Oscar Nomination Predictions for 2009

Okay, it's that time of year: time for my Oscar nomination predictions. I don't claim any special insight or knowledge - just testing my knack for predicting. Feel free to add your comments for anything you've think I've missed or zany picks you would have never included. Since my time is limited and Oscars are long, I'm just focusing on the major awards.

So far, the only major films I don't think I've seen are Frost/Nixon, The Wrestler, and Revolutionary Road, which haven't been released in our area. I reserve the right to update this after I see them.

Screenplay
Peter Morgan - Frost / Nixon
Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionaire
Eric Roth - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
David Hare - The Reader
John Patrick Shanley - Doubt

will win: Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionaire
should win: David Hare - The Reader

Directing
Clint Eastwood - Gran Torino
David Fincher - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Gus van Sant - Milk
Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry - The Reader

will win: Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire
should win: Stephen Daldry - The Reader

Supporting Actress
Kate Winslet - The Reader
Francis McDormand - Burn After Reading
Taraja P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Amy Adams - Doubt
Penelope Cruz - Vickie Christina Barcelona

will win: Kate Winslet - The Reader
should win: Kate Winslet - The Reader

Supporting Actor
Heath Ledger - Batman: The Dark Knight
Philip Seymore Hoffman - Doubt
Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder
David Kross - The Reader
Emile Hirsch - Milk

will win: Heath Ledger - Batman
should win: Heath Ledger - Batman

Lead Actress
Angelina Jolie - The Changeling
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Kate Blanchette - The Curious Case of Banjamin Button

will win: Angelina Jolie - The Changeling
should win: Meryl Streep - Doubt

Lead Actor
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Clint Eastwood - Gran Torino
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
Leonardo diCaprio - Revolutionary Road

will win: Clint Eastwood- Gran Torino
should win: Sean Penn - Milk

Best Film
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Milk
The Reader
Frost / Nixon
Slumdog Millionaire

will win: Slumdog Millionaire
should win: The Reader