Early Lead Acting Predictions

Lead Actor:

1) Leonardo DiCaprio - Revolutionary Road

He is in what should be a great character drama, and he's a fantastic actor. Plus many think he is overdue for an Oscar win, maybe this year it will finally happen.

2) Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon

See above.

3) Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

A very good actor who the Academy already nominated once (12 Monkeys). The lead part in the most talked about film so far this year should pave the way for a nomination. Problem is, it didn't happen in Babel where he was fantastic. Are the tabloid problems too much for the Academy to handle?

4) Benicio DelToro - Guerrilla

A great part for a great actor. On the flip-side, the film has been postponed many times, is it because it was no good?

5) Sean Penn - Milk

Again, a beloved actor in a great part. We're still not sold on how the Academy will embrace this film however.

Lead Actress:

1) Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road

We're picking two great actors, in a great film, to both finally get there due. We'll see I guess.

2) Meryl Streep - Doubt

The Academy can't NOT nominate her, and the part should be great.

3) Nicole Kidman - Australia

Hasn't been nominated in a while and should be a great film. Question is, is it an acting showcase?

4) Angelina Jolie - The Exchange

Word is the film is great and she is great. The Academy doesn't like her, but we think there is enough bad blood for not nominating her last year that the Academy won't do the same thing again.

5) Julianne Moore - Blindness

The film has not gotten very good buzz after Cannes. However, that doesn't mean she's not great in it.