So, only a few days to go. Who will walk away with a new bookend Sunday night? I’ll make my guesses as well as comment on who I think should win in selected categories.

Actor: Here I think my choice will win – Daniel Day-Lewis in There Will Be Blood. All the actors nominated are exceptional, but Day-Lewis was head and shoulders above them.

Actress: I expect the voters for the Academy will go with Julie Christie in Away From Her. But Marion Cotillard’s role as Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose was the most outstanding performance by an actor of either gender this year. I’d love to see her win it, but I think a role in a French language film is going to have a very uphill battle.

Supporting Actor: I’d be happy with any of the nominees winning. My guess is that Hal Holbrook will get the nod for his role in Into the Wild because some folks may consider his body of work as a tie breaker in a very close race. My choice vacillates between Holbrook and Casey Affleck in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

Supporting Actress: I expect Cate Blanchett will gather her second Oscar in this category for channeling Bob Dylan in I’m Not There. I think, though, that Amy Adams may be just a hair more deserving for her role in Gone Baby Gone.

Director: I think the Coen brothers will win for No Country for Old Men. That isn’t a bad choice, but I think Julian Schnabel transformed The Diving Bell and the Butterfly into glorious work of visual art.

Cinematography: My choice is Janusz Kaminski for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and I think the Academy will agree.

Adapted Screenplay: I think the Coen brothers will get it for No Country for Old Men, but as in the Director category, I’d prefer The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Ronald Harwood’s adaptation.

Original Screenplay: Another category filled with worthy winners. I suspect Diablo Cody will score for Juno. I’d really love to see Nancy Oliver get it for Lars and the Real Girl.

Documenary Feature: I’ve only seen three of the nominees in this category. No End in Sight will, I think, but the Academy’s choice. War/Dance was the best doc I saw last year.

Animated Feature: Ratatouille all the way.

Best Picture: I think it’s going to be a good night for No Country for Old Men. I wouldn’t be disappointed by any of them winning. I’d be voting for No Country.

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