Jan. 21 is a big day in the lives of Oscar voters. That's the final day Academy members can submit their ballots to determine who gets nominated for this year's big show. It might surprise most moviegoers, but Academy members actually take this responsibility pretty seriously. Therefore (because there has to be at least one Academy member reading the Hitlist), here are some performances and achievements that may be under the radar but should definitely be considered.

Best Actor -- David Strathairn, "Good Night, and Good Luck."

A shoo-in a few months ago, Strathairn, who played the legendary Edward R. Murrow, is now battling for a nod in one of the most competitive categories this year. Those who dismiss his performance as a caricature should look in the mirror before they vote for Philip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of Truman Capote.

Best Actress -- Sarah Jessica Parker, "The Family Stone"

Nothing is harder than to make an annoying character sympathetic, and Parker's ease at doing so was a welcome surprise.

Best Supporting Actor -- William Hurt, "A History of Violence"

Hype for Hurt has been hurt (no pun intended) since this movie was originally released and the studio requested that the press keep his character's role in the story quiet so as to not spoil the picture's "twist." Unfortunately, that only ended up muffling praise for what is one of Hurt's best performances in decades.

Best Supporting Actress -- Isla Fisher, "Wedding Crashers"

This charismatic Australian newcomer stole the show as Vince Vaughn's obsessively needy one-night-stand. Considering the talent surrounding her, that was a pretty hard feat to pull off.

Best Director -- Tommy Lee Jones, "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada"

Jones has a shot at Best Actor for this film, but his feature directorial debut was a revelation. Not only did he showcase an excellent cinematic technique but also a passionate point of view that deserves to be recognized.

Best Original Screenplay -- Craig Brewer, "Hustle & Flow"

Brewer took a classic American dream story and turned it on its head by making the hero a working-class pimp with dreams of becoming a rapper. Not an easy feat.

Best Adapted Screenplay -- Steve Martin, "Shopgirl"

Yes, the movie wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but that was because of the direction and not Martin's fine adaptation of his own novella. Besides, with recent films such as "The Pink Panther" and "Cheaper by the Dozen 2," Martin may never get a shot at a nod again!

Best Original Song -- "You're Gonna Die Soon," "Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic"

With all the great songs from "Just Friends" and "Rize" somehow ineligible, what could be better than seeing the sassy Silverman performing her comedic tune during the show?

And finally, find someway to reward the great "Kung Fu Hustle"! It wasn't submitted for best Foreign Film by Hong Kong (where it was produced), but it deserves something.