BEST PICTURE

WILL WIN: “Chicago”

“Chicago” is the best bet to win the Oscar. Why America has embraced this frothy masterwork is beyond the likes of substantial reason, but there are a few factors that can?t be denied. The movie boasts star power, glamour and glitter, song and dance, and other aspects that make us forget we are watching a story about two misguided women who get away with murder. In addition to this, producers Bob and Harvey Weinstein are class acts around awards time.

SHOULD WIN: “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”

The second installment to “The Lord of the Rings” may not end up getting an Oscar because it is primarily an action movie. History is against “The Two Towers,” even though it was a hit at the box office, and earned mostly favorable reviews.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

WILL WIN AND SHOULD WIN: Chris Cooper, for “Adaptation”

Charlie Kaufman?s “Adaptation” may not have earned an Academy nod for Best Picture, but the Academy sure did the right thing by acknowledging Chris Cooper?s performance as an eccentric orchid thief. He is one of the most solid actors at work today, and should have been honored for his performance in “American Beauty” three years ago. Of all the men who were nominated, Cooper deserves it most.

BEST DIRECTOR

WILL WIN: Martin Scorsese for “Gangs of New York “

Many predict that Roman Polanski will win for his direction of “The Pianist,” but there is no way the Academy is going to give an Award to a fugitive who is not even going to show up to the ceremony. That leaves the greatest American director without an Oscar to his name, Martin Scorsese, who was snubbed in the past for both “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas.” “Gangs of New York” is far from his best work, but it is about time that the Academy honor him for his directing career as a whole.

SHOULD WIN: Pedro Almodovar for “Talk to Her”

Almodovar has made many movies that have won many awards, but with “Talk to Her,” he shows his great ability to tell a story. “Talk to Her” is a mesmerizing emotional roller coaster, but its Spanish origin practically dissolves its chances to win an Oscar. However, his tributes to past film artists, such as Sirk, Bunuel and Bergman, should not go unnoticed by all.