Oscar predictions: A year of no suspense
There will be plenty of writers, but no suspense when Hollywood's elite gather for the 80th time Sunday night to dole out Academy Awards.
With every major category except Best Supporting Actress practically sewn up, ABC and host Jon Stewart are indeed grateful that members of the striking writers guild have returned just in time to hopefully pump some life into what could quickly become a tedious affair.
You know things are dull when the fashions are creating more buzz than the Best Picture nominees, only one of which, "Juno," topped $100 million at the box office. The others - "Atonement," "Michael Clayton," "There Will Be Blood" and the-odds-on-favorite, "No Country for Old Men" - are all art-house flicks that few people have seen.
So where's the excitement? Hopefully in Stewart's opening monologue, when he's sure to do a little Bush-whacking, especially with so many nominated films - either directly, or indirectly - aimed at the current president's foreign and domestic policy.
But don't take a bathroom break when it's time to name Best Supporting Actress, a category with three evenly matched contenders in 2005 winner Cate Blanchett ("I'm Not There"), first-time nominee Amy Ryan (the shot-in-Boston "Gone Baby Gone") and sentimental favorite Ruby Dee ("American Gangster").
If it's the latter, as I suspect it will be, look for a huge outpouring of emotion, both from the 83-year-old Dee (still mourning the 2005 death of husband Ossie Davis), and an audience of peers who hold her in the highest esteem.
It could be the most memorable moment of this year's telecast, especially if the rest of the evening goes as planned. But as we learned last year, when Alan Arkin upended a heavily favored Eddie Murphy for Best Supporting Actor, anything can happen.
Best Actor
The nominees: Daniel Day-Lewis ("There Will Be Blood"), George Clooney ("Michael Clayton"), Johnny Depp ("Sweeney Todd"), Viggo Mortensen ("Eastern Promises"), Tommy Lee Jones ("In the Valley of Elah")
Who should win: Although the film never drew the audience it deserved, you can't discount the power of Johnny Depp's empathetic portrayal of the butchering barber of Fleet Street. Not only was he darkly funny, he also revealed himself to be a terrific singer. And his work with a straight razor is second to none.
Who will win: Bluster means power in Hollywood, and Daniel ("I drink your milkshake") Day-Lewis blustered so forcefully in the vastly overrated "Blood" that no one else stands a chance. So what if his performance lacked moderation and soul, he's British darn it - and loud.
Best Actress
The nominees: Julie Christie ("Away From Her"), Marion Cotillard ("La Vie En Rose"), Ellen Page ("Juno"), Laura Linney ("The Savages"), Cate Blanchett ("Elizabeth: The Golden Age")
Who should win: The horrors of Alzheimer's were brought to three-dimensional life thanks to Julie Christie's wrenching portrayal of a woman losing her mind while finding her purpose in life.
Who will win: It's been 43 years since Julie Christie last won an Oscar ("Darling") so it's high time she won one again.
Best Supporting Actor