2008 Oscar Predictions: A First Look

Is it really possible to predict the Oscars a full year in advance? The answer…you bet! Last year, numerous Oscar sites, us included, had “The Departed” in the top five. But ultimately, the fact that it seemed to be a violent and commercial gangster film convinced most experts to pass it by. We should have anticipated the temptation to honor a legendary director like Martin Scorsese and the sheer power of a cast featuring the likes of Nicholson, DiCaprio, and Damon.

Also, if you examine years past, it has often been more than feasible to predict several of the nominees and even the eventual winner. In 2002, “Chicago” was on everyone’s radar a full year before it captured the Oscar. In 2003, “Return of the King” was a virtual shoo-in. Both “The Aviator” and “Finding Neverland” were regarded as serious contenders in early 2004 and “Brokeback Mountain” was another film many predicted right away. There seems to be only one general rule. With the exception of perhaps “Return of the King,” each of those above films were contenders, but not favorites or, dare we say, frontrunners. As we obviously witnessed this past season with “Dreamgirls,” tremendous buzz or hype can kill an otherwise good film’s chances. Therefore, we’ll start off this predictions article by eliminating the highest profile contenders.

The two biggest sacrificial lambs, therefore, are the Mike Nichols’ drama “Charlie Wilson’s War,” starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts about a secret plan to fund the Afghanistan War and the Tim Burton musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” featuring Johnny Depp and an all-star cast. “War” seems too political and “Sweeney” reminds us too much of “Dreamgirls.” Besides, we just can’t imagine a film with a title that long actually being nominated.

We are also wary of other oft-mentioned titles, such as “The Golden Age,” the sequel to “Elizabeth” starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Clive Owen. It would be tempting to pick it in light of “The Queen,” but something just doesn’t feel right about the project. Plus, the Academy doesn’t usually go for sequels. The Ridley Scott crime drama “American Gangster” starring Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington will probably turn out excellent, but has the misfortune of following in the footsteps of “The Departed.” Another drama about the Afghanistan war, “Lions for Lambs,” directed by Robert Redford and starring Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep may also be too serious and message-heavy for the Academy’s taste. Besides, Redford’s skills as a director have steadily eroded over the last decade (”The Horse Whisperer” anyone?)

So let’s get down to it then. Here are your five nominees for Best Picture in 2008.

Atonement (Focus Features)
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (New Line Cinema)
My Blueberry Nights (The Weinstein Company)
The Kite Runner (Paramount Vantage)
Reservation Road (Focus Features)

1. Atonement

This story about guilt and redemption hails from the creative team behind “Pride and Prejudice.” Keira Knightley plays the lead role in the adaptation of the acclaimed book by Ian McEwan and rising star James McAvoy also has a substantial part. With a late August release date, it could be positioned to make a great first impression in the Oscar race. Focus (Brokeback Mountain, The Constant Gardener, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, etc.) has a track record of producing high quality films and after an off-year in 2007, we expect them to have at least a couple of strong contenders in the Best Picture mix.

2. His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass

Hmmm. A sprawling adult fantasy tale from the same studio that brought you “Lord of the Rings?” Most people are of the belief it can never duplicate the success of the hobbit trilogy and they’re probably right. But after a few years of weak cinematic offerings, voters may be in the mood for something big, fantastical, and epic. Having stars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig aboard adds depth and gravitas to the film and a December release puts it right in the heart of awards season. Look for this film to lead in total number of Oscar nominations and have a better than expected chance to score the win.

3. My Blueberry Nights

This is our one true wildcard because it’s in large part a romantic comedy with a summer release date. Furthermore, it stars singer Norah Jones, who has never ever acted before. But somehow, something feels special and different about this project. Supposedly, it’s a story about a woman who takes a cross-country journey and learns more about the true meaning of love. Look at the cast, which includes Jude Law, Ed Harris, and Rachel Weisz. Plus, it’s got the Weinstein brothers behind it. If “Little Miss Sunshine” can score a Best Picture nomination, we’re betting this film will sneak into the race and surprise a whole lot of people. It’s also helmed by a famous Hong Kong director who is making his English language film debut.

4. The Kite Runner

This film almost didn’t crack our top five and to be perfectly honest, we’re still not totally sure about its chances. On the surface, it looks solid: serious topic (the Russian invasion of Afghanistan), intimate story (the relationship between two boys, master and servant), and excellent, underrated director (Marc Forster). But the biggest problem lies in the source material. “The Kite Runner” is one of the most widely read and acclaimed books of the last few years. If you look at successful award-winning films, you’ll notice they usually come from lesser known books. Why? Because the unfamiliarity with the source material results in less vocal criticism/backlash. They’re also easier to make because there’s less pressure in adhering strictly to the book’s storyline for the sake of the fans. Look at two of the highest profile adaptations of the last five years: “Cold Mountain” and “Memoirs of a Geisha.” Both were touted as heavyweight Oscar contenders. Both were helmed by famous directors and had stellar casts. But both failed to score Best Picture nominations. We really like Forster (”Finding Neverland,” “Monster’s Ball”) so we’ll say the film slips in just barely.

5. Reservation Road

It’s a story about how a hit and run accident intertwines the lives of two families. It’s got that dark, emotional feel similar to “In the Bedroom” and “House of Sand and Fog.” With Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, and Mark Ruffalo aboard, it’s bound to feature some terrific dramatic performances. It’s based on a book, but not a well known one. We like director Terry George, who make a splash with his restrained direction in the underrated “Hotel Rwanda.” Something tells us this film will be a hit, and with Focus Features pushing it, it could go a long way.

Peaked your curiosity? Let’s conclude with some bold and somewhat outrageous predictions as to who will take home the big awards next year. As you all know, it’s never too early for speculation.

Best Supporting Actress: Vanessa Redgrave is in two awards-caliber films next year (”The Evening,” “Atonement”) and we’re betting she gets some serious notice for the latter, but ultimately we’ll give to the nod for the second year in a row for a role in a musical. Our pick is Helena Bonham Carter for “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

Best Supporting Actor: We feel most confident about this one. Mark Ruffalo has been an outstanding character actor and he’s in at least two very good films in 2007, “Zodiac,” and “Reservation Road.” He’ll win his first golden statuette for “Reservation Road.”

Best Actress: For the second year in a row, this category is loaded. Keira Knightley, Jennifer Connelly, Naomi Watts, Natalie Portman, and Angelina Jolie are all bona fide contenders. If Jolie’s film “A Mighty Heart,” (the story of journalist Daniel Pearl) is very good, look for her to be the frontrunner. But we’re going to totally go out on a limb and pick the unlikeliest of contenders…Norah Jones for “My Blueberry Nights.” If Jennifer Hudson can win an Oscar, we see now reason why the talented Ms. Jones can’t make the leap.

Best Actor: Joaquin Phoenix will be one of the favorites for his turn in “Reservation Road” just a few years off a career-defining performance in “Walk the Line.” But he will be going up against the ever-popular and beloved Johnny Depp in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” Depp, with his endless array of amazing performances, is one of two actors that you just KNOW will win an Oscar one day (the other being DiCaprio). If “Sweeney” is as good as advertised, he’ll be making his first trip to the podium.

