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Nat's prediction: Both Avatar and The Hurt Locker have faced backlash – the latter for its barred producer and lack of box office success, the former for being a visually stunning blockbuster and little else - but the Academy love a massive blockbuster, and Avatar’s revolutionary technology won’t hurt it either. Regrettably, I’d say the blue aliens might just get it.
Peter's prediction: Sadly, I am going to have to give this to Avatar. Its Golden Globe win over The Hurt Locker could have been the final piece to fall into place, ensuring the first ever win for a science-fiction film.
Hannah's prediction: Despite what Peter and Nat say, I'm still putting my money (literally) on The Hurt Locker. It won at the BAFTAs, and its loss at the Globes hopefully means it should be recognised now. Fingers crossed.
Former wife and husband Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) and James Cameron (Avatar) are currently tied 1-1 for Golden Globe and BAFTA, so it could be anyone’s game. The slight edge though might go to Bigelow, who masterfully directed some of the tensest scenes ever witnessed on-screen. Pair that with her potentially being the first female director to win this award, changing the directing playing field entirely, and you have yourself a winner.
Prediction: Kathryn Bigelow
It has to be Colin Firth, it can't be anyone else... well it can, but it shouldn't. Jeff Bridges won the Golden Globe, but everyone's talking about Firth. I'll personally make him a statuette if he doesn't win.
Prediction: Colin Firth
Initially this award's season, Meryl Streep immediately emerged as the first favourite, however she lost momentum too quickly, and when she jointly won the BFCA award with Sandra Bullock she has just fallen at the penultimate hurdle. As such, having taken both the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award on her own, the odds have to favour Sandra Bullock now. Only Gabourney Sidibe is left now to provide a last minute upset.
Prediction: Sandra Bullock
All the momentum is with Christoph Waltz after his wins at the Globes and the BAFTAs for his turn in Inglourious Basterds. Stanley Tucci deserves particular mention for his role in The Lovely Bones, but it should go to Waltz. Who knew being evil was so profitable?
Prediction: Christoph Waltz
Alongside Best Supporting Actor this has been an incredibly one-sided awards story. Former comedian and TV personality Mo’Nique absolutely has to take this. Not only has she got momentum but she is the most deserving of the entire field. Only Anna Kendrick, for her scene-stealing role in Jason Reitman’s Up In The Air, has a slim chance of stealing this award (and I mean SLIM).
Prediction: Mo'Nique
This year has been a two-horse race between The White Ribbon and Un Prophète, with both of them notching up awards. Past voting patterns suggest The White Ribbon should be the film to watch. However, with this award (more than most) the Academy is always keen to rebel against common opinion, so Argentine film El Secreto de Sus Ojos could still stand a chance. But favour still has to lie with The White Ribbon if we’re being honest.
Prediction: The White Ribbon
With a lack of serious competition, virtually zero backlash to go against it and being one of the most heart-warming films of the year, Up is a shoo-in for this award. None of the other nominees pack its punch-power.
Prediction: Up
With one of the wackiest rewrites of World War II, Tarantino would be a fully deserving winner for Inglourious Basterds, a film that entertained, horrified and sent a twisted message all at the same time. The Hurt Locker is also a legitimate contender, but perhaps the likelihood it might win other awards will open this one up to someone else.
Prediction: Inglourious Basterds – Quentin Tarantino
An Education and critics' favourite District 9, are both worthy nominees, but Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner won at the Globes for their screenplay of Up in the Air. If Up in the Air doesn't win any acting prizes, the Academy voters should at least recognise its script.
Prediction: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner for Up in the Air
The Oscars are on Sunday 7th March. Check out our liveblog of the event, starting with the red carpet from 11pm.
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