Oscar Nominations for 2008

There were few surprises with the 2008 Oscar nominations. As is very often par for the course, they basically mirrored those of the Golden Globes. Where the two may differ, however, could be in who walks away with the Oscar statue.

Atonement remains heavily favored by many to walk away with the Best Picture Award. Other nominees include Juno, Michael Clayton, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood.

Some critics believe that No Country for Old Men could pull off an upset. A few even think that the statue could be awarded to There Will Be Blood. Almost everyone agrees that Juno and Michael Clayton are longshots in this category. I'm hoping that Atonement wins but I'm predicting it will be No Country for Old Men

The Best Actor category could be interesting this year, with many people pulling for perennial favorite, Johnny Depp against fellow Golden Globe winner Daniel Day-Lewis. Other nominees in the category include George Clooney for Michael Clayton; and Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises.

With votes likely split between Depp and Lewis, however, it is possible that Tommy Lee Jones could sweep in and steal the award for his role in No Country For Old Men. However, I'm betting that Johnny Depp will be the one to take home gold for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

A lot of people were shocked when Marion Cotillard walked off with the Golden Globe for Best Actress her role in La Vie en Rose. They were less surprised at Julie Christie's win for her role in Away from Her. With the categories combined under the Academy Awards, however, the award is certainly up for grabs.

Other nominees in the category include Cate Blanchett for Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Laura Linney for The Savages, and Ellen Page for Juno. This one is tough to call but I think it is possible that Julie Christie will walk away with the Oscar too.