Best Director: It could be close between Forster and George, and we wouldn’t necessarily expect this award to line up with Best Picture given the frequency of splits over the last ten years. We say George takes it in a close one.

Best Picture: Well, well, well. It all comes down to this, right? “The Kite Runner” is out for reasons specified above. “His Dark Materials” is probably not going to win since it’s the first of a trilogy and “Atonement” may not have a wide enough appeal. That means the race comes down to “Reservation Road” vs. “My Blueberry Nights.” You would think the obvious choice is “Reservation,” since it’s a serious drama with hefty, possible award-winning performances and backed by Focus. But we still feel it may be a bit too dark and depressing to snag the top prize. Call us crazy, but this may just very well be the first year since 1998 (”Shakespeare in Love”) that another romantic comedy beats them all. It would be fitting, actually, since it is exactly a decade later. Our pick for 2008 Best Motion Picture is “My Blueberry Nights.”

See you in the summer!

Comments (268) left to “2008 Oscar Predictions: A First Look”

  1. RC of strangeculture wrote:

    i love your analysis and predictions…

    i would go a different way on a few points…but it’s all fun and ridiculous at this point.

    there was neg. backlash for finding neverland but if the popular consesensus is that they enjoy it, then it can sneak on in.

    i already feel myself rooting for this film as well as Rendition (which strangely enough has some vague similarities).

    yea for 2007!

  2. thereturnoftheking wrote:

    I like your in depth look at everything, but there are at least two films I don’t agree with you on. First off I don’t see My Blueberry Nights doing half as good as you’re predicting. I’d say a maybe for Norah Jones and Ed Harris (because Oscar seems to love Ed). It is highly unlikely that it’ll win Best Picture over Atonement which is the most likely of your nominees. I like that you’re giving His Dark Materials a chance because the books are truly masterpieces and I too have an odd feeling that they may strike Lord of the Rings Gold with it if they handle it right. My other problem is with your complete ignorance to The Golden Age. Granted you’re correct and Oscar really does seem to ignore sequels, even if they are masterpieces, but this isn’t your ordinary sequel. Besides it has Cate Blanchett who is easily the front runner for Best Actress. I know you’re thinking ‘A sequel can’t do anything’ and you’re right, but this film will be too good to be true. And with all the people out there still upset that Cate lost for what many consider her Best Performance will want to see Oscar give it to her for the continuation of that performance. I also feel you’re being too hard on a lot of the “bigger” choices this year. Either way I like the way you thought everythign out, but when The Film Experience is predicting The Golden Age for 8 awards and Cate for the, even a year in advance, I tend to agree. Still just ignore me though, because I love a lot of your other nominees.

  3. Brangelina wrote:

    Angelina all the way, baby!

  4. Pianoguitarist wrote:

    How could you fail to mention “There Will Be Blood” by Paul Thomas Anderson.

  5. Kaylee wrote:

    Joaquin and Angelina all the way for me!

  6. Anonymous wrote:

    Angelina should win for Best Actress, because unlike all those other possible nominees, she is playing someone of a different background. Cate was already previously nominated but lost, so she most likely will just get a nomination.

  7. anonymous wrote:

    and what about The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le Scaphandre et le Papillon)???

    Best Direction at Cannes and it’s DARN great. Best movie I’ve seen in 4 years.

  8. Gerard wrote:

    The three definites for Best Actress for a nomination are: Cat Blanchett, Julie Christie and Marion Cotillard…possibly Vanessa Regrave and Angelina Jolie will round out the 5….The first 3 are a given…that’s absolute…

  9. Richard Glenn wrote:

    “Once” should be a nominee. It is perhaps the best “art film” ever made.

  10. David wrote:

    How about Andy Griffith in Waitress?

  11. Patrick wrote:

    A lot of people are overlooking El Cantante. The academy seems to be eating up biopics nowadays. Though Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony don’t seem Oscar-friendly…the early reviews from the Toronto Film Festival are raving about Lopez’s and Anthony’s Performance. Look it up!

  12. John, CA wrote:

    Marion Cotillard’ s portrayal of Edith Piaf is the best female performance i have seen in years!

  13. Joann,NC wrote:

    If ever a movie was like watching life unfold in the moment the scenes were filmed, it is “At World’s End”. This film deserves to walk away with it all. The passion for being the character, instead of acting the role, touches the soul. Every major role accomplished this goal.
    The special effects, makeup, music, directors and mostly the actors, should be nominated and recognized for the God given talent they posses that brings the story to life.
    Remember “the movies” were about entertainment. While other films might be about events, people’s lifes, this movie is about entertainment that encompasses social values, humor, drama,honor, vices, sacrafice, relationships and love.
    This movie not only touches my soul it awakened it to a awareness that true entertainment is not only watching life and the story unfold before you, but feeling like each participant in the story.
    HATS OFF to everyone who made “At World’s End” , “Dead man’s chest,” and “Curse of the Black Pearl”. You have not stole the treasure of Oscar but have earned it by your hard work and passion for your craft,

  14. Joann,NC wrote:

    If ever a movie was like watching life unfold in the moment the scenes were filmed, it is “At World’s End”. This film deserves to walk away with it all. The passion for being the character, instead of acting the role, touches the soul. Every major role accomplished this goal.
    The special effects, makeup, music, directors and mostly the actors, should be nominated and recognized for the God given talent they posses that brings the story to life.
    Remember “the movies” were about entertainment. While other films might be about events, people’s lifes, this movie is about entertainment that encompasses social values, humor, drama,honor, vices, sacrafice, relationships and love.
    This movie not only touches my soul it awakened it to a awareness that true entertainment is not only watching life and the story unfold before you, but feeling like each participant in the story.
    HATS OFF to everyone who made “At World’s End” , “Dead man’s chest,” and “Curse of the Black Pearl”. You have not stole the treasure of Oscar but have earned it by your hard work and passion for your craft,

  15. Drake wrote:

    Marion Cotillard’s performance is winner hands down!

  16. Drake wrote:

    Marion Cotillard’s performance is golden hands down!

  17. Sherie wrote:

    OMG I TOTALLI AGREE WITH EVERYTHING ANY WROTE ABOUT AT WORLDS END IT IS HONESTLY THE BEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!!!!! EVERYTHING IS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!! IM A HUUUUUUUUUGE FAN OF KEIRA KNIGHTLEY AND PIRATES AND I TOTALLI RECON KEIRA’S ATONEMENT PERFORMANCE WILL GET HER BEST ACTRESS AND AT WORLDS END BETTER AT LEAST BE NOMINATED FOR QUITE A FEW!!!!!!! xx

  18. Drake wrote:

    ummm the special efects: suberb, acting: satifactiry, makeup, costumes, and all that jazz: stunnig, plot: lacking, characters: too many…good movie but not hardly as good as the original, on sequels they always tend to stem to much from the simpleness of the original(the very essence that made them classics) and try and do too much…vastly enjoyed the film but honestly cant see any oscar nods going out for any of the actors or actresses in “World’s End,” sorry.

  19. CBfan13 wrote:

    What about Christian Bale for Best Actor for his film “Rescue Dawn?” His performance in the film was definitely Oscar-worthy and he has not yet been recognized by the Academy. Also what about Directer Werner Herzog for the same film? He is a legend.

