While typing this up I began to realize how borderline obnoxious it is that my partner in blog, Oscar Dahl shares his name with the ubiquitous, coveted golden statue. But, once a year we must grit our teeth, embrace the madness and attempt to set a record for just how many times we can use the "O" word in one post.

What follows are the predictions in the "major categories" (sorry sound effects editing) from myself and the aforementioned "O" man. As you will see we rarely deviate too far from one another and, for once in far too long, seem to think that the Academy may be on the right track to handing out awards to the proper recipients for a change. As such you may also notice that there are almost no discrepancies between the "should" and "will" brackets. This is very rare to say the least.

With just over two weeks to go until game time the race has tightened up. But most conclusions seem, nonetheless, all but foregone. We'll see...

PICTURE

Matt:

Should- THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Will- THE KING’S SPEECH

Oscar:

Should- THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Will- THE SOCIAL NETWORK

DIRECTOR

Matt:

Should- David Fincher
Will- David Fincher

Oscar:

Should- David Fincher
Will- David Fincher

ACTOR

Matt:

Should- Colin Firth
Will- Colin Firth

Oscar:

Should- Colin Firth
Will- Colin Firth

ACTRESS

Matt:

Should- Natalie Portman
Will- Natalie Portman

Oscar:

Should- Natalie Portman
Will- Natalie Portman

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Matt:

Should- Christian Bale
Will- Christian Bale

Oscar:

Should- Christian Bale
Will- Christian Bale

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Matt:

Should- Jacki Weaver
Will- Melissa Leo

Oscar:

Should- Hailee Steinfeld
Will- Hailee Steinfeld

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Matt:

Should- Christopher Nolan
Will- Christopher Nolan

Oscar:

Should- David Seidler
Will- David Seidler

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Matt:

Should- Aaron Sorkin
Will- Aaron Sorkin

Oscar:

Should- Aaron Sorkin
Will- Aaron Sorkin

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Matt:

Should- Wally Pfister
Will- Roger Deakins

Oscar:

Should- Matthew Libatique
Will- Roger Deakins