10 Oscar Trends, and Who Will Benefit from them in 2008

Although the choices of the Oscars are often varied, the Oscar voters do like to honor certain types of movies, and actors, more than once. If an actor or movie falls under one of several traditional Oscar labels, it may stand a better shot to get nominated or to win. This year was no different; as many of the actors and films in contention fell under Oscar-friendly trends that may help give them that extra edge. Ten Oscar trends in particular stand out this year.

Juggernauts: These are actors and movies that have gotten a deafening amount of buzz, and cleaned up at the pre Oscar awards- see Helen Mirren, Forest Whitaker, and Jennifer Hudson last year. However, juggernauts can peak too early before Oscar ballots come in, and lose their lead to a hard charging contender. See "Saving Private Ryan" in 1998, "Brokeback Mountain" in 2005, and Eddie Murphy last year.

"No Country for Old Men" stands as the early Best Picture giant, as do the Coen Brothers for Best Director. Their frightening killer, Javier Bardem, has rolled out to a big early lead for Supporting Actor. And "There Will Be Blood" titanic villain Daniel Day-Lewis is "drinking the milkshakes" of all in his path for Best Actor so far. But although they are the big leaders so far, time and the Oscar campaigns of their competition can change that.

Aging veterans: For all the young star power of the business, there are times when the Academy favors the older guard - see Jack Palance in 1991 and Alan Arkin last year. The perception is that they give these actors Oscars more for their body of work than for their nominated performance. It also may be their last chance to contend for Oscar glory.

82-year-old Hal Holbrook may wind up being this year's sentimental favorite for his late appearance in "Into the Wild." His critical raves and past resume may give him the best chance to beat out Javier Bardem. The Best Actress category has an old favorite, as Julie Christie has returned to the award show circuit as an Alzheimer's patient in "Away from Her." In a wide open category, her former star power may be the x-factor she needs for her second Oscar.