BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

• Cate Blanchett (I’m Not There)
• Ruby Dee (American Gangster)
• Saoirse Ronan (Atonement)
• Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone)
• Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton)  

If there is any category that may split voters, it's this one. The "Supporting" Oscars are notorious for surprises, and this year is no different. Consider this category open for an unexpected victor. Even though Cate Blanchett is the odds-on favorite for her transfixing role as Bob Dylan, don't be shocked if Ruby Dee or Amy Ryan gets the call to walk up to the podium for an emotional acceptance speech. Ruby Dee would be an Oscar packed with too much sentiment and not enough honesty. Amy Ryan would be a just choice. Saoirse Ronan or Tilda Swinton would shock the world with a win. While I'm thinking Cate Blanchett, I'm hoping Amy Ryan.   

• Probable Academy Pick: Cate Blanchett
• Possible Upset: Amy Ryan      

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

• Juno
• Lars and the Real Girl
• Michael Clayton
• Ratatouille
• The Savages  

The Best Original Screenplay category is probably the less competitive of the two screenwriting awards. With its tender charm and sharp intellect, Juno is a brilliant script. Diablo Cody deserves the nod and the victory for her freshman debut.  

• Probable Academy Pick: Juno
• Possible Upset: Lars and the Real Girl    

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY 

• Atonement
• Away from Her
• The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
• No Country for Old Men
• There Will Be Blood  

Best Adapted Screenplay is a toss-up. Among the five nominees, all exhibit fine writing from an inspiration. No Country for Old Men is a finely condensed script that serves as the mold for the masterpiece. Yet Atonement expertly depicts the novel's successes — in terms of traversing timelines and its closing. Even though a guarantee cannot be made, No Country for Old Men should capture the "Best Adapted" honor and thus four of the eight major categories.  

• Probable Academy Pick: No Country for Old Men
• Possible Upset: Atonement     

The remainder of my predictions: 

• Animated Feature: Ratatouille
• Art Direction: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
• Cinematography: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
• Costume Design: Atonement
• Documentary: No End in Sight
• Editing: No Country for Old Men
• Foreign Language Film: 12
• Makeup: La Vie en Rose
• Musical Score: Atonement
• Music (Song): "Falling Slowly" (Once)
  
• Sound Editing: Transformers
• Sound Mixing: No Country for Old Men
• Visual Effects: Transformers

Stay tuned for my post-Oscar round-up. Otherwise, see you next year — same place, same time. And don't forget to wear your favorite team's jersey for support!