And the Oscar goes to...

As I gear up for the Oscars, I usually find myself asking such questions as "Are they going to give it to the old guy just because?" "How did Judi Dench get nominated again?" "Are they going to snub Martin Scorsese AGAIN?" This year is no exception. I'm hoping they don't award the Oscar to Peter O'Toole just because he's never won one, and he's getting pretty old. I will be so shocked if they snub Scorsese yet again. The man deserves an Oscar already. I mean come on. He's the man behind Goodfellas for god's sake. Of course, I have my favorites who I know will not win, like Leonardo DiCaprio, who I think is deserving based on both of his performances in The Departed and Blood Diamond. Kate Winslet is another of my absolute favorites, and while she was good in Little Children, I don't see that as her best performance. I know she's got a long career in front of her, and she will definitely win in the future. Hollywood can't deny talent like hers. Here are my picks for who will go home with the golden statuette this year, some of which are my hopefuls and not necessarily the forerunners. Based on all previous awards and, quite honestly, worthy performances, Forest Whitaker and Helen Mirren will win best actor and best actress. I won't be surprised if Dreamgirls' Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy take the honors for supporting acting roles. However, a part of me is rooting for Mark Wahlberg for The Departed. (How funny would it be to hear the phrase Oscar Winner Marky Mark?) I'd like to see the adapted screenplay award go to Children of Men (an underappreciated film) and the original screenplay go to Pan's Labyrinth, also my choice for best foreign language film, art direction, and make-up. As you could have probably guessed, I am crossing my fingers for Martin Scorsese to win the best director--finally. And the grand award for best picture I'd like to hear The Departed called out. (Can you tell I like this one?) I don't think Little Miss Sunshine is worthy enough for a best picture. It was a cute film, but not worthy of a best picture recognition. I'm worried since this may be the upset of the night, although it does speak for independent, low budget films, which in the end could be a great message to send to producers, writers, and directors: sometimes small is good.