The Oscars 2009

It has already been an entire year since the Oscars! And what a great year for movies it has been. Granted, there have been some really terrible movies this year ('College Road Trip,' '10,000 BC,' and 'Nights in Rodanthe' come immediately to mind), but there were a lot of films I really liked. For me, the movies I liked in 2008 seemed to have the common theme of something greater than yourself. Some of the movies I liked were recognized by the Academy, or the Oscars: Richard Jenkins' performance in 'The Visitor,' 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' 'Slumdog Millionaire,' and Angelina Jolie's performance in 'Changeling.' And some of my favorite movies weren't fully recognized: 'The Secret Life of Bees,' 'Cloverfield,' everything else about 'Changeling' and 'The Visitor.'

But the Oscars are a culmination of a whole year of glitz and glamour, and as I said last year, it is one of the premiere competitions in the Holiday family. Last year I correctly picked all of the categories that I am again guessing this year, so I have a lot to live up to. Jillian and I are hoping to improve our overall performance (12 of 24 for Jillian, 15 of 24 for me), but this is bound to be an exciting year with a lot of surprises, and with Hugh Jackman hosting, it is guaranteed to be entertaining.

Here are my predictions. I am once again going for a major upset, but who says lightning can't strike twice?! On the ones I'm going against my emotions on, I will also note my personal favorite choice.

Best Picture- 'Slumdog Millionaire'
(should win: 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button')
Best Actor- Sean Penn for 'Milk'
(should win: Richard Jenkins for 'The Visitor')
Best Actress- Kate Winslet for 'The Reader'
(should win: Meryl Streep for 'Doubt')
Best Supporting Actor- Heath Ledger for 'The Dark Knight'
Best Supporting Actress- Viola Davis for 'Doubt'
Best Director- Danny Boyle for 'Slumdog Millionaire'
Best Original Screenplay- 'Milk'
(should win: 'In Bruges')
Best Adapted Screenplay- 'Slumdog Millionaire'
Best Animated Feature- 'Wall-E'
(should win: 'Kung Fu Panda')