2) The Academy Might Not Get Many More Chances
This one is twofold.
Firstly, considering Han Solo dies at the end of The Force Awakens, there’s probably not going to be another opportunity for the Academy to recognize the character, and certainly not Harrison Ford in the part. Secondly, we need to acknowledge that Ford – at 73 – might not have another real chance to be nominated again, leaving the Academy running out of time to reward Ford for all his great work.
Outside of his major franchises, Ford’s roles have been getting less attention lately, as he moves into indies like The Age of Adaline and 42, films that just don’t have the weight (or the money) behind them to reap awards success.
Ford has admittedly only limited screen-time in The Force Awakens, but actors have been nominated and even won for much less than Ford gives and gets in Episode VII. It could be his last big role for a while – maybe ever, considering he has been winding down of late – and potentially his last ever to have awards buzz.