Will Johnny Depp take home his first Best Actor trophy next year? The chances are likely according to The Hollywood Reporter. The magazine says that Depp's portrayal of notorious Boston crime lord Whitey Bulger in director Scott Cooper's film 'Black Mass' makes him a serious front runner for the award.

Depp's been nominated for the award three time before, the most recent of which coming eight years ago for his work in Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber Of Fleet Street.

Since then, his recent filmography has featured a few big Disney features (Pirates Of The Carribean: On Stranger Tides, Alice In Wonderland, and Into Woods), one Disney flop (The Lone Ranger), and an assortment of forgettable films (The Rum Diary, Transcedence, The Tourist).

Many in the entertainment industry are positioning Black Mass as Depp's return to 'serious' movie making and according to THR it looks like he delivers. They also heaped praise on Depp's co-star Joel Edgerton, saying that he should make some noise in the best supporting actor category.

Depp's long running Hollywood career, likeable persona, and the all-important fact that he has yet to win make him an attractive pick to bag the Oscar.

He will face some stiff competition though. Last year's winner Eddie Redmayne figures to be in the mix as well thanks to another stellar performance for his work as a transgender woman in 'The Danish Girl.' Michael Fassbender will also be in contention for his role as Apple founder Steve Jobs in Danny Boyle's biopic of the same name.

To see if Depp's work in Black Mass is deserving of an Oscar, you'll have to wait until September 18 to catch it in theatres.