...and now for something of real import...My Oscar Picks!

As the Academy Awards are a mere month away, it is once again time for me to make my annual picks.

Heed these picks, for I am usually quite accurate, though sadly this time, I have not had the pleasure of viewing FOUR of the FIVE best picture nominees (through no fault of my own, as THREE of them are still only playing in select cities, of which Savannah is not considered). I have a feeling this will change soon, as lesser known best picture nominees usually receive a wider release once the nomination is bestowed. I look forward to seeing all of them before the ceremony and thus, my predictions are subject to change.

Oscars 2005: The nominations

77th Academy Awards, to be held in Hollywood on 27 February.

Best film
The Aviator - ........WINNER (they'll finally hook Marty up)
Million Dollar Baby
Finding Neverland
Ray
Sideways

Best actor
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Jamie Foxx - Ray ......WINNER (shoo-in)
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator

Best actress
Hilary Swank - Million Dollar Baby
Imelda Staunton - Vera Drake
Kate Winslet - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Annette Bening - Being Julia - WINNER
Catalina Sandino Moreno - Maria Full of Grace

Best supporting actor
Alan Alda - The Aviator
Clive Owen - Closer ......WINNER
Jamie Foxx - Collateral
Thomas Haden Church - Sideways
Morgan Freeman - Million Dollar Baby

Best supporting actress
Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
Virginia Madsen - Sideways ......WINNER (close: between Portman & her)
Laura Linney - Kinsey
Sophie Okonedo - Hotel Rwanda
Natalie Portman - Closer

Best director
Martin Scorsese - The Aviator WINNER (it's his year - they've stiffed him to many times before)
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Alexander Payne - Sideways
Taylor Hackford - Ray
Mike Leigh - Vera Drake

Best animated feature film
The Incredibles - WINNER
Shark Tale
Shrek 2

Best adapted screenplay
Before Sunset - WINNER
Finding Neverland
Million Dollar Baby
The Motorcycle Diaries
Sideways

Best original screenplay
The Aviator
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind -- WINNER
Hotel Rwanda
The Incredibles
Vera Drake


Best documentary feature
Born into Brothels
The Story of Weeping Camel
Super Size Me - WINNER
Tupac: Resurrection
Twist of Faith