With Best Makeup and Hairstyling down to just seven, there are several front-runners that stick out immediately for the three nomination spots. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is almost guaranteed a spot, with both “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” winning their respected years. I would also hazard a guess that “Lincoln” will not only nail a nomination, but lead in popular vote for winning the category all together. The final spot is a toss up. “Les Misérables” will probably be garnering several awards, so it would be no surprise that it would show up here as well. Also, Rick Baker has been nominated 11 times with 7 wins, so expecting a nomination for his work on “Men In Black 3” is by no means a stretch either.

• “Hitchcock”
• “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”
• “Les Misérables”
• “Lincoln”
• “Looper”
• “Men in Black 3”
• “Snow White and the Huntsman”

From Awards Daily: “On Saturday, January 5, all members of the Academy’s Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films. Following the screenings, members will vote to nominate three films for final Oscar consideration.”