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OscarNattersWatch: Fearless Predictions (aka this and $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee in some cheap places.)

Posted at 2:17 PM on February 22, 2008 by Euan Kerr

This year's Oscar race has some real tension to it. There are a bunch of good films, and a broad range from which Academy members have to choose. I'm thinking there won't be a blow-out winner as a result.

Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" The Day-Lewis portrayal of a man whose obsession with oil shapes his entire existance is a masterful piece of work. It captures the tiny details and huge passions of a complex man.

Best Actress: Ellen Page in "Juno" This is a gut prediction more than anything else. While Julie Christie is a sentimental favorite, "Away from Her" is really the story of her character's husband. "Juno" is however Ellen Page's playground, and she's captivating.

Best Director: Joel and Ethan Coen for "No Country for Old Men The Coen brothers have a unique way of telling a cinematic story. Tiny throw away moments take on huge importance. Huge events happen off camera, and become larger as a result. In a crowded field the Coens will take the directing crown.

Best Supporting Actress: Tilda Swinton in "Michael Clayton" This is another hard one, but Swinton's portrait of a corporate lawyer projecting a steely demeanor while on the edge of collapse will take the prize.

Best Supporting Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman in"Charlie Wilson's War" While Javier Bardem creates a monster in his "No Country" Hoffman's over-the-top CIA bureaucrat burning to save the world by providing money to the Afghans fighting the Russians will prevail.

Best Film: No Country for Old Men

Other predictions: Diablo Cody will take best screenplay, Ronald Harwood for best adaptation, "Falling Slowly" from "Once" for best song.

On consideration this is really a wish list. Roll on Sunday.