Tilda Swinton is arguably one of the most versatile actors her generation and has worked with numerous auteurs and blockbusters.

This year, she is having one of the best years of her career in three critically acclaimed Indie features by some of the best directors working in the business. Her performance as Eve in "Only Lovers Left Alive" was hailed for its upbeat spirit while her cameo as Madame D. in "The Grand Budapest Hotel" was one of the most memorable characters in Wes Anderson's masterpiece. She was also seen in Terry Gilliam's eccentric film "The Zero Theorem" and was cast in Joel and Ethan Coen's latest film "Hail Caesar!" However, it was her portrayal as Mason in "Snowpiercer" that really made audiences and critics wild.

Salon.com called her performance "hilariously dreadful" while Rolling Stone said her performance was a "sensational" and "mad wicked."

After so much success, it is a shock that she has not entered the Oscar conversation. Pundits continuously talk about how empty the supporting actress category is at the moment and always seem to overlook Swinton's fabulous work.

Currently, Patricia Arquette from "Boyhood," Emma Stone from "Birdman" and Keira Knightley from "The Imitation Game" are the only real locks in the category.

Swinton won an Oscar back in 2008 for her work in the 2007 film "Michael Clayton." The win was one of the biggest surprises in years, especially since many pundits expected Amy Ryan to win for "Gone Baby Gone." It seemed that the actress had obtained the favor of the Academy but since then she has been ignored time and again in the Oscars race.

Since her Oscar win, she has turned in some of her finest performances. She was cast in an all-Italian role in "I Am Love" and starred in the Berlin Film Festival selection "Julia."

The closest she came to her second Academy Award nomination was for her performance in "We Need to Talk About Kevin." The actress got nominated for the Golden Globes, BAFTA, SAG and Broadcast Critics, and even won the European Film Award. However, when the Academy announced its nominations, she was off the shortlist and had many eyes rolling.

Swinton's performance in "Snowpiercer" could easily get buzz if critics and precursor awards get behind her work. Additionally, since the film was released by Radius TWC, the Weinstein Company would be behind her campaign.

The Weinstein Company is known for its elaborate Oscar campaigns. Swinton herself has already started campaigning, especially since she went to the Governors Awards and was one of the presenters. Her presence at the awards made headlines and with a big push from Weinstein, she could be a shoe-in.

Another reason why Swinton's performance should be nominated is because the film was beloved by critics and became one of the biggest VOD successes of the year. It also scored solid box office numbers as it made $4.5 million.

Other than the actress's performance in "Snowpiercer," the film could be nominated for Best Production Design and Costume Design.

Critics praised the visual splendor of the film and the unique qualities of each train cart in the film. Chris Evans was hailed for his performance, but at this point, he seems like a long shot for the Best Actor category. Since it is a Science Fiction Film, Snowpiercer could be shortlisted in the Visual Effects category or in the two Sound categories.

However, in order for the film to draw some buzz, it will need to score big awards with critics.

Do you think Tilda Swinton or "Snowpiercer" could put a dent on the awards race? Let us know in the comments section below.

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