  20. Anahita wrote:

    What about Charlie Wilson’s War?
    That has Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks… it’s also a pretty serious story line.

  21. Anahita wrote:

    What about Charlie Wilson’s War?
    That has Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks… it’s also a pretty serious story line.

  22. Dan wrote:

    What about Margot at the Wedding? That seems like a movie that’s about to have some impact as well, be it Screenplay, Kidman or something like that.

  23. Dennis Duncan wrote:

    What about 300 that was great photography

  24. The Film Master wrote:

    I must say I don’t agree with your take on the Oscars for 2008 at all. It is quite clear to me that ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ will definitely get a run, though will probably not win. The director, Shekhar Kapur, will definitely gain a nomination and be in with a chance to win. Cate Blanchett, who is easily the greatest actress of our time, has the Best Actress category wrapped up. Her only threat may come from Marian Cotillard, for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose. However, this film was not received well by critics, and as a result Cotillard will only receive the nomination.
    As for Best Supporting Actress, Abbie Cornish may well be in for a nomination for her performance in ‘The Golden Age’. Cornish is a rising star, and the Academy often awards this category to an up-and-coming young thing. Just look at Jennifer Hudson from last year, she clearly should not have won. Cate Blanchett’s performance in ‘Notes on a Scandal’ was outstanding, but seeing as she won the award two years before she was not included.
    The Oscars have declined greatly in my view. Awards go to American films, not the BEST films! The only thing that saved the oscars last year was Helen Mirren, and Happy Feet winning, and Eddie Murphy NOT winning. Martin Scorcese won becuase he’d never won before, ‘The Departed’ won becuase it was American and the Academy wanted to honour Scorcese.
    If only Americans are going to win: only nominate americans!

  25. Kevin wrote:

    Don’t Forget Verhoeven’s “Black Book”
    (yes,it is 2006 film,but Crash is 2004 film when it won 2006 Oscar)
    Siggy Weaver should win this time,with”The Girl In The Park”
    And don’t forget Christina Ricci and Adam Sandler’s performances in ‘Black Snake Moan’ and “Reign Over Me”

    oh,also Viggo Mortensen for “Eastern Promises”

  26. AJ Mindiola wrote:

    Word has it that Stephen Graham is a shoe in for an oscar nomination for his role as Combo in “This is England”
    I just watched the movie at the Landmark and he is amazing in this truley wonderful film.
    This film should be put in wide release!
    So remember this name Stephen Graham - This is England - Best Actor 2008 Oscars!

  27. denny wrote:

    salma hayek is amazing in lonely hearts for me she is the best in supporting acctress

  28. Marlina wrote:

    Alan Rickman for Best Supporting Actor in Sweeney Todd.
    Well, i haven’t watched it yet, but i bet he’ll do one hell of a performance! ;)

  29. mario wrote:

    salmaaaaaa in lonely hearts!!!!!! her performance is for a oscar, she dominates the film and she is teh center of the movie

  30. Shane wrote:

    It’s really interesting how you piece together so many predictions so far in advance of the Oscars. If some of them pan out, then great job. As far as I believe, “My Blueberry Nights” will be very much down the same road as “American Beauty”, and for that, it will win best picture. “Golden Compass” will NOT be the next LOTR as many people believe. New Line Cinema needs to be helped out and its trying to save itself by promoting this film as the next LOTR, but you will all see the disappointment. The two Focus features big movies this year will rack up a lot of awards. While she may not win because of the quality of her movie, the lady who played Edif Piaf in “La Vie En Rose” should hands down win best actress while, although he may be trumped, Gary Cooper should 100% be nominated for his role in “Breach”. I think, after all this dust settles with these sub-par summer movies, we will be in for a treat with many Oscar worthy films in the second half of this year.

  31. lisa wrote:

    I think depp will win best actor. It is LONG overdue. He has had so many BRILLIANT movies…like ‘whats eating gilbert grape’ and ‘edward scissor hands’ which both SHOULD have given him an oscar but didn’t. No way will joaquin phoenix win..at least he shouldn’t. To me, he has only had a few good movies. Johnny has been d*cked out of so many oscars its unfair. He NEEDS one.

  32. The Film Master wrote:

    Yes, it is me again!
    Suprisingly, there has been talk that Natalie Portman may be in with a chance for a nomination for ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’. The film’s script, which surfaced on the internet several months ago, has been slammed by critics and fans of Philippa Gregory’s hugely popular book of the same title.
    Despite this, talk still abounds of Portman’s chances, and while Scarlet Johannsan’s character is techniquely the lead, it is obvious that Portman is going to steal the spotlight with her portrayal of power-house Anne Boleyn.
    Portman was nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category of the 77th Academy Awards, but (rightly) lost to Cate Blanchett (who will, or at least should, win this year for her performance in ‘The Golden Age’) and Portman could well be in with a nomination for Best Actress, although if the Best Supporting Actress category in 2008 is looking dry, she could well have a shot at a win there if she was to be nominated there instead.

  33. filmaker wrote:

    i think that right now is so soon to predict the winner, but not the possibles nominations.
    the person that wrote this, i think isn’t well know about all the films of the season, WHAT ABOUT: LUST, CAUTION, EASTERN PROMISES, I’M NOT THERE, THE OTHER BOYLEIN GIRL, AND SO MANY MORE. THINK, WAIT AND DECIDE

  34. Natalie wrote:

    Really interesting and well written predictions. I agree largely with much of your comments. Although it hasn’t been released yet, I’m getting a good feeling about Johnny Depp for Sweeny Todd. Since Pirates, Hollywood have really taken Depp to their heart and begun to respect his impressive resume of brilliant performances. I feel he is now one of those actors that the Academy can’t wait to honour, they are just waiting for the right film. Pirates just wasn’t Oscarry enough and Finding Neverland just wasn’t special enough. Depp has done everything possible to prove he is a great performer - off the wall costumes, physical transformations, a wide variety of accents. Add singing and dancing to all this and he has gotta be up there with a great chance. I am also hoping for a supporting actor nomination for Alan Rickman, a superb actor who has yet to receive Hollywood acclaim

  35. Kenny Slater wrote:

    Sam Riley (Best Actor) - Remember the name you heard it here first!

  36. Kenny Slater wrote:

    And what about the film Control which eclipsed My Blueberry Nights at the Cannes film festival and has WOWed the critics. Remember Sam Riley……Dance Dance to the radio!

  37. christie wrote:

    johnny depp is definately gonna win for sweeny todd i can definately predict that.

  38. Justin wrote:

    I heard ” The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford ” is one of the best filmed movies in years. And Casey Affleck really turns in an Oscar winning preformance.

  39. Justin wrote:

    I heard ” The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford ” is one of the best filmed movies in years. And Casey Affleck really turns in an Oscar winning preformance.

  40. Justin wrote:

    I heard ” The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford ” is one of the best filmed movies in years. And Casey Affleck really turns in an Oscar winning preformance.

  41. Vince wrote:

    Justin: You’re gay. You’re gay. You’re gay.

  42. Corey wrote:

    Zodiac, I think, is being snubbed, David Fincher is a genius.

