When you were young, did your mother ever tell you that if you really wanted something you should pursue it as hard as you could? Mine did. And apparently many of Hollywood’s top filmmakers and talent also received this message somewhere along the line.

Producers, directors, and actors alike are hitting the pavement — well, more accurately, hitting the red carpet — to get their names and their films’ names out there in hopes of improving their chances of getting to walk the ultimate red carpet at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in February of next year. 

Until recently, I didn’t realize how intensely many people campaign for an Oscar nomination and ultimately an Oscar win. Mo’Nique made a point of telling the film community that she didn’t hit the campaign trail for her role in Precious. That’s true; and as we all know, she won. But it’s easier to take that stance when, as was the case with Mo’Nique last year, you’re the clear front-runner in your category months out from the ceremony. Most contenders aren’t lucky enough to have that certainty. 

As Pete Hammond points out in his article for Deadline.com, Oscar hopefuls from all over are riding the waves of buzz that have come out of Cannes, Toronto, Venice, and the like and working to keep their names on the minds of the Academy. They’re participating in roundtable discussions with The Hollywood Reporter. They’re rushing back to L.A. from on-location shoots to appear at various screenings and red carpet events. They’re interviewing with film critics over the phone and at The Four Seasons in Beverly Hills.

Put simply, they’re doing a lot. 

But in a year like this where there are strong contenders in many of the categories, the effort might be necessary. The Best Actress category especially comes to mind. When names like Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Hilary Swank, Helena Bonham Carter, and Annette Bening are being thrown around, no one is safe. 

So let the games begin.