With the Academy Awards fast approaching, I figured it was time for me to offer up my opinions, picks, and predictions. First, I am extremely upset that Star Wars was not nominated for more Oscars, and that its only nomination was in makeup. It is insulting and frustrating. Also odd is the inclusion of only 3 nominees for Best Original Song. Well, enough of that. I’m now going to give you my breakdown of the categories. For each category I have my prediction of who will win (the nominees can be found here, http://imdb.com/features/rto/2006/oscars ), and my pick if I could choose from any film eligible, whether nominated or not. So without further ado.

Best Short Film, Live Action:
Prediction: Our Time is Up
My Pick: N/A

Best Short Film, Animated:
Prediction: The Moon and the Son
My Pick: The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper

Best Documentary, Short Subjects:
Prediction: The Life of Kevin Carter
My Pick: N/A

Best Documentary, Features:
Prediction: La Marche de l’empereur (March of the Penguins)
My Pick: La Marche de l’empereur (March of the Penguins)

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year:
Prediction: Tsotsi (from South Africa)
My Pick: La Marche de l’empereur (from France)

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year:
Prediction: Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit
My Pick: Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Best Achievement in Visual Effects:
Prediction: King Kong
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Best Achievement in Sound Editing:
Prediction: King Kong
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Best Achievement in Sound:
Prediction: War of the Worlds
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Best Achievement in Makeup:
Prediction: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song:
Prediction: “Travelin’ Through” – Dolly Parton; Transamerica
My Pick: “So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish”; The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score:
Prediction: John Williams; Memoirs of a Geisha
My Pick: John Williams; Memoirs of a Geisha

Best Achievement in Costume Design:
Prediction: Memoirs of a Geisha
My Pick: Memoirs of a Geisha

Best Achievement in Art Direction:
Prediction: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Best Achievement in Editing:
Prediction: The Constant Gardener
My Pick: Walk the Line

Best Achievement in Cinematography:
Prediction: The New World
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Published or Produced
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Pick: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Prediction: Good Night, and Good Luck
My Pick: Wallace and Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Best Achievement in Directing:
Prediction: Ang Lee; Brokeback Mountain
My Pick: George Clooney; Good Night, and Good Luck

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:
Prediction: Rachel Weisz; The Constant Gardener
My Pick: Emma Watson; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:
Prediction: George Clooney; Syriana
My Pick: Ian McDiarmid; Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:
Prediction: Reese Witherspoon; Walk the Line
My Pick: Reese Witherspoon; Walk the Line

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:
Prediction: Philip Seymour Hoffman; Capote
My Pick: Joaquin Phoenix; Walk the Line

Best Picture:
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith