OSCAR PICKS 2007

By Dan Miller
February 23, 2007

Time again for Demetria and me to reveal our annual Oscar picks.
I don't mean to be bragadocious -- in fact, I'm not even sure bragadocious is a word -- but for each of the last two years, much to Demetria's chagrin, I've beat her.

That's significant because Demetria is a documentary film producer and director in her spare time, and often tells me she has a special gift for spotting the winning movies.

We're selecting the main 6 categories.
This year, it seems Demetria has taken all the "safe" choices.... so I'll go out on a limb and disagree with her on 3 of the categories.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Demetria is taking Eddie Murphy in "Dreamgirls", a popular choice.
I'll take the gutsy long shot, and say veteran Alan Arkin will win for "Little Miss Sunshine".

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
We both say newcomer Jennifer Hudson will win easily for "Dreamgirls".

BEST ACTOR:
Demetria picks Forest Whitaker for "The Last King of Scotland". I say there'll be a sentimental (and deserved) vote for Peter O'Toole in "Venus", giving him the upset win.

BEST ACTRESS:
No disagreement.... it has to be Helen Mirren for "The Queen".

BEST DIRECTOR:
We both pick Martin Scorsese for "The Departed".

BEST PICTURE:
Demetria has picked "Letters From Iwo Jima".
I'm making the unlikely choice of "Babel", which I predict will surprise most everybody (including me) with a Best Picture Oscar.

We'll tally the votes on Monday.

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