The response to my post from yesterday, in which I explained why I believe Carey Mulligan (“An Education”) has an edge over Meryl Streep (“Julie & Julia”) in the best actress race, been steady and strong. Many Mulligan backers have never had nicer things to say about me, while some Streep fans have reacted with full-fledged outrage.

The reactions that I most looked forward to, though, were those of four other Oscar bloggers who almost always have a good pulse on the race — Tom O’Neil, Sasha Stone, Kris Tapley, and Jeff Wells — and it is with their permission that I will now share those with you…

Tom O’Neil (Gold Derby/Los Angeles Times): You’re right, Mulligan is 10 miles ahead of Streep, and she has a lot of big plusses, especially the fact that she’s the appealing babe in this contest. Naked Golden Boy has shamelessly lusted after babes through the years, especially rookie actresses. That means Mulligan could be the front-runner — but she’s not. This year I think we’re actually going to see something amazing — the Anti-Babe Factor. Yes, we’ll see another unknown prevail, but it’ll be Gabby Sidibe. Reason? “Precious” is this year’s “Slumdog Millionaire,” a gritty indie about ghetto life that wows viewers and leaves them breathless. But I’m not sure “Precious” can win best pic, so that may mean Gabby gets the consolation vote in the best actress race. Right now, that’s how I see this race playing out.”

Sasha Stone (Awards Daily): It’s too soon to know. I wouldn’t put this race down to these two actress, especially with Gabby Sadibe still to come. It’s almost too early to talk about nominations so talking about winners — I just can’t go there yet. I love Meryl Streep and I think she’s an amazing actress but I’m not sure I see her beating someone who gave a once-in-a-lifetime performance (Sidibe) and/or Mulligan, who is all of the talk this year. As I’ve said before, probably too many times, Streep also must compete with herself — “Sophie’s Choice” was at such a level of brilliance, it’s hard for Meryl ever to top it, and to win again she has to equal or top that performance (as Hilary Swank did with “Million Dollar Baby” and Jodie Foster did with “The Silence of the Lambs”). I’ve always felt like that is Streep’s biggest obstacle. The other problem is that her part is only half of “Julie & Julia.” While that was enough to get Nicole Kidman the win in “The Hours,” I don’t think it’s quite enough now. That doesn’t mean I think Mulligan is winning. I just don’t feel qualified to talk about winners at the moment.

Kris Tapley (In Contention): I really don’t feel like the Academy feels compelled to award Streep again like so many of her fans would probably prefer, but the fact is I even find myself (a huge fan of “An Education”) wondering at times which of these performances is better. Streep is a well-oiled machine right now. It’s almost expected. Mulligan is part of an exciting story this year and will be in a best picture nominee (in all likelihood), while “Julie & Julia” will be on the bubble in that regard, so perhaps the edge goes to Mulligan. Then again, Streep gives a much more commanding, you might say “showy” performance and is, in some ways, more memorable as a result. Plus, her “Bon Apetite!” has come to be something of an identifier for this season. You see? You can make yourself dizzy going back and forth on these two. I think perhaps the debate is better left to a date closer to voting. And all of that having been said, I think it will be important to keep an eye on Gabourey Sidibe in this race. She doesn’t reflect the hallmarks of typical winners, but she gives, unarguably, the most emotional performance of the lot.

Jeff Wells (Hollywood-Elsewhere): Meryl Streep gives an expert performance as Julia Child in “Julie & Julia.” She always gives expert performances. She gets everything right. But she isn’t half as spirited or soulful as Carey Mulligan in “An Education.” Not by half. Streep is doing a bit. She’s the master of this kind of acting. But Mulligan is turning on the current, acting her butt off, and pouring her heart out. She’s fresh and alive and expert as well. She’s got the moves and the chops. People love Streep but they’re sorta kinda sick of her being so good all the time. Always the grand dame, always being nominated, etc. But the bottom line is that her performance is nowhere near as good as Mulligan’s. That’s a fact.

Photo: Gabby Sidibe. Credit: Lacy Atkins (San Francisco Chronicle).