I’m teasing you a little, with a gradual roll-out of my predictions in the six major Academy Award categories. An abbreviated version will run in the paper on Friday Feb. 22. Look for Best Actress chatter in this space tomorrow.

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
If you’ve read anything I’ve had to say on the topic of “There Will Be Blood” you already know exactly how I feel about this category. I’ll never forget Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal of oil prospector Daniel Plainview, megalomaniac, misanthropic and vibrating with life. Beyond compare. This is his fourth nomination, and would be his second win (he won 19 years ago for “My Left Foot”).

But if I could give out two Best Actor Oscars this year? DDL wouldn’t be sharing with Johnny Depp, who only managed to stay afloat in “Sweeney Todd,” or George Clooney, who was pitch perfect in “Michael Clayton,” but my hunch is, not all that tremendously challenged by the role. Nor Viggo Mortensen, even though, as far as I’m concerned, he can make an “Eastern Promises” sequel any time he wants.

No, that second Oscar would go to 3rd time nominee (and winner in ’93 for his supporting role in “The Fugitive”) Tommy Lee Jones, who gave the impression of measuring out his emotion by the thimbleful in “In the Valley of Elah,” but in truth, gave in buckets.
Should Win: Daniel Day-Lewis
Will Win: Daniel Day-Lewis