Just for fun - some Oscar predictions

So what will happen tomorrow night. Well here are my guesses - I think in general we're looking at a contest between the two Texas-filmed entries - There Will Be Blood (review coming soon) and No Country for Old Men, with There Will Be Blood seeming to have the momentum going into things.

Best Picture - Lets rule out Juno as indie comedies don't win big, Michael Clayton ain't good enough and Atonement seems to lack the buzz, so you'd have to go for There Will Be Blood although I think I preferred No Country more as a watch. Overlooked in the nominations was The Assassination of Jesse James


Best Director - Traditionally this goes to the same film as Best Picture, so could be Paul Thomas Anderson's year, but don't bet against the academy following a recent trend and splitting them and going for the Coens. As a real outside bet, Julian Schnabel for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Overlooked in the nominations - Joe Wright did a better job with Atonement than either the direction in Michael Clayton or Juno. Also, although it would never happen, Paul Greengrass did a wonderful job directing The Bourne Ultimatum - unfortunately you need to be called Scorcese to get nominated for directing a genre flick.

Best Actor - It's hard to look beyond Daniel Day Lewis at the moment - a neck ahead in a strong field. Johnny Depp will win an Oscar one year, but not this one. If its not Lewis, it will almost certainly be Tommy Lee Jones. Overlooked in the nominations - Brad Pitt for Jesse James and Beicio Del Toro for Things We Lost in the Fire. Along with second nominations for Jones (No Country) and Philip Seymour Hoffman

Best Actress- well it won't be Ellen Page, I've a feeling Cate Blanchett's (stronger) supporting actress nod will count against her and Marion Cottillard's performance is subtitled, rarely a winner with the academy. So, Julie Christie is favourite, but don'tbet against a surprise win for the perenially overlooked Laura Linney. Overlooked in the nominations - Halle Berry for Things we Lost in the Fire.

Best Supporting Actor - a very open and high quality field, ranging from young to old, co-leads to cameos. Will probably come down to Javier Baardem against Casey Affleck, but don't rule out a sentimental vote for Hal Holbrook. I'm going with Baardem to get a well-deserved award. Overlooked in the nominations - Tom Cruise for Lions for Lambs and Chris Cooper for Breach.

Best Supporting Actress - for my money Cate Blanchett is streets ahead of the field in the category. As an outside bet, Tilda Swinton to repeat her Bafta success. Overlooked in the nominations Meryl Streep for Lions for Lambs

Original Screenplay - it's hard to see this not being Juno's deserved moment for success in the category quirky indies traditionally triumph in.

Adapted Screenplau - Will probably be between the big two again, although don't rule out The Diving Bell. I'm going for No Country for this one.

Elsewhere - Ratatouille will win Best Animated film and Atonement's consolation will come in Best Score.With three out of five nominations, Enchanted will surely win best song and The Assassination of Jesse James will pick up best cinematography.