  43. rose wrote:

    My bet is on Atonement. The trailer looks incredible, critics have been raving positively about it, particularly how it captures the atmosphere in the book which was a HUGE bestseller

  44. ryan wrote:

    what about August Rush, with Robin Williams, Freddie Highmore, and Keri Russell (and more) due this November…

    I think your only looking at the films that have been more advertised. lets not forget that a lot of films will be in the running that a lot of us havent heard of yet.
    Right?

  45. jfc69 wrote:

    Cate Blanchett : best supporting actress
    Mark Ruffalo : best supporting actor
    Johnny Depp : best leading actor
    Marion Cotillard : best leading actress

    Marion is going to win, Harvey wants an all-star Oscar winners female casting for “Nine”. And what Harvey wants, Harvey gets. Anyway, Marion Cotillard is an incredibly talented actress.

  46. Amy Wong wrote:

    Agree with jfc69

    Marion Cotillard all the way! =D

  47. Ross wrote:

    These are my predictions for Best Actress nominees:

    Cate Blanchett: The Golden Age
    Julie Christie: Away From Her
    Marion Cotillard: La Vie En Rose
    Angelina Jolie: A Mighty Heart
    Julianne Moore: Savage Grace

    and these are my Best Supporting Actress nominees:

    Olympia Dukakis: Away From Her
    Romola Garai: Atonement
    Jennifer Jason Leigh: Margot At The Wedding
    Mira Sorvino: Reservation Road
    Reese Witherspoon: Rendition

  48. Tess wrote:

    Keri Russell for Waitress!! She was the most believable and touching, definitely!!!! I felt her every emotion.

  49. raistlin903 wrote:

    okay first off to the guy with the post about world’s end, i would have to disagree…….i agree about the entertainment part but i would have to say Transformers was by far the best movie of the summer and the special effects were the best i’ve seen to date…….. now about these predictions, two movies with high possibilities of being in the top five that weren’t even mentioned………. There Will Be Blood / No Country for Old Men (which i expect will be the big surprise this year and sweep the awards in every catagory it is nominated for, i have faith in those wonderful Coens and really think this is there year)…….. in fact there are about 20 to 25 movies this year that have a solid chance of making it into the top 5………….. and you’ve only mentioned about 8 of them……. (i completely disagree with your predictions of blueberry and compass)…………… oh yeah and for those trying to mention indy movies, yeah the acadamy tends to shy away from those type, but if they did go for an indy movie, i think The Nines should go up, the reviews from sundance said it was stuning and that ryan renolds gives an amazing performance, but sadly for most people this movie will be over there heads and will never make it to oscar stardom…………

  50. raistlin903 wrote:

    oh yeah one more thing…… to the post aboput johnny winning one……. although i don’t disagree that he has given some oscar winning performances in the past and that pheonix’s resume is a little less colorful than his, that is not really the issue here………. if pheonix’s performance is actually better then depps then i don’t think it matters how many good movies one has done…… the oscar is for this performance not past performances………..in fact depp has a hell of a lot more competition to worry about this year then just pheonix……… cruise, jones, pitt, clooney, washington, crowe, hanks, lewis……… that’s like 8 other guys who can give an oscar winning performance without even thinking about it…………. not that depp can’t but whoever walks away with gold this year can say he is the best of the best…….

  51. raistlin903 wrote:

    alright i just checked both The FIlm Experience and Oscar Igloo and niether of them have Depp in the top five…………. i getting the feeling that this is going to be another let down year for depp fans……….. but it is still early in the season………

  52. Dan in Toronto wrote:

    What about Christian Bale? Lead in Rescue Dawn, and Supporting in 3:10 to Yuma. The latter is just now getting a little notice, and by that I mean a lot of notice… if 3:10 to Yuma isn’t up for Best Picture, it’s only because Westerns have to be absolutely perfect to even get nominated, let alone win (e.g. Brokeback Mountain, Unforgiven).

    I’m also looking forward to a Cuba Gooding Jr. renaissance too, in American Gangster: sure, it’s a smaller role, but we all know he’s Oscar-worthy despite Jerry Maguire and Pearl Harbour sucking. Maybe this will get him back into the kind of roles he’s earned, instead of just filling in for Eddie Murphy in Daddy anything!

  53. Kyle B wrote:

    Robert Downy Jr. in zodiac for best supporting actor. That was up there for his best performance, he was incredible in that movie!

  54. tpbaier wrote:

    For best actress Julie Christie, best supporting actress Michelle Pfeiffer for Hairspray or stardust.

  55. hallo78 wrote:

    Christian Bale in Rescue Dawn.With two great movies under his belt this year it’s time to recognize him.Steve Zahn and warner Herzog deserve attention as well.Rescue Dawn Deserves way more attention than it’s Recieved.People are starting to get tired of staples like johnny depp.

  56. hallo78 wrote:

    Christian Bale in Rescue Dawn.With two great movies under his belt this year it’s time to recognize him.Steve Zahn and warner Herzog deserve attention as well.Rescue Dawn Deserves way more attention than it’s Recieved.People are starting to get tired of staples like johnny depp.

  57. hallo78 wrote:

    Christian Bale in Rescue Dawn.With two great movies under his belt this year it’s time to recognize him.Steve Zahn and warner Herzog deserve attention as well.Rescue Dawn Deserves way more attention than it’s Recieved.People are starting to get tired of staples like johnny depp.

  58. jfc69 wrote:

    I like Christian Bale.

    I was not saying that Johnny Depp is a sensationnal actor, but at least he is trying to perform in many different kinds of movie, blockbusters and indies. And he plays true leading parts.

    The situation is a bit funny in this race for awards in the female competition, where we see actresses giving repeated performances in more or less supporting roles (like Cate Blanchett and Keira Knightley) competing for the leading female award, which is supposed to mean that they should demonstrate their capacity to cary on a whole movie in their shouders.

    I am sorry I cannot speak english well, this is not my native language.

  59. ADRIAN wrote:

    Best supporting actress :SALMA HAYEK

    Best supporting actor: ALAN RICKMAN

    Best leading actor: JOHNNY DEPP

    Best leading actress:MARION COTILLARD

    they are the best in this year, specially salma and marion

  60. Christopher Kohler wrote:

    MARION COTILLARD!- Best Actress Winner for “La Vie En Rose” -Absolutely Amazing Performance

  61. trailsapart wrote:

    P.T. Anderson’s upcoming film, “There Will Be Blood,” hits theaters December 26th. Could the film still get in the race, or is it a tad bit late?
    If it can, it will take all the big awards! No doubt.

  62. IAN wrote:

    ‘Atonement’ will sweep everything aside at oscars and bafta awards.The members love drama and anything to do with ww11!Keira knightly,James Mcevoy and Vanessa Redgrave are as near certain as you can get bearing in mind the studio politics allways play a part. Forget the professional critics, what do they know better than us, they only express there own opinion, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson will run Keira close as will Cate Blanchett. ‘Bourne Ultimatum’ got great reviews, especially Greengrass the director and Matt Damon, how about an action film breaking the mould!Reservation Road is strong ,Johnny Depp film , Sweeney Todd will get a late release so it might struggle for me to get the right campaigning! Technical nods only to the big earners at the box office like ‘Harry potter ‘, ‘Transformers’, etc, maybe there should be a special oscar for box office returns only!

  63. jfc69 wrote:

    And then arrived Keira Knighley.

