Predictions - Oscars 2011.

I could be grossly wrong, but this might just be the big year for The King's Speech at the Oscars.

This, of course, is just a safe bet I have made bearing the conventional indicators in mind. The only major competition could come from Fincher's The Social Network, which swept the Golden Globes earlier this year. The Coens' True Grit surprised me for two reasons -

It lacks the Oscar-worthy charm generally associated with the prodigious brothers, and despite this, has garnered 10 nominations. As one of my friends puts it, it might turn out this year's Benjamin Button. As for Inception, one could safely say the Academy will end up owing Nolan more apologies than Oscars.

1. Best Actor In A Lead Role :

Colin Firth, for The King’s Speech.

The incredible Javier Bardem’s campaign this year is surprisingly low-key.It isn’t going to be Bridges’ second time straight. Not Franco’s first either.

2. Best Actress In A Lead Role :

Natalie Portman, for Black Swan.

Everyone’s unanimous pick. Well, almost.

3. Best Picture :

Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech, as this award is generally reserved for declaring the mood of the season. Technically, The Social Network is an equally good contender but I prefer conservative estimates when it comes to the Academy : The King’s Speech.

4. Best Animated Feature :

Toy Story 3. Period.

5. Best Director :

Tom Hooper, for The King’s Speech.

Going by sheer quality of work, this belongs to David Fincher. But alas, the momentum, this year, seems to be propelling The King’s Speech.

6. Best Screenplay (original) :

David Siedler, for The King’s Speech.

It would be difficult for Nolan not to feel a little disappointed with this result.

7. Best Screenplay (adapted) :

Aaron Sorkin, for The Social Network.

His best work since A Few Good Men and in the same league.

8. Best Cinematography :

Roger Deakins, for True Grit.

For Deakins, the Oscar has been due for over a decade. It even evaded his ethereal No Country For Old Men in 2008. Now sounds like a good time.

9. Best Actor in a Supporting Role :

Geoffrey Rush for The King’s Speech.

Finally, a positive role hailed, defying the precedent set by chilling negative roles (Javier Bardem – ‘08, Heath Ledger – ‘09, Christoph Waltz – ‘10) in this category.

10. Best Actress in a Supporting Role :

Hailee Steinfeld, for True Grit.

She’s a prodigy at 14 and is unusually mature for a 14-year old. Take a bow!

11. Best Visual Effects :

Inception.

They remove gravity, vaporize entire walls, make and break eco-systems and flip Paris onto itself, among others.