I Predict: The Oscars

With the Oscars just a few days away I figured I'd pipe in with my opinions and logical choices in the big four categories: Best Picture, Best Performance by an Actor and Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Director for the 80th Annual Academy Awards. (Note: All odds and picks are my opinion)

Best Picture

Atonement- Odds of Winning: 20%

Juno- Odds of Winning: 15%

Michael Clayton- Odds of Winning: 5%

There Will Be Blood- Odds of Winning: 25%

No Country for Old Men- Odds of Winning: 35%

My Pick: Atonement
Probable Winner: No Country for Old Men
Reasoning:
'Atonement' is driven by a powerful story and is one of the more rounded movies of the award season. 'There Will Be Blood' could very well win, but may be hurt by its lack of an obvious plot (it's a character driven story.) 'No Country' is the likely winner through the power-house direction and strong performances. One of the biggest snubs of the season is Tommy Lee Jones not receiving a nomination for Supporting Actor alongside Javier Bardem. This year is one of the tightest races in modern Oscar history, don't be shocked to see any of the three front-runners win, or even a surprise win for 'Juno' by virtue of the hype machine.

Best Actor in a Leading Role

George Clooney: Michael Clayton- Odds of Winning: 4%

Johnny Depp: Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street- Odds of Winning: 2%

Daniel Day-Lewis: There Will Be Blood- Odds of Winning: 90%

Tommy Lee Jones: In The Valley of Ellah- Odds of Winning: 2%

Viggo Mortensen: Easter Promises- Odds of Winning: 4%

My Pick: Daniel Day-Lewis
Probable Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis
Reasoning:
Daniel Day-Lewis... 'Nuff said.


Best Actress in a Leading Role

Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth: The Golden Age- Odds of Winning: 5%

Julie Christie: Away From Her- Odds of Winning: 40%

Ellen Page: Juno- Odds of Winning: 40%

Laura Linney: The Savages- Odds of Winning: 10%

Marion Cotillard: La Vie En Rose- Odds of Winning: 5%

My Pick: Ellen Page
Probable Winner: Ellen Page
Reasoning:
In what looks like a two-woman race between Ellen Page and Julie Christie; Page could very well win thanks to the large amount of hype that 'Juno' has been receiving. Which is well-earned through her young age (21) and versatility she showed in her performance


Director(s)

Jason Reitman: Juno- Odds of Winning: 25%

Tony Gilroy: Michael Clayton- Odds of Winning: 15%

Joel Coen and Ethan Coen: No Country for Old Men- Odds of Winning: 30%

Paul Thomas Anderson: There Will Be Blood- Odds of Winning: 25%

Julian Schnabel: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly- Odds of Winning: 5%

My Pick: Paul Thomas Anderson
Probable Winner: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Reasoning
Both nominations are well earned. If only all three could walk away with an award for the achievement in directing. Again do not be surprised if one or the other wins.

See ya Feb. 24 at 7 PM central