The Clarion predicts 2010 Oscar winners

BEST PICTURE

Contenders: The five contenders for best picture this year mirror the five directors nominated for best director. It is interesting that the field has been extended to 10 films, which has allowed movies like "District 9" and "An Education" to get much deserved attention from cinema lovers. However, those two films don't stand a chance competing with "Avatar," "The Hurt Locker" and "Inglourious Basterds." At this point, these are three films to beat.

Outcome: Although "Avatar" will walk away with the most statues come Sunday, the highest grossing film of all time will not be bringing home the most important piece of metal. "The Hurt Locker" is by far a better film than the immersive "Avatar." It is simply the best war movie since "Saving Private Ryan" and definitely the most intense psychological depiction of what drives men into combat.

Ignored: The Academy chose to give random nominations to films like "The Blind Side" as well as Best Animated Film-favorite "Up," while ignoring moving dramas such as "The Road" and "Where the Wild Things Are."  Some other notable snubs are the original romantic comedy "(500) Days of Summer," sci-fi stalwart "Star Trek" and the year's most popular comedy, "The Hangover."

BEST DIRECTOR

Contenders: There are some excellent choices this year for best director.  Quentin Tarantino did an excellent job with one of his best films ever, "Inglorious Basterds." Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" is one of the best films about the psychological impact of war in years.  And, of course, James Cameron's "Avatar" blew everyone's mind.

Outcome: Although there were some excellent films this year, there is no doubt who will win this award. James Cameron's "Avatar" has revolutionized film-making in a way that only comes along every few decades, and he is clearly the most deserving of this prestigious honor.  Although "Avatar" may not be the best film of the year, no one can doubt that the filmmaking itself was spectacular, and James Cameron deserves an enormous amount of credit for that. 

BEST ACTOR

Contenders: This year includes several actors who are accustomed to the Oscar spotlight like George Clooney for "Up in the Air" and Morgan Freeman for "Invictus." However, the field also includes some newcomers in the form of Jeremy Renner for "The Hurt Locker" and Jeff Bridges for "Crazy Heart."

Outcome: George Clooney's critically acclaimed peformance as Ryan Bingham in "Up in the Air" certainly makes him a front-runner. However, Jeremy Renner's chilling performance as Staff Sergeant William James in "The Hurt Locker" is certain to earn him some consideration as well. Look for Renner to take home the first Oscar of his career. 

BEST ACTRESS

Contenders: This year's contenders encompass an extensive range in both age and experience from legends such as Meryl Streep in "Julie and Julia" to unknowns like Carey Mulligan in "An Education." There's also a wide range in between, including Sandra Bullock for "The Blind Side," Helen Mirren for "The Last Station" and Gabourey Sidibe for "Precious."

Outcome: There is no clear front-runner in this race even though Sandra Bullock gave one of the best acting performances of her career in "The Blind Side" and Meryl Streep proved she only gets better with age in "Julie and Julia." However, this particular year feels like it's one for the dark horses because, although both Bullock's and Streep's performances were worthy of nomination, perhaps neither deserves to win, which opens up the door for the other three candidates. Of those, Helen Mirren's performance in "The Last Station" might be the best.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Contenders: Although Stanley Tucci delivers a hauntingly memorable performance in "The Lovely Bones," he stands no chance to Christoph Waltz's turn as Nazi Col. Hans Landa in "Inglorious Basterds." Waltz has obliterated the competition so far during award season and looks to do the same on Sunday night. Eighty-year-old Christopher Plummer is the only actor who could spoil Waltz' night, as he earned his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Leo Tolstoy in "The Last Station."

Outcome: There is no doubt about who is going to win: Waltz is a lock in this category. It is impossible, even with the presence of Plummer and Tucci, for the Academy not to award the Austrian actor for his iconic performance. It is simply the most memorable acting performance in any of the four acting categories.

Ignored: Nobody can really complain, but Matt Damon's nomination for "Invictus" seems to be the one flawed area in this category. If the Academy would have spared Damon, they could have made room for Anthony Mackie ("The Hurt Locker") or Alfred Molina ("An Education").

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Contenders: This year's contenders include Penelope Cruz's exciting and lustful performance in "Nine," Maggie Gyllenhaal's heartfelt and sensitive depiction of Jean Craddock in "Crazy Heart" and Anna Kendrick's ambitious Natalie in "Up in the Air." 

Outcome: Best Supporting Actress is generally either given to an actress that can steal the screen and enrapture the viewer in moments, or to an actress that can best utilize her performance to bring out the best in the rest of the cast. With this in mind, Anna Kendrick has to be considered a favorite. Her performance as Natalie in "Up in the Air" is simply astounding, and hshe perfectly complimented Clooney's character Ryan Bingham. Mo'Nique may also be a dark-horse candidate for "Precious."