Cicero handicaps the Oscars without seeing most of the movies:

[cicero_in_pants]

My predictions, solely based on the state of the zeitgeist as felt in my gut.

Performance by an actor in a leading role

Forest Whitaker - THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls (if there is a backlash against Jennifer Hudson, he prospers)

Performance by an actress in a leading role

Helen Mirren - THE QUEEN (Its a lock)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

Jennifer Hudson - DREAMGIRLS  (or will there be a backlash?)

Best animated feature film of the year

HAPPY FEET (many people say Cars. I'm stickin' with the Penguins)

Achievement in cinematography

PAN'S LABYRINTH

Achievement in costume design

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

Achievement in directing

THE DEPARTED (Rewarding Scorsese)

Best documentary feature

AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

Best foreign language film of the year

PAN'S LABYRINTH

Achievement in makeup

PAN'S LABYRINTH

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

"I Need to Wake Up" - AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

(The three Dreamgirl songs split the vote. )

Best motion picture of the year

THE DEPARTED  - (rewarding Scorsese)

Achievement in sound editing

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Achievement in sound mixing

DREAMGIRLS

Achievement in visual effects

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
POSEIDON

Adapted screenplay

William Monahan, THE DEPARTED

Original screenplay

Michael Arndt, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
See ya on Oscar Night.