Picture
Will Win: The Artist
Why: The Artist was the first black and white silent film I've ever seen in the theaters and it was quite an experience. I didn't realize how much power dialogue held in storytelling. I won't take it for granted next time. Every single person in that movie deserves an Academy award due to how much emotion they were able to convey without words. It's also swept up almost every pre-Oscar award, which helps.
Should Win: The Artist
Actor
Will Win: George Clooney
Why: Although I haven't seen The Descendants, it'd be tough to find someone who could beat Clooney this year. Clooney is one of my favorite actors and, from all the acclaim he's gotten from critics and moviegoers alike, I'd put my money on him to win. He's also won a great deal of the pre-Oscar awards.
Should Win: Jean Dujardin
Why: Anyone who can tell such a story with their eyes and their actions deserves an Oscar. He's an incredible actor and I sincerely hope he decides to continue doing US films. I don't mind reading subtitles, I'd just like to be able to hear him talk.
Actress
Will Win: Viola Davis
Why: There's a pretty tight race between Viola Davis and Meryl Streep this year but, Viola Davis gave one of the most moving performances of the year and there has been some backlash against The Iron Lady. But, besides all that, it comes down to who gave the better performance, and I think it was Viola Davis. She deserves it and I believe she'll win it.
Should Win: Viola Davis
Supporting Actor
Will Win: Christopher Plummer
Why: I haven't seen any of the performances in this category besides Jonah Hill in Moneyball. SO this would be the category I'm least qualified to predict. But from all the pre-Oscar awards he's won, I'd be surprised if Christopher Plummer didn't win.
Should Win: Andy Serkis
Why: Before you tell me he can't win because he isn't nominated, let me tell you, I know. It was the most moving performance of the year. It also led to the best moment in the movie theaters I've ever experienced. He deserves the Oscar more than anyone I've seen and it's a shame he didn't get nominated. Hollywood needs to embrace the motion capture animation more (I've been a long time supporter of motion capture) or they're going to miss out on some of the best performances and movies ever.
Supporting Actress
Will Win: Octavia Spencer
Why: The role was funny, smart, witty, and surprisingly moving; Octavia Spencer channeled Minny Jackson in such a terrific way, it would be incredibly surprising if she didn't get an award for it. Then again, surprises are what the Academy is known for. All of these women gave terrific performances (I didn't see Melissa McCarthy's much talked about role in Bridesmaids, nor Janet McTeer in Albert Nobbs) and they all deserve it. But the one to take away the award will most likely be Spencer.
Should Win: Octavia Spencer
Animated Feature Film
Will Win: Rango
Should Win: The Adventures of Tin-Tin
Director
Will Win: Michael Hazanavicius "The Artist"
Should Win: Martin Scorsese "Hugo"
Original Screenplay
Will Win: Woody Allen "Midnight in Paris"
Should Win: Michael Hazanavicius "The Artist"
Adapted Screenplay
Will Win: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash, "The Descendants"
Should Win: John Logan "Hugo"
Foreign Language Film
I can't judge this one, I haven't seen any of the nominated films
Original Score
Will Win: Ludovic Bource "The Artist"
Should Win: Ludovic Bource "The Artist"
Original Song
Will Win: "Man or Muppet" The Muppets - Music and Lyrics by Bret McKenzie
Should Win: "Man or Muppet" The Muppets - Music and Lyrics by Bret McKenzie
Cinematography
Will Win: Guillaume Schiffman (The Artist)
Should Win: Robert Richardson (Hugo)
Art Direction
Will Win: "Hugo"
Should Win: "Hugo"
Costume Design
Will Win: "The Artist"
Should Win: "Hugo"
Documentary Feature
I can't judge this one, I haven't seen any of the nominated films
Documentary Short Subject
I can't judge this one, I haven't seen any of the nominated films
Film Editing
Will Win: "The Artist"
Should Win: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
Makeup
Will Win: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
Should Win: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
Both Short Film Categories
I can't judge these, I haven't seen any of the nominated films
Sound Editing
Will Win: "Hugo"
Should Win: "Hugo"
Sound Mixing
Will Win: "Hugo"
Should Win: "Real Steel"
Visual Effects
Will Win: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
Should Win: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2"
