81st Oscar Awards: Most Overdue Contenders in 2008 Films

There are a few reasons why people win Oscars other than actually giving a good performance. One reason is that they're just overdue, either for being around so long or for not being honored the past year or two. This kind of "overdue" factor has helped veterans like Alan Arkin and Morgan Freeman win in the past, and has helped long passed over actors like Renee Zellweger and Al Pacino finally win eventually. As Oscar season begins this year, many similarly overdue names are being branded about as early contenders. They might be hot stars who have never won, people who have been passed up recently for Oscars, or beloved veterans due for a career capping Oscar. Here are the overdue names that might finally have their Oscar shot this year.

Josh Brolin

Brolin may get nominated to make up for being passed over last year. Despite a 2007 where Brolin was in No Country for Old Men and American Gangster, there was no room for Brolin to get in himself. This year, Brolin is once again a very busy man, starring in two big political biopics. Brolin could threaten in Supporting Actor as murderous politician Dan White in Milk. More infamously, Brolin is Hollywood's least favorite recent President, George W. Bush, in the upcoming W. It would be odd for Hollywood to honor someone for playing Bush, but if W and Brolin fulfill the early promise of their trailers, Brolin could land in the Best Actor conversation.

Leonardo DiCaprio

DiCaprio is overdue for past slights, but this year may be his time. DiCaprio couldn't get in with Titanic, Catch Me If You Can or The Departed, and lost for The Aviator and Blood Diamond. Like in 2006, DiCaprio has two high profile releases in the fall that could gain awards attention. The first is the terrorism thriller Body of Lies with DiCaprio facing off with Russell Crowe under Ridley Scott's direction. But a more likely Oscar nod would be for Revolutionary Road, as DiCaprio plays a stifled 50's suburban husband alongside Kate Winslet.

Robert Downey Jr