A couple of my predictions won’t necessarily be wins, but coronations. Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges and Mo’Nique might as well be given their awards on the red carpet to save time at the broadcast.

For the most part, there isn’t much suspense outside of the Best Picture Category. It is the closest race in years, but I think that “The Hurt Locker” is the favorite, though I wouldn’t have said that a few weeks ago.

To be honest though there is only one category that I put my preference over what I think will win. I don’t think that there is any way that they can turn away from Barry Ackroyd’s dazzling cinematography from “The Hurt Locker.”

On this same accord, I have only seen one of the films nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. Michael Haneke’s “The White Ribbon” has been snatching awards since Cannes, and rightly so. It is a powerful experience that is perhaps my favorite Haneke film to date.

It has been a few years since I have lost an Oscar pool. I know that this year won’t have a film like “Slumdog Millionaire” that sweeps everything in sight.

I think that the votes will be seemingly spread, and “The Hurt Locker” will take home the most statues come Sunday.

“Avatar” came strong out of the gates, but has fallen slowly. On the other hand, James Cameron’s ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow crafted a film that started slowly and has all but broke into a full sprint.

The film will deserve every award it wins because it is the definitive best film of last year. Sometimes, just sometimes, the academy gets it right.