The best actor category is among the most competitive at the Oscars and one that is always crowded. This year already looks like there will be many films to choose from and many performances that could easily be nominated. However, the following is a list of actors who could make a comeback with the Academy and win.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Revenant": Technically DiCaprio came back in 2013 with "The Wolf of Wall Street." However, it was always obvious that he stood no chance and would go home empty handed. This year he is working with Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, a director who has led seven actors to nominations. DiCaprio's role in the film seems to be very showy and extremely physical. From the first stills it also looks to be transformative, which is something the Academy always loves. If "The Revenant" premieres early enough and it gains traction, this could finally give DiCaprio his first win.

2. Michael Caine, "Youth": Caine has already won two Academy Awards, but his last nomination came in 2002. After so many years the actor seems to have hit the spot with Paolo Sorrentino's latest film. At Cannes, audiences and critics hailed Caine for his stellar work in "Youth." However, the work was not received with praise and was even booed. Nevertheless Fox Searchlight is handling the movie, which is a good sign given the company's track record with the Academy and its expertise in building campaigns.

3. Jake Gyllenhaal, "Demolition" or "Southpaw": Last year Gyllenhaal missed out on a nomination when the Academy snubbed him for his work in "Nightcrawler." The actor has only been nominated one, and that was back in 2005 for "Brokeback Mountain." This year he has two films that have worthy chances. His first film is "Southpaw," which is being released by the Weinstein Company, and Harvey Weinstein has already stated that he will get Gyllenhaal a nomination. The problem is that the film will be released in the summer, and that may hurt his overall traction. Meanwhile, Jean-Marc Vallee's latest "Demolition" is coming out in the fall, and based on Vallee's latest track record, this may be the better option. The director has already gotten four actors nominations including two wins. Gyllenhaal seems like he has the better chance with this film, which is also being released by Fox Searchlight.

4. Tom Hanks, "Bridge of Spies": Steven Spielberg films generally don't win actors accolades except for "Lincoln." However, Hanks carries his latest film, which already looks promising. Additionally, Hanks was snubbed in 2013 for "Captain Phillips," and many feel the Academy will make it up to him. Having won two Oscars the actor has not been present with a nomination since 2000. Hanks and Spielberg generally work well together, and this reunion could prove dynamic and effective if the film turns out good.

5. Johnny Depp, "Black Mass": Once hailed as one of the most diverse actors of his generation, Depp quickly became one of the most celebrated actors. However, since his third nomination for "Sweeney Todd," Depp has failed to live up to his talent as he has decided to mimic each one of his performances. This year, the actor has a promising performance in "Black Mass" as he is completely unrecognizable. Additionally, it looks like he has hit a home run as the film is a biopic, and Oscar loves real-life stories.

Other actors who could have a comeback include Ian McKellen for "Mr. Holmes," Michael Fassbender for "Steve Jobs" and Joseph Gordon-Levitt for either "Snowden" or "The Walk."

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