Concerning Johnny Depp: it might sound crazy, but y'know... he might not even be nominated. Not that it isn't very likely, but consider all the other great performances out there that have been getting attention: Viggo Mortensen for EASTERN PROMISES, George Clooney for MICHAEL CLAYTON (which was a big surprise to me), Emile Hirsch for INTO THE WILD (which has been getting more and more love).
Depp probably will be nominated, but - this year especially - you actually don't know yet.
P.S. And, as I've said before, Daniel Day-Lewis is pretty much God in Hollywood. Even if they didn't see his movie, the AMPAS people might feel too guilty NOT to give him a win. Especially after not giving it to him for GANGS OF NEW YORK (although Adrien Brody certainly did deserve that win).
P.P.S. Helena has no buzz, has no chance of being nominated. And that's a real shame.
"Y'know, I think Bertolt Brecht was rolling in his grave."
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum