Predicting the Oscars

Well, now that this whole Inauguration thing is behind us, let’s focus on the Academy Awards nominations, which will be announced bright and early tomorrow morning.

Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker will announce this year’s list, for 10 of the 24 award categories, along with Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis. The 81st Annual Academy Awards then will air live on ABC on Feb. 22 from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

This I can predict:

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will receive the most nominations.
• Slumdog Millionaire will be the one to beat.
• There will be at least one upset.
• Kate Winslet will receive at least one nomination.
• And host Hugh Jackman will look oh-so-handsome the day of the awards.

Photo: Paramount Pictures (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).

Update: A nice EW.com writer has a few thoughts when it comes to possible surprises, too.