Looks like critics are already crowning it either Sidibe or Mulligan

I will be honest and say I have seen neither Precious or An Education, but can honestly say I don't see what the big deal is from either performance I have witnessed in the trailers. I didn't see anything extra extraodinary that jumped out at me, or grabbed me.
If these two are the leading contenders than that just shows what a down year 2009 is in that category.
All I am saying is, that is the vibe I got while seeing these trailers more than a few times a piece, so my opinion can change when I see the film's.
Names like Sidibe and Mulligan aren't exactly the names that advertisers and the ceremony panel usually count on for ratings.