For a full, but abbreviated version of my predictions, see today’s paper on online at contracostatimes.com.

BEST PICTURE
It’s so strange; you look at “Michael Clayton” and think, in years gone by, this should be the front runner. It’s so classy, smart, slick and loaded with great acting, just the kind of film Hollywood should be proud of making. But 2007 was a great year for film, and I don’t think Tony Gilroy’s film can win.

“Juno” is charming and beloved, but I doubt it has “Shakespeare in Love” breakout potential (although, that’s what I said about “Crash,” so who knows?) “Atonement” is one of those movies that can’t quite stand up to mockery; you see a mash up of this and start to think, okay, it was lovely and moving, but I see their point.

In contrast, no matter how much anyone makes fun of what I consider the two front runners in this race, “There Will Be Blood” (“I drink your milkshake!”) and “No Country for Old Men,” I might laugh, but my respect and admiration for them remains unwavering. Both will be classics, but on the grounds that more people (and therefore, likely more Academy voters) seem to have problems with “Blood,” I give the Coen brothers’ flawless film the edge.
Should Win: “No Country for Old Men”
Will Win: No Country for Old Men.”