My predictions for the Oscar nominations were very unsuccessful. The Academy chose many safe movies, such as "The Aviator" and "Finding Neverland", rather than nominations of strong movies that deserved recognition. In short, Hollywood sucks. One can take solace in the Independent Spirit Awards that is held the night before the Oscars, and honors films that are strong on plot, directing, and acting. Here are my predictions for the winners of the Academy Awards.

Best Picture: SIDEWAYS
Best Actor: Jamie Foxx in RAY
Best Supporting Actor: Morgan Freeman in MILLION DOLLAR BABY
Best Actress: Catalina Sandino Moreno in MARIA FULL OF GRACE
Best Supporting Actress: Laura Linney in KINSEY
Best Animated Film: THE INCREDIBLES
Best Art Direction: THE AVIATOR
Best Cinematography: HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS
Best Costume: TROY
Best Director: Mike Leigh for VERA DRAKE
Best Documentary: SUPER SIZE ME
Best Documentary Short: HARDWOOD
Best Film Editing: THE AVIATOR
Best Foreign Film: THE SEA INSIDE
Best Makeup: LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
Best Music: THE VILLAGE
Best Song: "Look To Your Path" from THE CHORUS
Best Short Animated Film: GOPHER BROKE
Best Short Film: LITTLE TERRORIST
Best Sound Mixing: THE AVIATOR
Best Sound Editing: THE INCREDIBLES
Best Special Effects: I, ROBOT
Best Adapted Screenplay: THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES
Best Original Screenplay: ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND