I'm glad she's nominated but putting her for the lead in Shame is the dumbest thing ever. Yes her character is in a certain way making the film but the movie is clearly about Michael.
They decided to go for Berenice Bejo as a lead as well, but for me her character is in the same situation as Carey's in Shame.
They clearly ruined her chance. She was great in Drive but she was outstanding in Shame and definitely had a better chance to win with it. Her nomination for Drive is just a way to salute her work but it isn't really significant.