Whither Bening?

It occurred to me today whilst thinking about the Best Actress Oscar race [yes that's my cerebral default mode. sigh] that it's a real shame they decided not to release Mrs. Harris theatrically. Several folks who saw this film at the Toronto Film Festival went nuts for Annette Bening's performance --even some who hated the film. So why couldn't they figure out a way to release this for Oscar consideration? How appropriately sweet would it have been if she had swept into this year's rather minor race as a surprise entry ~an avenging Oscar angel.

Pathetic as it may be, I'm still licking my wounds about last year.