Here are my predictions for the nominees and winners of this year's Academy Awards ceremony, if it does indeed happen, and it seems it will because show producers are vehemently saying that it will take place whether the writers support it or not. (The Oscars have continually brought in millions, perhaps billions, of dollars into the Los Angeles and California economy, so it not happening would be not only distressing for Hollywood, but also the many businesses who count on the Oscars for profit and sustenance.) I'm crossing my fingers for the negotiations and I hope they occur sooner than later (with or without mediation by A-listers, guild heads, etc.) so that dues can be paid to those who have contributed most last year to the art of films, which is as important as making films.
There are some glaring omissions when it comes to categories, but I'm working on it.
Best Original ScoreAtonement --
Will Win / Should WinThere Will Be Blood --
Could WinInto the Wild
Beowulf
Ratatouille
Best CinematographyThe Diving Bell and the Butterfly --
Will WinThere Will Be Blood --
Should WinNo Country for Old Men
Atonement
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford --
Could WinBest EditingSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street --
Will WinMichael Clayton --
Could WinAtonement --
Should WinInto the Wild
No Country for Old Men
Best Original ScreenplayJuno --
Will Win / Should WinMichael Clayton --
Could WinRatatouille
The Savages
Lars and the Real Girl
Best Adaptated ScreenplayNo Country for Old Men --
Will Win / Should WinThere Will Be Blood --
Could WinAtonement
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Best Art DirectionSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street --
Will Win / Should WinAtonement
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
300 -- Could Win
Across the Universe
Best Supporting ActressCate Blanchett :: I'm Not There --
Will Win / Should WinTilda Swinton :: Michael Clayton --
Could WinAmy Ryan :: Gone Baby Gone --
Could WinSaoirse Rohan :: Atonement
Catherine Keener :: Into the Wild
Best Supporting ActorJavier Bardem :: No Country for Old Men --
Will Win / Should WinCasey Affleck :: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford --
Could WinPhilip Seymour Hoffman :: Charlie Wilson's War
Tom Wilkinson :: Michael Clayton
Hal Holbrook :: Into the Wild
Best ActorDaniel Day-Lewis :: There Will Be Blood --
Will Win / Should WinGeorge Clooney :: Michael Clayton --
Could WinJohnny Depp :: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Viggo Mortenson :: Eastern Promises
Ryan Gosling :: Lars and the Real Girl
Best ActressJulie Christie :: Away From Her --
Will Win / Should WinEllen Page :: Juno --
Could WinMarion Cotillard :: La Vie en Rose --
Could WinAngelina Jolie :: A Mighty Heart
Amy Adams :: Enchanted
Best DirectorThe Coen Brothers :: No Country for Old Men --
Will Win / Should WinPaul Thomas Anderson :: There Will Be Blood --
Could WinSean Penn :: Into the Wild --
Could WinTim Burton :: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Julian Schnabel :: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Best PictureNo Country for Old Men --
Will WinThere Will Be Blood --
Should WinAtonement --
Could WinJuno
Michael Clayton