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 Director chatter in this space tomorrow.

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Sorry “Juno’s” Ellen Page, I think you are a treasure, but out of your league here, nominated under the We Love Her policy, not the No One is Better. “Elizabeth: The Golden Age’s” Cate Blanchett can’t possibly win for starring in such a lame sequel. Laura Linney was marvelous in the under seen “The Savages,” but I fear she’s going to be a mere runner up because her character was considered hard to like. Someday, I hope this mega-talent wins the Oscar she deserves. But not, I doubt, this year.

And while I fear the wrath of the World Cheekbone Assoc., I believe we tend to get all swoony over Julie Christie because she’s a) so gorgeous and b) so elusive. Still, she’s the front runner here, with SAG, Critics Choice and Golden Globe wins in her favor.

However, I can’t fathom giving the award to anyone but “La Vie en Rose’s” Marion Cotillard, who gave a performance so fiercely committed she reminded me of Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood.”
Should win: Marion Cotillard
Will win: Julie Christie