    40 minutes after the beginning of “Atonement”, she is coming to play with great dignity in the second instalment of the “Pride and Prejudice” sequel.

    I mean an other piece of English classic literrature adapted to the screen.

    I wonder what will be the third instalment.

    “Mr Pickwick Goes To Hollywwod” ?

  64. Stephanie wrote:

    Marion Cotillard must get the Oscar, if not, then that would be proof that the Oscars are corrupt & not an authority on quality.

  65. JT619 wrote:

    I would at least like to see Adam Sandler nominated for Reign Over Me. I dont care what people say about the film, his performance was brilliant. But as is always the way, Jim Carey, he probably wont be taken seriously.

  66. nahum wrote:

    strike my blueberry nights completely out, I mean completely.
    Cate blanchett is definitely going to rule at the oscars next year. She has two stunning films that are front-runners-Elizabeth:Golden Age and I’m not there.
    I was thinking she might get a best actress nom for Elizabeth and best supporting nom for I’m not there but she won best actress at the toronto film festival for I’m not there so she might get a double nomination for Best actress. Go get ‘em Cate.
    Hope Johnny Depp gets a nom for Sweeney Todd, he’s amazing.
    Everybody seems to have forgotten about “Talk to me”. The performances in that movie were mesmerizing. I hope that Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor and especially Taraji Henson get noticed for their outstanding performances. Chiwetel Ejiofor is one of those talented actors who appear in film after film but are still underrated. He was brilliant in Kinky boots, all dirty pretty things, children of men,talk to me and will be seen in the Denzel washington flick American Gangster.

  67. travis wrote:

    I just saw 3:10 to Yuma and Bale or Crowe deserve a nomination for best actor and Ben Foster really should win best supporting because his performance is amazing! I would also nominate Mangold for director and a nomination for best picture. Everyone needs to see this movie!

  68. Bryan Little wrote:

    Into the Wild!!!
    Best . . . almost everything!!!!!
    Lead actor, and male supporting, director, cinemetography, adapted screenplay, etc.

  69. Bryan Little wrote:

    Into the Wild!!!
    Best . . . almost everything!!!!!
    Lead actor, and male supporting, director, cinemetography, adapted screenplay, etc.

  70. Jim wrote:

    Zodiac is clear cut best picture and Mark Ruffalo best supporting actor hands down.

  71. gary of la wrote:

    my strong bet for best actress is jodie foster for the brave one. she was excellent & very instense. her performance is even better than silence of the lambs. she will be a contender that is for sure. the movie was very good too.

  72. gary of la wrote:

    my strong bet for best actress is jodie foster for the brave one. she was excellent & very instense. her performance is even better than silence of the lambs. she will be a contender that is for sure. the movie was very good too.

  73. edd wrote:

    i totally agree that jodie foster gave an outstanding performance in the brave one but it wil be difficult for her to get her 3rd oscar. she has a chance though. way to go jodie!

  74. Laura Dern fan wrote:

    Although David Lynch’s Inland Empire first opened in 2006, it didn’t stop running until the summer of 2007.

    Laura Dern gave an outstanding performance, definitely Oscar-worthy in the film.

    Could Laura Dern be nominated, despite the opening of the movie in 2006?

  75. Charlene wrote:

    I believe for sure that Johnny Depp will walk away with Best Actor this year. The academy has been willing and ready to award this incredible actor. Looking forward to award night along with many other Johnny Depp fans. I didn’t realize that the Kite Runner was being made into a movie. I am looking forward to that. It was a very well written book. One of my favourites.

  76. Charlene wrote:

    I believe for sure that Johnny Depp will walk away with Best Actor this year. The academy has been willing and ready to award this incredible actor. Looking forward to award night along with many other Johnny Depp fans. I didn’t realize that the Kite Runner was being made into a movie. I am looking forward to that. It was a very well written book. One of my favourites.

  77. Charlene wrote:

    I believe for sure that Johnny Depp will walk away with Best Actor this year. The academy has been willing and ready to award this incredible actor. Looking forward to award night along with many other Johnny Depp fans. I didn’t realize that the Kite Runner was being made into a movie. I am looking forward to that. It was a very well written book. One of my favourites.

  78. Charlene wrote:

    I believe for sure that Johnny Depp will walk away with Best Actor this year. The academy has been willing and ready to award this incredible actor. Looking forward to award night along with many other Johnny Depp fans. I didn’t realize that the Kite Runner was being made into a movie. I am looking forward to that. It was a very well written book. One of my favourites.

  79. Uchiha wrote:

    AMERICAN GANGSTER FOR BEST PICTURE!!!!!

  80. Uchiha wrote:

    AMERICAN GANGSTER FOR BEST PICTURE!!!!!

  81. Ainne wrote:

    How about The NamesaKe….probably the best movie of the year so far

  82. Manuel wrote:

    Does somebody think It’s too early to guess the winners? I think we have to wait to see the movies…. and after that we can argue about nominations (that sometimes are unpredictable).

  83. Kenny Slater wrote:

    Well said Manuel……..Some of the films mentioned have not even been released yet and by some means of physic variety the winners are already leaving a space on the shelf for the statuette!

  84. Kenny Slater wrote:

    Well said Manuel……..Some of the films mentioned have not even been released yet and by some means of physic variety the winners are already leaving a space on the shelf for the statuette!

  85. Kenny Slater wrote:

    Well said Manuel……..Some of the films mentioned have not even been released yet and by some means of physic variety the winners are already leaving a space on the shelf for the statuette!

  86. THE MAN WHO KNOWS wrote:

    10 HOTTEST ACTRESSES

    1) Eva Mendes
    2) Angelina Jolie
    3) Eva Longoria
    4) Jessica Alba
    5) Penelope Cruz
    6) Charlize Theron
    7) Monica Bellushi
    8) Kiera Knightley
    9) Salma Hayek
    10) Halle Berry

  87. THE WOMAN WHO KNOWS wrote:

    1O HOTTEST ACTORS

    1) Brad Pitt
    2) George Clooney
    3) Jhonny Depp
    4) Paul Walker
    5) Justin Timberlake
    6) Matthew Mconaughey
    7) Jude Law
    8) Will Smith
    9) Leonardo Di Caprio
    10) Colin Farrell

  88. Roman wrote:

    cate blanchet or salma hayek for best supporting acctress, cate blanchet like bob dylan and salma hayek like a serial killer are amazing!!

  89. Alex Garner wrote:

    There are 2 films for Best Picture I think you might have forgotten about…

    - The Bourne Ultimatum
    - A Mighty Heart

    Angelina Jolie looks set to win her 2nd OSCAR too, but this time for Best Actress.

  90. Sardor wrote:

    It seems to me that U forgot about amazing work Salma has done in Lonely Hearts, being the support actress only, she has easily stolen the whole movie. She has tobe the one to win the supporting actress

  91. nahum wrote:

    This is the year of Cate Blanchett and she will rule the oscars.
    Salma Hayek is definitely not winning for Lonely hearts. The movie had bad reviews so that will hurt her chances.

  92. TheMovieMan wrote:

    I’m already psyched about this year’s releases/Oscars. It’s a loaded year! I love your site, honestly, nice reflections! I personally have never heard of “Blueberry Nights” though. Hmm.

