Best Film-SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE:The Academy loves to honour movies that tells the story of an ordinary man in an extraordinary way.The story of Jamal Malik is on that same note just like the tale of Forrest Gump & Guido Orefice(Life is Beautiful).Some people have called it a bad representation of India.But i beg to differ with them because it talks about the harsh realities of people living in slum.India has the biggest slum in Asia and most probably in the whole world but it seems some people have their own way of demeaning its success.Thanks to Slumdog,we have got something very special from the Slums of Mumbai that we are never going to forget.The only movie that can disrupt Slumdog’s winning streak is Gus Van Sant’s MILK which talks about the historical Gay rights movement in late 70’s under the leadership of Harvey Milk.But my heart beats for Slumdog and so be it.Lastly,i strongly believe that no one can stop Slumdog to win the Best Editing & Best Cinematography Oscar and also not to forget Simon Beaufoy for Adapted Screenplay.

Best Actor-MICKEY ROURKE:He has staged a brilliant comeback this year as Randy “The Ram” and though Sean Penn seems to be a front-runner to win the Oscar i still feel Mickey should win this award.That’s why my vote goes to the 9 1/2 weeks star for delivering a memorable performance.The Academy might agree with me that “The Wrestler” had a very weak script and it just performed well in the BO for two reasons Rourke’s performance which was physically demanding for a 56-year old man,Marisa Tomei and not to forget Bruce Springsteen’s title song which missed out an oscar nomination under mysterious circumstances.On the other hand Sean Penn was well supported by a strong script,a strong role and some superb work by director Gus Van Sant.

Best Actress-KATE WINSLETT-Kate is still due to win an oscar and i think this is the right time that the Academy should honour her.No doubt Meryll Streep has given a superb performance in John Patrick Shanley’s DOUBT but again the debate will be that it was such a head-strong character that she had to play.There was so much substance in the character of Sister Aloysius.On the other hand Kate’s character Hanna had to handle over-exaggarated love making scenes with 18-year old David Kross,the best of Kate came out during the court trial.Hanna being ashamed of her illiteracy failed to get justice in the world of literate people.She made it look so real and that’s why my vote goes to Kate Winslett.

Best Director-DANNY BOYLE-There is nothing much to comment in this category.He has received awards in Golden Globe,BAFTA and Directors Guild of America this year for a path-breaking movie that we Indians can never forget and i feel that this award should go to him and only him as he made look India through our own eyes and not through a foreigner’s point of view.Only man who can beat him in this race is Gus Van Sant who was previously nominated for Good Will Hunting.

Original Score:A.R.RAHMAN-Well,there is no one else who can beat him in this category.Wall-E will be a very tough contender to beat in Sound Mixing and Sound Editing category and also not to forget that Peter Gabriel’s song “Down to Earth” can and i think will win the Best song over “Jai Ho”.

Supporting Actor(Male & Female):It’s a lock with Heath Ledger in Best male section and i think the female section will see Viola Davis taking it over Penelope Cruz.