In the mix: Lead actor
Though these folks may not be considered frontrunners, they remain firmly in the discussion for Oscar consideration

Ben Affleck ('Argo')
Jack Black ('Bernie')
Alan Cumming ('Any Day Now')
Matt Damon ('Promised Land')
Jamie Foxx ('Django Unchained')

Martin Freeman ('The Hobbit')
The soul of Peter Jackson's return to Tolkien territory is Freeman, who played Tim on the BBC's "The Office" and of late has been Watson to Benedict Cumberbatch's "Sherlock." Freeman is every bit the unlikely hero of the epic journey undertaken by "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," evolving from proud householder to sword-carrying burglar who tussles with foes of all shapes and sizes. A nomination for this underdog performance would parallel the "Hobbit" story nicely.

Anthony Hopkins ('Hitchcock')
Bill Murray ('Hyde Park on Hudson')
Omar Sy ('The Intouchables')
Jean-Louis Trintignant ('Amour')

Source

---------------

I'd be shocked if Martin actually scored a nomination, but I love knowing that Variety still consider him a legitimate part of the race.