At this point, I'd say the only competition "Transformers" will have for the Best Sound Mixing Oscar is "Sweeney Todd" (assuming Burton puts out a worthy effort).

"Pirates" and "Spider-Man" are old news franchises. A film like "Beowulf" could stun, especially given the talent involved in the sound department. "The Golden Compass" will certainly be lurking, and there are always the potential surprises in films like "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "The Kingdom." But at the end of the day, no one can deny how loud this fucking movie is, and how integral to the suspension of disbelief the sound work had to be (regardless of how shitty the screenplay).

Maybe Kevin and Greg have their gold coming...finally.