I’m happy to say that I’ve seen almost every nominated film within the top awards in this year’s Oscars, and after seeing my friend Mike’s list of predictions, I thought I’d do the same myself. As he did, for each award, I’ll cover what will win, who should win, who should’ve been nominated, and maybe a little bit of commentary.

So, here goes:

Best Picture
Who will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who should win: Milk (or, Wall-E, had it been nominated)
Who should’ve been nominated: Wall-E

Slumdog Millionaire was a good movie. I enjoyed it through and through, but come on, best picture? I’m an absolute sap for romantic/adventure films, but I don’t know why it’s up there so high. Milk was an excellent film (maybe save for Diego Luna) and while not creamy-cream-of-the-crop, it’s better than Slumdog in my opinion. But, not even on the list is Wall-E, which is the best film of 2008. Even if sad little robots get me choked up easily, it was a great film. It deserves more. Friend Mike thinks that Dark Knight should be nominated. Eh; it’s overrated, in my opinion (no offense, Mike).

Best Director
Who will win: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
Who should win: Gus Van Sant (Milk)
Who should’ve been nominated: I’m fine with these nominations.

Again, I guess it’s the same here as with best picture. Slumdog was great, but especially when it comes to directing actors, I think Milk ekes this one out.

Best Actor
Who will win: Sean Penn (Milk)
Who should win: Sean Penn (Milk)
Who should’ve been nominated: Fine with this, too.

This one is definitely going to be a nail biter. Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) was absolutely fantastic. It’s his comeback after so many years, and he really deserves this one. But Penn was just incredible, and it helps having just seen The Life and Times of Harvey Milk. His portrayal of the man is just spot-on.

Best Actress
Who will win: Kate Winslet (The Reader)
Who should win: Kate Winslet (The Reader)
Who should’ve been nominated: Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky)

Kate Winslet was definitely incredible in The Reader. It’s interesting, though—I’m not sure this fits entirely as a leading role. Sally Hawkins was incredibly natural and fun to watch on screen. Why didn’t she get a chance?

Best Supporting Actor
Who will win: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Who should win: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Who should’ve been nominated: David Kross (The Reader), Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky)

Okay, it’s hard to fight with Heath Ledger. In my head, I keep on saying that Kross should’ve been nominated and won this one, but I know the whole thing with Heath. He was incredible, and while maybe it’s a close one in my head, I’m totally okay with him getting it. David Kross, though, was absolutely incredible in The Reader, and he wasn’t even nominated. That’s a shame. As was Eddie Marsan in Happy-Go-Lucky, which was an incredible performance as well.

Best Supporting Actress
Who will win: Viola Davis (Doubt)
Who should win: Viola Davis (Doubt)
Who should’ve been nominated: Okay with this one.

This one’s kinda close to. Most people think Penelope Cruz is going to win, and I have to admit that I haven’t seen Doubt in theatres (saw that one on Broadway, suckers!). However, I really didn’t like VCB, and although I liked Cruz a good amount, I think that Davis was probably better (this is sacriligious, isn’t it?).

Best Original Screenplay
Who will win: Wall-E
Who should win: Wall-E
Who should’ve been nominated: Fine with this.

Wall-E was great. Milk was good, but it’s based so much in reality! Come on, lil’ robot!

Best Adapted Screenplay
Who will win: Slumdog Millionaire
Who should win: Eh.
Who should’ve been nominated: Eh.

Not super interested in this one. Don’t read enough.

Best Short Film, Animated
Who will win: La Maison en Petits Cubes
Who should win: La Maison en Petits Cubes
Who should’ve been nominated: Skhizein

I was lucky enough to go with my friend Sam to a screening of all of the Oscar-nominated short animated films. I had already seen Pixar’s Presto, and was sure that was going to win. Until I saw La Maison en Petits Cubes. Beautiful, touching, and has everything, really. Skhizein was a compelling animated short and was better than a couple of the ones nominated.

Best Visual Effects
Who will win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Who should win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Need I say more?

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Well, those are my predictions. Once the Oscars are over, maybe I’ll revisit this. We’ll see!

What’re your predictions, eh?