I have now seen all the Best Picture nominees. Ask me anything.

[Pale Blue Dot]

I have also seen all the nominees for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. Vera Drake is not playing within 100 miles of here, and that's keeping me from weighing in completely on Best Actress or Best Director.

First, the answer to the 2 most obvious questions: Sideways, and yes, I have no life.

[Beaverhausen]

1. other categories

what do you think for best actor and actress?

And I'm jealous. I've only seen Finding Neverland so far.

[Pale Blue Dot]

2. Don't be jealous. You obviously have a life.

I loved Finding Neverland, and I wouldn't be upset if it, or Million Dollar Baby, won.

Best Actor I'm very torn on. Jamie Foxx was brilliant, and he deserves to win. But Clint Eastwood was so subtle, and so human, that he is my sentimental favorite. And Paul Giamatti was robbed.

Best Actress is incomplete, because I haven't seen IMelda Staunton in Vera Drake. However, it's going to be tough for her to top Annette Benning, who was absolutely radiant in a movie no one saw called Being Julia.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

3. So far, saw sideways,

and The aviator.

What was up with that guy stealing money from his mother? Never figured that part out.

What do you recommend? My wife and I try to see as many as possible before the event just cause there is not much else going on and it's too cold to play golf. Then, a friend of ours throws a serious Oscar party (Champaign, Beluga, and this year, some Pinot) and we all sit around, get drunk and catty. What else can you do in Feb?

[Pale Blue Dot]

6. He was a struggling writer. He needed money for his trip.

He knew that his mother had money and would not realize that any was missing.

One of the things I loved about that movie was that all of the characters were so flawed, yet so likable. I felt that there was more truth in Sideways then any other film this year.

See Million Dollar Baby. I think it will win Best Picture this year. Just don't expect it to be your stereotypical, uplifting sports film.

Also, Ray is out on video now, and while it's Best Picture nomination is an insult, Foxx is excellent in it.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

13. So Ray wasn't very good?

I saw sideways, I didn't like it very much. But then admittedly my taste in movies differs markedly from true blue film critics (ask my oft-disgusted partner).

[MasonJar]

4. I just saw Netherland tonight; it was heart-wrenching and a fine

movie. I have seen Hotel Rwanda; Don Cheadle is simply amazing and wonderful, and what a powerful film. I intend to see Million Dollar Baby soon. Sideways, in my opinion, is outclassed by the other two I mentioned. I did love the scene with naked husband. Just my two cents worth for what it's worth.

[Pale Blue Dot]

9. Cheadle is one of my favorites.

I'm really happy that he's finally getting recognized. Like I said earlier, I wouldn't be upset if either Finding Neverland or Million Dollar Baby won. I just found Sideways to be the most human and real film of the year; funny, sad, pathetic and uplifting all at the same time. The scene at the burger place near the end of the film is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

[tishaLA]

5. Aren't you said you haven't seen Vera Drake....?

because it is easily the best performance by an actress this past year

[Pale Blue Dot]

7. I have heard that.

I like Mike Leigh, and I'm anxious to see it. But did you see Being Julia? Benning was incredible.

[tishaLA]

8. Yeah Benning is my second choice

Frankly, I'm fearful that the worst performance by a best actress nominee, Swank's, will win. That'd make me sad.

[Pale Blue Dot]

10. I like Swank, but you're right

Compared to the others it is the most conventional performance.

I think she will win, though.

[hollywood926]

11. I disagree about Sideways...

it was a cute film, but the best picture of the year? No way! My vote goes to Million Dollar Baby, although I think The Aviator will win.

[Pale Blue Dot]

12. Well, I respect your right to be wrong.

:-) Cute was not actually one of the words I'd use to describe Sideways, but 100 people will have 100 different reactions to the same movie, so there you go.

Actually, if I were a betting man, I would bet on Million Dollar Baby to win. Momentum seems to be building in that direction.