It's that time of year again, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defends its dubious title as the authority on America's preeminent cinematic achievements.
This year is full of the usual suspects: directors Clint Eastwood, present for three of the last four years, and Martin Scorsese, the six-time nominee. Meryl Streep also garnered her 14th nomination, a new record.
There are some newcomers present as well. The art house hit "Little Miss Sunshine" has been nominated for Best Picture, and its diminutive star Abigail Breslin, 10 years old, for Actress in a Supporting Role. After a long career, Eddie Murphy finally got his first nomination for "Dreamgirls" for Actor in a Supporting Role.
Then there's the biggest story of the nominations. The films "Babel," "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Children of Men," of directors Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuarón, respectively, racked in a combined 16 nominations.
But who will win? That's for you to decide. We are running a contest to see who can most accurately select the winners. The winner will get a gift certificate to Bart & Greg's DVD Explosion, located in the Tontine Mall. See how well you can predict what Oscar will do (not what you think he should do, he usually doesn't do that).
Completed forms should be dropped off in the Orient's ballot box at the Smith Union Info Desk. They are due no later than Thursday, February 22. Good luck!