Predictions:
Best motion picture of the year
THE DEPARTED
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Will Smith - THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Forest Whitaker - THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
More than likely, Forest. I'm dying to see it but I've been hearing rave reviews by people I know who have seen it.
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Alan Arkin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (wow! no way, though)
Djimon Hounsou - BLOOD DIAMOND (he's definitely in a head-to-head match, I'd say)
Eddie Murphy - DREAMGIRLS (but I've also heard reviews on his performance. I'll put money on Eddie)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
Helen Mirren - THE QUEEN (There is no question. I'd be willing to bet my entire family's fortune on this one)
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Adriana Barraza - BABEL (head-to-head with Hudson)
Abigail Breslin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (Cuteeee! No way, again)
Jennifer Hudson - DREAMGIRLS (Will they really give an Oscar to an American Idol finalist? Hmmmm...one to watch)
Achievement in art direction
PAN'S LABYRINTH (There hasn't been a more visually stunning film this year. It will more than likely sweep all the art awards)
THE PRESTIGE (I wish!)
Achievement in cinematography
THE BLACK DAHLIA (I'd kill myself)
CHILDREN OF MEN (60% sure)
PAN'S LABYRINTH (close, very close)
Achievement in costume design
DREAMGIRLS
THE QUEEN
I'd pick, but I haven't seen these movies. There's no way the other two are Oscar forerunners.
Achievement in directing
THE DEPARTED (no snub this year)
Achievement in film editing (this is by far the hottest award this year. Every contender is worthy)
BABEL
BLOOD DIAMOND
CHILDREN OF MEN
THE DEPARTED
UNITED 93
So worthy, I can't decide.
Best foreign language film of the year
PAN'S LABYRINTH (I'm going to say Pan, even though it's the only one I've seen)
Achievement in makeup
CLICK (hah! no!)
PAN'S LABYRINTH (Yes)
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
"I Need to Wake Up" - AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
"Listen" - DREAMGIRLS
"Love You I Do" - DREAMGIRLS
"Our Town" - CARS
"Patience" - DREAMGIRLS
It's obviously going to be from Dreamgirls...
Achievement in visual effects
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST (it might go to Pirates...)
Adapted screenplay
BORAT CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN (funny! But no way)
THE DEPARTED (yep)
Original screenplay
BABEL
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
PAN'S LABYRINTH
THE QUEEN
Veeeeeery tricky. I have no idea, but I'm leaning towards The Queen.