The next wave of nominations comes tomorrow as the cinematographers, the second tech guild following the visual effects society, and the writers chime in with their perspectives. Here's a look at the ASC:

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS (ASC) Predictions
"Apocalypto," Dean Semler
"Babel," Rodrigo Prieto
"Children of Men," Emmanuel Lubezki
"The Departed," Michael Ballhaus
"Dreamgirls," Tobias A. Schliessler
(alt: "Flags of Our Fathers," Tom Stern)

I can't seem to shake the feeling that Dariusz Wolski might show up here for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." The work behind the camera, whatever one's opinion of the film itself, was a large step up from the original effort in 2003.

Also, Eduardo Serra seems a strong candidate to make an appearance for "Blood Diamond," despite critical assessment and despite the guild's lack of notice of his work in the past. "Blood Diamond" is a film that could tap into a surprising amount of guild support, actually, given the esteemed technicians behind the scenes. Especially in the sound mixing arena.

Instead, I'm going to go with Dean Semler's breakthrough digital lensing of "Apocalypto" as the perennial guild nominee neglected by the cinematographers' branch of the AMPAS. His (or whoever's) absense there could clear the way for either Xiaoding Zhou ("Curse of the Golden Flower") or Guillermo Navarro ("Pan's Labyrinth"), but truthfully he could find some love with the AMPAS as well. However, also potentially showing up with the guild but missing with the Academy is Tom Stern, not for "Letters from Iwo Jima," but for "Flags of Our Fathers."

Stay tuned later today for a preview of the WGA announcement.