I'm curious as to where this sentiment for "The Great Debaters" is coming from. Is it because the Weinsteins are behind it? Because Washington is behind it? Does Denzel have Oprah in his corner? Sheer lack of contenders?

In any event, I have to respectfully disagree with your assessment on Depp being any kind of threat for a win. A nomination, certainly in play, but a win? That trailer certainly didn't help his standing (not much to go on, I know, but sight unseen its the best I've got). If DDL is the barnburner we've heard rumors about, it's hard to see another winner this far out.

Again, too early to say for certain...but that's my opinion for now.

Your commentary on the Best Actor race was very insightful, and I agree that the race will be between Day-Lewis and Depp, under the condition that Depp at least equals his roles in Pirates and Finding Neverland.

But like Darbicus, I have to ask you how you have started predicting The Great Debaters as a BP nominee when nobody has talked about it. Granted, it has a prestigious crew (Newton Howard, Davis, Winborne). Maybe that's hinting at something. Maybe Washington can succeed on his second directorial effort the way Clooney did with Good Night, and Good Luck. Then again, this could be another Remember the Titans or The Emperor's Club, or on a more positive note, Dead Poets Society. But I have to say the academy's tastes have changed since they nominated Weir's film for best picture. We are no longer living in the 80s.

"The Great Debaters" is the film whispering throughout town right now. No one involved wants it overhyped, of course, and indeed, the film isn't finished yet. But, with Oprah producing, Denzel directing (and it has already been considered on a higher tier than "Antwone Fisher") and, plainly, a lack of contenders, I feel there's reason to believe it could have the stuff.

But blas makes an important point. This is a VERY different Academy than the Weinsteins had figured out ten years ago, and as evidenced just last year with "Bobby," they aren't the kings of this game anymore. That said, I think the names involved in the actual production will be powerful enough to generate steam.

But rest assured - just because no one's predicting it yet, doesn't mean no one's talking about it.

Kris, if you haven't seen it yet, you need to check out Persepolis and see if it will land on your Animated Feature chart at all. Saw it at closing night of NYFF last night and it was very well received.

Someone has seen "The Great Debaters" and that someone has said that it is awards worthy. Also Forest Whitaker has a very small role in it. People are talking about it though, but not predicting it just yet.

I think that if Denzel gets nominated it'll be for American Gangster( I haven't seen the GD yet). I doesn't matter how derivative his performance is, just like George Clooney, if they're good. They Will probably be nominated.

Depp, the trailer doesn't look too good for me, but of course it's just a trailer.

A good catch, Austin. Forgot to update that chart. Persepolis is indeed in my predictions for Best Animated Film.

Denzel is like George in 2004 then. Second time at directing, plus an awards-buzzed performance in another film.

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