Predictions

The Oscars are 5 days away, so I figure its time to give in and post my predictions..I'm doing a quick run-through, but if you'd prefer more detailed analysis of all the races, check out Kris's blog..

Best Picture: Brokeback Mountain
This race is all locked up, there's really nothing to say about it- NYFCC, LAFC, SFFC, PGA, DGA, WGA, the Globe + cultural watershed, big box office and critical darling spells OSCAR- anything else would be a huge shock.

Best Director: Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
Best Actor in a Leadin Role: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain
I'm going out on a limb here- Clooney and Giamatti are the frontrunners but they're hardly locked for the win. Brokeback has 3 acting noms and when that happens, at least one can expect a win, Gyllenhaal with his Hollywood Royalty status seems like the film' best bet.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener
I'm predicting her but with caution. Theoratically, any of the ladies other than Frances McDormand could take this, Michelle Williams is probably the spoiler

Best Foreign Film: Tsotsi (South Africa)
Best Animated Short: 9
Best Animated Film: Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Best Live Action Short: Six Shooter
Best Documentary Featue: Going out on a limb here and ignoring the Penguins for the critically acclaimed Darwin's Nightmare
Best Documentary Short: A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin

Best Original Screenplay: Crash
Best Adapted Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain
Best Costume Design: Memoirs of a Geisha
Best Cinematography: Brokeback Mountain
Best Art Direction: Good Night, and Good Luck
Best Film Editing: Crash
Best Makeup: Narnia
Best Original Score: Brokeback Mountain
Best Original Song: 'Travelin' Thru', Dolly Parton from TransAmerica
Best Sound: Walk the Line
Best Sound Editing: King Kong
Best Visual Effects: King Kong

That's about it, if you noticed, I've gone out on a limb and said that George Clooney will go home empty-handed despite the 3 noms...stupid, I know, but I just can't see him winning for Syriana which is his best chance. I'm probably going to regret this come Monday, in fact, I already am...