We're back again with another round of Oscar predictions; our last before we dive in and ask you the most important question of all: which film should win Best Picture. But before we get to that, we have to finish off our predictions for the Best Actor and Best Actress categories. Not as easy to predict as the supporting categories, but there are still some clear frontrunners and maybe an actor or actress who could totally play spoiler once the ceremony finally gets underway this Sunday night. Let's take a look at each category …
Best Actor
My Prediction: This is a category that's been all over the place for months now, with different actors finding themselves at the top of the pile at different times throughout the year. Though both Firth and Freeman were frontrunners during brief spots earlier in September and October, Jeff Bridges has emerged as the "dude" to beat after delivering a performance for the ages in Crazy Heart (a performance that also won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor). Thus, I predict Bridges to take home that well-deserved statue come Sunday.
Who Can Play Spoiler: With all that buzz around Bridges, some folks are forgetting just how good Jeremy Renner's performance was in The Hurt Locker. If there's any kind of surprise explosion in this category, expect it to come from him.
Best Actress
My Prediction: At one time, up-and-comer Carey Mulligan had this category all wrapped up after delivering one of the year's best (and quietest) performances in An Education. But that was before The Blind Side and Julie & Julia arrived in theaters, and it was also before all the Sandra Bullock hoopla began to take over the morning talk shows. In my opinion, this battle comes down to Bullock and Streep, the latter of whom hasn't won an Oscar in over 25 years (believe it or not), even though it certainly feels like she's nominated for one every year. My eyes are set on Bullock, though, who also managed to take home the Golden Globe for Best Actress. She's my pick to win it.
Who Can Play Spoiler: Remember, there was a reason why Carey Mulligan had all that buzz following her around earlier this year. Could the Brit pull a fast one on all of us and steal the statue right from underneath Bullock and Streep? Hey, on Oscar night, anything is possible.
Now it's your turn – who do you think will take home the Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Actress?
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