While Paul Thomas Anderson is finally given credit where credit is due, There Will Be Blood is not his best directorial effort, or best film for that matter. Again, Tony Gilroy’s lack of buzz skips a mention, and while Jason Reitman worked well with his cast and script, he doesn’t stand up to the bigger names in the category. In lesser hands, No Country for Old Men could have been an average endeavor. But placed in the palms of the Coens, the motion picture is a full-fledged work of art. Forget mentioning No Country for Old Men among the ranks of Raising Arizona, O Brother Where Art Thou, The Big Lebowski, and even Fargo. Place this Texas tale of drugs, murder, and vengefulness above the aforementioned and among the best of the decade. And, hand the Coens their first gold for direction.  

• Probable Academy Pick: Ethan Cohen, Joel Cohen
• Possible Upset: Julian Schnabel   

BEST ACTOR 

• George Clooney (Michael Clayton)
• Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)
• Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
• Tommy Lee Jones (In the Valley of Elah)
• Viggo Mortensen (Eastern Promises)   

There might as well be one nominee. No one besides Day-Lewis stands a “bloody” chance. While Clooney is an Academy favorite, Depp shows why he is one of the most versatile actors alive, and Jones and Mortensen put out great work, Day-Lewis will drink everyone else's milkshake and clutch the statue. To boot, he’ll most likely mention Heath Ledger’s death one more time.  

• Probable Academy Pick: Daniel Day-Lewis
• Possible Upset: Non-existent   

BEST ACTRESS

• Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth: The Golden Age)
• Julie Christie (Away from Her)
• Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose)
• Laura Linney (The Savages)
• Ellen Page (Juno)  

Julie Christie delivers a career performance. Under Sarah Polley, she is affectingly raw in exhibiting her character's Alzheimer's. At the same time, Marion Cotillard becomes Edith Piaf. With the assistance of top-notch make-up, Cotillard looks, sings, and acts just like Piaf. If you haven't heard of Edith Piaf, familiarize yourself with her story and music. If you haven't seen La Vie en Rose, make time to soak in Cotillard's wonder.  

Next to the French actress, no one has received more press concerning their nomination than Ellen Page. For Page to take on the role of an eloquently rebellious pregnant teenager is one thing, but for her to execute the part like she did is another. Page carries the most buzz and that, perhaps, could lead to an upset. Linney is worthy, but forgettable. Blanchett will get her recognition elsewhere. So, that leaves three. Put your money on Christie with a safety wager on Cotillard.   

• Probable Academy Pick: Julie Christie
• Possible Upset: Marion Cotillard    

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

• Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)
• Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
• Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Charlie Wilson’s War)
• Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild)
• Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton)  

Javier Bardem. Period. Bardem’s ability to appear more villainous and capable of stalking down any victim easier than Michael Myers is a testament to his unruffled, yet hair-raising, character. Additionally, in his quiet, unapproachable, and crazed role, Bardem encompasses the supremacy of No Country for Old Men and his portrait of a fictionalized villain goes down in history as one of the best.   

• Probable Academy Pick: Javier Bardem
• Possible Upset: Non-existent