for major awards nods in multiple categories. The latest: Phil for lead actor in "The Savages" though some polls have him pegged for "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," and supporting in "Charlie Wilson's War."

Not so few critics have pointed out that Hoffman may be one of the few bright spots in the star-heavy "Charlie Wilson's War." Maybe voters won't hold it against him that he did a big studio flick -- indie guys gotta eat too!

Hoffman already has a Spirit Award nod for best male lead in "The Savages," and took home a Gotham Award as part of the ensemble cast of "Devil." Props all around, though that may be no clue whatsoever about what's going to happen at the Globes and Oscars.

Meanwhile, in a completely unrelated comparison (but there is a thread here, play along!), Terrence Howard could likely cancel himself out of any serious consideration by having appeared in 75% of the movies released this year, including but not limited to "August Rush," "The Brave One," "The Hunting Party," and, who could forget the Super Bowl-advertised Speedo-laden "Pride." We just felt compelled to point out that he was the Jude Law of '07.