2009 Oscar picks

I'll be short and sweet. Just winners. Just the big ones for movie fakers like me. And these are real predictions. None of this shoulda, woulda, coulda nonsense. Just pick 'em.

Best Actress:
Didn't see her, but saw her make fun of herself playing such a role in a second season episode of 'Extras', so the winner for Best Actress will go to Kate Winslet.

Best Actor:
Tough choice, but Mickey Rourke put in a helluva performance in 'The Wrestler.' This will make for an interesting midnight speech!

Best Supporting Actress:
Marisa Tomei for 'The Wrestler.' Besides the fantastic nakedness, there was an earthiness and exceedingly revealing quality to this performance. Just as much as with Rourke's role, Tomei's required guts, character, and some knowledge of the situation. This one she deserves.

Best Supporting Actor:
Dead men where lots of makeup.....Heath Ledger

Best Director:
Danny Boyle. I left the theater thinking that Boyle had taken standard fare and made it into a compelling film. He created a focus where there just would have been a story arc. He riveted us to the chair, brought fantastic entertainment, an amazing story, fantastic visuals, all part of a love story for the ages. Classic cinema. Very untraditional backdrop, and style.

Best Film:
Slumdog Millionaire. This was a fantastic story, exceedingly well told, and hopefully something that in a way can begin to make a difference in the lives of some of the kids and families stuck in the slums and shantytowns in Mumbai and elsewhere in the world.