    Here are my thoughts.
    Actress - Reese Witherspoon for Rendition, or Angelina Jolie for A Mighty Heart
    Actor - George Clooney for Michael Clayton, or Johnny Deep for Sweeny Todd
    Director - Paul Greengrass for The Bourne Ultimatum, or Michael Winterbottom for A Mighty Heart
    Picture - A Mighty Heart, Eastern Promises, In the Valley of Elah, Golden Compass, Lions for Lambs

  93. Kevin wrote:

    i guess Angelina isn’t awards’ choice since she has won one already.
    Sigourney Weaver should’ve win this time with The Girl in THe Park
    Another strong contender is Marion Cotillard in LA vie En Rose

    best Actor,so many predict joaquin Phoenix,but i think this isn’t his year. Viggo mortensen{Eastern Promises) is the winner.

  94. Kevin wrote:

    i guess Angelina isn’t awards’ choice since she has won one already.
    Sigourney Weaver should’ve win this time with The Girl in THe Park
    Another strong contender is Marion Cotillard in LA vie En Rose

    best Actor,so many predict joaquin Phoenix,but i think this isn’t his year. Viggo mortensen{Eastern Promises) is the winner.

  95. nahum wrote:

    what on earth should Angelina Jolie win an oscar? she is so f**** overrated. Ever since she won her oscar, what good movie has she done? talk about the Halle-berry-and-Adrien-Brody phenomenon.
    Best actress- Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth
    Best supporting actress- Cate Blanchett for I’m not there/ Laura Linney for Savages

  96. richard wrote:

    Angelina jolie best actress
    mighty heart excellent movie

  97. vanessa wrote:

    JOHNNYYYYYY DEPP IS THE BEST, HE MUST WIN THE NEXT YEAR, i like cate blanchett and angelina jolie for best actress and i like salma hayek in supporting actress and Robert downey jr for best supporting actor and 300 will win maybe 2 oscar in visual effects and an other one!!

  98. Peter wrote:

    Best Picture:
    Atonement - winner
    The Kite Runner
    Reservation Road
    Rendition
    Charlie Wilson’s War

    Best Actor
    in a Leding Role:
    Joaquin Phoenix - winner
    Reservation Road
    Brad Pitt
    The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
    Jonhy Depp
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Tom Hanks
    Charlie’s Wilson War
    Denzel Washington
    American Gangster

    Best Actress
    in a Leading Role:
    Angelina Jolie - winner
    A Mighty Heart
    Keira Knightley
    Atonement
    Cate Blanchett
    Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Marion Cotillard
    La Môme
    Jodie Foster
    The Brave One

    Best Actor
    in a Supporting Role:
    Mark Ruffalo - winner
    Reservation Road
    Alan Rickman
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Alan Arkin
    Rendition
    Casey Affleck
    Gone Baby Gone
    James Cromwell
    Becoming Jane

    Best Actress
    in a Supporting Role:
    Cate Blanchett - winner
    I’m not there
    Meryl Streep
    Evening
    Salma Hayek
    Lonely Hearts
    Helena Bonham Carter
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Vanessa Redgrave
    Atonement

  99. Peter wrote:

    Best Picture:
    Atonement - winner
    The Kite Runner
    Reservation Road
    Rendition
    Charlie Wilson’s War

    Best Actor
    in a Leding Role:
    Joaquin Phoenix - winner
    Reservation Road
    Brad Pitt
    The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
    Jonhy Depp
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Tom Hanks
    Charlie’s Wilson War
    Denzel Washington
    American Gangster

    Best Actress
    in a Leading Role:
    Angelina Jolie - winner
    A Mighty Heart
    Keira Knightley
    Atonement
    Cate Blanchett
    Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Marion Cotillard
    La Môme
    Jodie Foster
    The Brave One

    Best Actor
    in a Supporting Role:
    Mark Ruffalo - winner
    Reservation Road
    Alan Rickman
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Alan Arkin
    Rendition
    Casey Affleck
    Gone Baby Gone
    James Cromwell
    Becoming Jane

    Best Actress
    in a Supporting Role:
    Cate Blanchett - winner
    I’m not there
    Meryl Streep
    Evening
    Salma Hayek
    Lonely Hearts
    Helena Bonham Carter
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Vanessa Redgrave
    Atonement

  100. Jake wrote:

    What? Not even a mention of “Things We Lost In The Fire?”

  101. Kenny wrote:

    My prediction for one of the nominees for Best Actress: The beautiful & talented British icon herself: Ms. Julie Christie. Her performance in “Away From Her” was astounding.

  102. Nurse wrote:

    For some odd reason, I can see Queen Latifah getting another supporting actress nom for Hairspray.

  103. Kei wrote:

    The Oscars have definately lost their stature, it seems to reward people based on perception than on performances. e.g. Salma Hayek was great in Lonely Hearts but she wont get nominated. There seems still to be a “club” and you need to fit the bill.
    If you have won previously and or been nomintated you will get another chance. Charlise Theron will get a nomination for her unconvincing permance for Valley, whilst the Kathrine Herburn of our time Cate Blanchett is getting beaten by Jen Hudson, who can sing but is not at the level of Cate. There is something wrong hear. The Oscars are begining to be a joke!!!

  104. adrian wrote:

    right about the club!! For example salma hayek had been nominated for best actress in 2002, she lost but this year she can have the nomination!!

  105. Peter wrote:

    i agree totally with the club………i mean who saw performance of cate blanchett in notes on scandal and jen’s performance in dreamgirls would tottaly say that the winner was cate that’s for shure…

  106. mikey wrote:

    WHO SHOULD WIN THIS YEAR:
    Best Picture: Into The Wild
    Best Director: Sean Penn
    Best Actor: Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild)
    Best Actress: Jodie Foster (The Brave One)
    Best Sup. Actor: Ben Foster (3:10 to Yuma)
    BEst Sup. Actress: Anjelica Huston (Darjeeling Limited)
    BEst Original SP: Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman, Roman Coppola (Darjeeling Limited)
    BEst Adapted: Sean Penn, John Krakhauer (Into The Wild
    BEst Cinematography: Robert Yoeman (THe Darjeeling Limited).

  107. hagi wrote:

    Best Picture
    American Gangster
    Best Actor
    Rusell Crowe
    Best Actress
    Cate Blanchett
    Best Actor in a Supporting Role
    Ben Foster
    Best Actress in a Supporting Role
    Helena Bonham Carter

  108. Janak wrote:

    What about Tabu’s role in The Namesake by Mira Nair? She undoubtedly gave her first English performance with rave reviews of her portrayal. Mira Nair is pushing for her selection for Best/Supporting Actress. The film was produced by Fox Search Lights.

