BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Who I think should win: Adriana Barraza – BABEL. She was outstanding as a housekeeper who gets stuck at the U.S. – Mexico border with the children she’s supposed to watch.
Who will probably win: Jennifer Hudson – DREAMGIRLS. Since it didn’t get nominated for best picture, my guess is that Dreamgirls will take many of the other categories for which it’s nominated.
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Who I think should win: Alan Arkin – LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE. He had me in stitches the whole time he was on screen.
Who will probably win: Eddie Murphy – DREAMGIRLS. First time nomination (I think), and he’s famous. Think: Sean Connery in The Untouchables.
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE
This one is a total shot in the dark, but here’s my guess:
Who might win: Meryl Streep – THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. She’s an academy favorite, and plays a smarmy bitch — something a talented actress can have a lot of fun with.
Who will probably win: Helen Mirren – THE QUEEN. She was already honored for Elizabeth I, so it’s not a stretch. Plus, the Academy loves characters based on real people.
BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE
Again, a shot in the dark.
Who I think should win: Forest Whitaker – THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND. And I think he will win, too. He’s a talented actor, long overdue for an award. And he’s playing a famous person.
BEST DIRECTOR
Who I think should win: Paul Greengrass – UNITED 93. He did an amazing job on this film. It was gripping and tense, but also thoughtful and appropriate.
Who will probably win: Martin Scorsese – THE DEPARTED. He’s long overdue, and the movie was popular. Though, I still wish he had won for Goodfellas.
BEST PICTURE
Who I think should win: Letters from Iwo Jima. The second part of an epic saga, masterfully crafted.
Who will probably win: The Departed. With Dreamgirls out of the way, this could be Scorsese’s year.
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I heard DEAD HUNT won everything
It would have, had we gotten it in theaters before December.