The writer’s strike is over and the show can go on—thankfully. Amidst all the hand-wringing about how 2007 was the year of the “dark” film and network executives fretting over anticipated low ratings, for the film-lover Oscar night is like Super Bowl Sunday.

It’s a celebration of great films, performances, creativity and I, for one, can’t wait.

So, once again, I am throwing my hat in the ring and predicting who I think will go home clutching the coveted Oscar in the six major categories.

BEST PICTURE

Atonement—The most puzzling film of the five nominated. No doubt director Joe Wright has created a visually stunning piece of work and garnered great performances from his actors but, as a story, this one left a lot to be desired. I could name at least six other films that deserved this nomination more.

Juno—This small-budget indie film has become the Cinderella story of the year. Personally, it is my favorite film of the year and the one that I am most likely to watch repeatedly. I would love to see this film win but I think it just might be too cool for its own good and skew to a younger audience—this does not bode well for its chances.

Michael Clayton—A solid effort by director Tony Gilroy who gives his own fresh twist on the legal-thriller genre. Contains one of the most chilling murder sequences I have ever seen on film—far scarier than anything in No Country For Old Men.

No Country For Old Men—The Coen Brothers’ dark adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy novel has it all—a killer (no pun intended) storyline, quirky humor, amazing performances, and an ending that stirs debate and discussion.

There Will Be Blood—Love it or hate it—one thing you can’t do is forget it. A sweeping epic, beautifully crafted from beginning to end.

“And the Oscar goes to…”
No Country For Old Men. As much as I would love to see Juno sneak off with an upset here, I just don’t see it happening. No Country For Old Men will stand the test of time as a classic.

BEST ACTOR

George Clooney, Michael Clayton—Even after strong performances in past films (The Perfect Storm, Syriana)I have always had trouble with Clooney being just another pretty Hollywood face. No longer. His intense performance walked a fine line between desperation, vulnerability, and powder-keg volatility.

Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood—Hands down one of the best actors of our time. He always chooses interesting roles and his performance as slick-talking oilman Daniel Plainview was one for the ages.

Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd—While I was disappointed that the film was overlooked, there is no doubt that Depp was made to play Sweeney Todd. Forget the fact that he sings, although he was amazing at that too—he captured the broken soul of Benjamin Barker, hell-bent to get his revenge with razor-sharp precision.

Tommy Lee Jones, In The Valley of Elah—As the father of a fallen U.S. soldier, Jones perfectly captured the desperation of a man looking for answers and the heartbreaking sadness in his eyes will bring a tear to yours.

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