  109. evie wrote:

    with the exceptions of James Cromwell (becomign jane) and meryl streep (evening) i think Peter;s post on his picks is spot on..

    and it pisses me off because i dont want angelina jolie to win, but i just saw the movie and it was great… i think her only serious competition comes in the form of cate blanchet, who could pull of a double, i mean who knows, she is an excellent actress and well worthy of a double.

    to replace meryl streep i will have to say romola garai for atonement (films getting great buzz, and she’s an excellent underrated actress), and to replace james cromwell (your very very wrong here, he should not get a nod, becoming jane was a beautiful film, but ultimately, when faced with the contenders, a joke) im not entirely sure, casey affleck is supposed to be EXCELLENT in the assassination of jesse james, similarly dont count out james macavoy in atonement or heath ledger in i’m not there.. or even ben whishaw in i;m not there..

    or even anyone in i’m not there. that film has serious oscar buzz written all over the performances, particularly cate’s which has won the venice film festival award blah blah blah.

    i think you might be wrong with mark ruffalo as well, but his only competition in that category comes from alan rickman.. who also deserves an award NOW. too long has he been left unrecognised.,

    i am secretly rooting for johnny depp for sweeny todd though, by god does he deserve it.

  110. Rayven wrote:

    I think ellen page is up for a nomination and possible win for the indie flick Juno…even roger ebert has got her back..check out www.theoscarigloo.com for predictions which I must say has been fairly accurate all this time. So yea im thinking she will take it, even though im still waiting to see the movie…and don’t forget it was ebert who predicted crash to win best picture - it was his number one movie for 2005.

  111. Joey wrote:

    I think your predictions are quite good but you are forgetting that sometimes these awards can be surprising, as witnessed when Crash won best picture up against Brokeback Mountain and Capote. I strongly think that The Darjeeling Limited, Into The Wild and Gone Baby Gone are strong competitiors

  112. Samuel wrote:

    Cate Blanchett will win Best Actress or Best Supporting Best Actor im not sure i reckon the Golden Compass for Best Picture Best Director Shekhar Kapur But Vate rules she is hot too to me anyway she shall win and im sure of it

  113. Barry Nicol wrote:

    Have anybody forgottem 3:10 to Yuma? I believe it is the best picture this year..

  114. johnny wrote:

    will Snow Cake be nominated? Is it too old?

  115. MATT wrote:

    Elizabeth the Golden age was awful! Easily one of the worst movies of the year. Blanchett better not get a nomination. The movie is regretfully bad.

  116. MATT wrote:

    Elizabeth the Golden age was awful! Easily one of the worst movies of the year. Blanchett better not get a nomination. The movie is regretfully bad.

  117. MATT wrote:

    Elizabeth the Golden age was awful! Easily one of the worst movies of the year. Blanchett better not get a nomination. The movie is regretfully bad.

  118. Rayven wrote:

    I just saw atonement. It was a very good movie (not the best movie of the year though). But I don’t know why people are talking about kiera’s acting. It was good but not great enought for an oscar award. If any, I think James’s acting was the best in the movie, and even that isn’t oscar-gold acting. They should be given recognition, but im not too sure about even nominating them. The movie as a whole should be nominated for best picture, rather than indiviual cast members. I give atonement 3 out of 4 stars.

  119. Rayven wrote:

    I just saw atonement. It was a very good movie (not the best movie of the year though). But I don’t know why people are talking about kiera’s acting. It was good but not great enought for an oscar award. If any, I think James’s acting was the best in the movie, and even that isn’t oscar-gold acting. They should be given praise for their acting, but not in the form of acadmey award nomintations. The movie as a whole should be nominated for best picture, rather than indiviual cast members. I give atonement 3 out of 4 stars.

  120. Robby wrote:

    What about Agn Lee and “Lust, Caution”…I know he just won for “Brokeback Mountain”, but it could be the year of double wins.

  121. Anthony wrote:

    Although Marion Cotillard gave an absolutely incredible performance, and I am a huge fan of Cate Blnchett; after watching ‘A Mighty Heart’ I don’t think there is any other choice but to give Angelina Jolie the Best Actress Oscar. I mean she was phenomenal, no other actress in the history of cinema has given such a raw, reserved, honest and provocative performance, and I really didn’t expect her to do much with it… but… she absolutely blew me away. It’s really not something you can hear about. You HAVE to see it to believe it. If she doesn’t win then the person who does will be inconsequential and the Academy Awards would be a joke (unless, of course someone is able to give a more amazing performance from now till nominations - and that is almost impossible).

  122. Beever-Stasia wrote:

    Come on everyone, I am sure The Golden Compass will get two or three nominations but could you seriously consider it for Best Picture.
    I think Best Picture is definitely between Atonement (Look at the set design and the similarity between that and Gone With The Wind) or Revelutionary Road (In my opinion the actors that are destined to win an Academy Award are Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet & Leonardo Dicaprio).

  123. Beever-Stasia wrote:

    Come on everyone, I am sure The Golden Compass will get two or three nominations but could you seriously consider it for Best Picture.
    I think Best Picture is definitely between Atonement (Look at the set design and the similarity between that and Gone With The Wind) or Revelutionary Road (In my opinion the actors that are destined to win an Academy Award are Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet & Leonardo Dicaprio).

  124. Beever-Stasia wrote:

    Come on everyone, I am sure The Golden Compass will get two or three nominations but could you seriously consider it for Best Picture.
    I think Best Picture is definitely between Atonement (Look at the set design and the similarity between that and Gone With The Wind) or Revelutionary Road (In my opinion the actors that are destined to win an Academy Award are Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet & Leonardo Dicaprio).

  125. Beever-Stasia wrote:

    I am sure Hairspray will get a few mentions. I am glad that this website never rules out the least possible chance.

  126. andy wrote:

    I actually think that Anne Hathaway will get a nomination (I mean keira knightley got one for ‘’Pride and Prejudice'’ and so Hathaway will get one for this Jane Austen movie, I think) She will surely not win as she’s only 24 years old. And maybe I’m totally wrong, but Sandra Bullock’s performance in ‘’Premonition'’ was just excellent, so I think she will also be nominated. (like Diane Lane with ‘’Unfaithful'’)

  127. Cameron wrote:

    Sigourney Weaver is one of the greatest actress of out time without an oscar. Sme mad three great movies this year: Snowcake, The TV set and The Girl in the park. She must gat a nom. for the last one.

  128. Cameron wrote:

    Sigourney Weaver is one of the greatest actress of out time without an oscar. She made three great movies this year: Snowcake, The TV set and The Girl in the park. She must gat a nom. for the last one.

  129. Rayven wrote:

    Golden Compass will not be a best picture nominee especially after New Line decided that Peter Jackson was an arrogant man (the same person who gave New Line its biggest hits ever!!!…and Peter would have done the same job for any other major studious) and besides the movie looks like Narnia crap, also there isn’t much hype around it. The only movie for a best picture lock is definitely atonement, and best actress lock is ellen page for juno - who I think should win.Period.

  130. Sandy wrote:

    Have just seen SLEUTH and I must
    say that Jude Law here gives the
    performance of his career and mind
    you he has been nominated 2x before. his range and use of his body, voice, and everything an actor
    could put to use are totally awesome and absolutely require
    the Academy to nominate in the
    least. But this one blew me away.
    Cotillard is my choice for actress.

  131. Sandy wrote:

    Have just seen SLEUTH and I must
    say that Jude Law here gives the
    performance of his career and mind
    you he has been nominated 2x before. his range and use of his body, voice, and everything an actor
    could put to use are totally awesome and absolutely require
    the Academy to nominate in the
    least. But this one blew me away.
    Cotillard is my choice for actress.

