This is easily one of the best Ocar lists in a long time, with talent ahead of star power, yet amid all this, I still predict ROTK to finally take home the prize because of the sheer amount of time, energy, and resources put into the film, and then, it's unsurp ed success.

Peter Jackson deserves a lifetime achievement award, not just the Best Director. He spent the better part of 6 years making, editting, and shooting these films. Anything less than a sweep for ROTK would be a severe kick in the teeth.

I think Sean Penn lost his chance at an Oscar by not attending the GG, and plus, with Billy Murray's great acceptance speech, he finally made some people smile who had long grimaced when he was around. Though, I would be giddy of J. Depp won, this year seems to be Murray's.

As for the other catagories....

Give it to the Monster, Charlize for best Actress,
Tim, the Protester, for Supporting Actor,
And Holly Hunter for Supporting Actress, Thirteen was actually a great movie, though it hardly got any publicity.

I predict ROTK's takes home 8 awards including Best Picture to lead this year.

My only regret was that Sean Astin or Andy Serkis didn't get nominated because their work was really what lifted this film above the first two... but, I understand that it was the whole ensemble that really pushed these films, so it's okay. Honestly, when will the Academy add a Best Ensemble Acting category?