  132. Wacky wrote:

    Well, out of the five that were listed above, only “Atonement” thus far seems a contender. “My Blueberry Nights” seems to have been generating almost zero buzz as Oscar season pulls in, and “Reservation Road”, I’m really sorry to say, failed critically. It still has chances, and I’m still very interested in the film, but like I said, its chances have fallen.
    For me, “Atonement” squares off against the fantastic-looking “There Will Be Blood”. “The Kite Runner” is not a bad choice, but it is a dark horse. “Charlie Wilson’s War” seems to have good chances–it’s just that it might fail, and we don’t want that. “American Gangster” has very good chances as well, but “Atonement” will win the race of five so far.
    For Director, it’s probably Ridley Scott (American Gangster) or Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood). Joe Wright looks like he’s done a good job with “Atonement”, so he’ll be in there, too. Mike Nichols and Marc Forster don’t seem too far off, either.
    Actor for me is definitely Daniel Day Lewis for “There Will Be Blood”, while Julie Christie in “Away From Her” is still my bet for Actress. I’d like to see Saoirse Ronan in “Atonement” for Best Supporting Actress and Paul Dano in “There Will Be Blood” for Best Supporting Actor.

  133. valerie wrote:

    Salma Hayek will win a oscar this year and Marion Cotillard too

  134. Luke wrote:

    BEST LEADING ACTRESS:
    -Cate Blanchett - I´M NOT THERE
    -Julie Christie - AWAY FROM HERE
    -Marion Cottilard - LA VIE EN ROSE
    -Halle Berry - THINHS WE LOST IN THE…
    -Keira Knightly - ATONEMENT

    BEST LEADING ACTOR
    -Tom Hanks - CHARLIE WILSON´S WAR
    -George Clooney - MICHAEL CLAYTON
    -Danzel Washington - AMERICAN GANGS
    -Johnny Depp - SWEENEY TODD
    -Joaquin Phoenix - RESERVATION ROAD

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
    -Olympia Dukakis - AWAY FROM HER
    -Vanessa Redgrave - ATONEMENT
    -Reese Witherspoon - PENELOPE
    -Mira Sorvino - RESERVATION ROAD
    -Helena Bonham Carter - SWEENEY TO..

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
    -Mark Ruffallo - RESERVATION ROAD
    -Casey Affleck - THE ASSOSINATION OF.
    -Alan Rickman - SWEENEY TODD
    -Philip Seymour Hoffman - CHARLIE WI..
    -Tom Cruise - LIONS FOR LAMBS

  135. rob bates wrote:

    what about susan sarandon and tommy lee jones for in the valley of elah

  136. rob bates wrote:

    what about susan sarandon and tommy lee jones for in the valley of elah

  137. Benny wrote:

    I can’t believe I’m the first person here to say this:

    Best Supporting Actor: John Travolta in Hairspray

    He was so good in that!!

    And Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah both gave performances worthy of Best Supporting Actress in Hairspray as well!!

  138. Richard wrote:

    How about
    BEST ACTOR
    Richard Gere in The Hoax
    George Clooney in Michael Clayton
    Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
    John Travolta in Hairspray
    Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood
    or
    John Cusack in Grace Is Gone
    Tommy Lee Jones in In The Valley Of Elah
    Joaquin Phoenix in We Own The Night or Reservation Road
    Jude Law in Sleuth
    Michael Caine in Sleuth
    BEST ACTRESS
    Julie Christie in Away From Here
    Marion Cotillard in La Vie En Rose
    Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Angelina Jolie in A Mighty Heart
    Laura Linney in Savages
    or
    Keira Knightley in Atonement
    Keri Russell in Waitress
    Sigourney Weaver in The Girl In The Park
    Scarlett Johanssen in The Other Boleyn Girl
    Meryl Streep
    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
    Ben Foster in 3:10 To Yuma
    Alan Rickman in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Casey Affleck in The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
    Ed Harris In Gone, Baby, Gone
    Mark Ruffalo in Reservation Road or Zodiac
    or
    Josh Brolin in No Country For Old Men
    Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton
    Dan Futterman in A Mighty Heart
    Geoffrey Rush in Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Alfred Molina in The Hoax
    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
    Selma Hayek in Lonely Hearts
    Helena Bonham Carter in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
    Vanessa Redgrave in Atonement
    Amy Ryan in Gone, Baby, Gone
    Meryl Streep in Evening or Rendition
    or
    Michelle Pfeiffer in Hairspray
    Cate Blanchett in I’m Not There
    Natalie Portman in The Other Boleyn Girl
    Olympia Dukakis in Away From Her
    Marcia Gay Harden in Into The Wild
    BEST PICTURE
    The Kite Runner
    Gone, Baby, Gone
    Atonement
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
    Michael Clayton
    or
    American Gangster
    There Will Be Blood
    Into The Wild
    Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Grace Is Gone
    BEST DIRECTOR
    Tim Burton for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Ben Affleck for Gone, Baby, Gone
    Sean Penn for Into The Wild
    Ridley Scott for American Gangster
    Shekhar Kapur for Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    or
    Joe Wright for Atonement
    Marc Forster for The Kite Runner
    Paul Thomas Anderson for There Will Be Blood
    Tony Gilroy for Michael Clayton
    James C. Strouse for Grace Is Gone

  139. Richard wrote:

    How about
    BEST ACTOR
    Richard Gere in The Hoax
    George Clooney in Michael Clayton
    Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
    John Travolta in Hairspray
    Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood
    or
    John Cusack in Grace Is Gone
    Tommy Lee Jones in In The Valley Of Elah
    Joaquin Phoenix in We Own The Night or Reservation Road
    Jude Law in Sleuth
    Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises
    BEST ACTRESS
    Julie Christie in Away From Here
    Marion Cotillard in La Vie En Rose
    Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Angelina Jolie in A Mighty Heart
    Laura Linney in Savages
    or
    Keira Knightley in Atonement
    Keri Russell in Waitress
    Sigourney Weaver in The Girl In The Park
    Scarlett Johanssen in The Other Boleyn Girl
    Meryl Streep
    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
    Ben Foster in 3:10 To Yuma
    Alan Rickman in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Casey Affleck in The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
    Ed Harris In Gone, Baby, Gone
    Mark Ruffalo in Reservation Road or Zodiac
    or
    Josh Brolin in No Country For Old Men
    Tom Wilkinson in Michael Clayton
    Dan Futterman in A Mighty Heart
    Geoffrey Rush in Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Alfred Molina in The Hoax
    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
    Selma Hayek in Lonely Hearts
    Helena Bonham Carter in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
    Vanessa Redgrave in Atonement
    Amy Ryan in Gone, Baby, Gone
    Meryl Streep in Evening or Rendition
    or
    Michelle Pfeiffer in Hairspray
    Cate Blanchett in I’m Not There
    Natalie Portman in The Other Boleyn Girl
    Olympia Dukakis in Away From Her
    Marcia Gay Harden in Into The Wild
    BEST PICTURE
    The Kite Runner
    Gone, Baby, Gone
    Atonement
    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
    Michael Clayton
    or
    American Gangster
    There Will Be Blood
    Into The Wild
    Elizabeth: The Golden Age
    Grace Is Gone
    BEST DIRECTOR
    Tim Burton for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    Ben Affleck for Gone, Baby, Gone
    Sean Penn for Into The Wild
    Ridley Scott for