text: Friday, February 5, 2010
  
  I'm still in the midst of my annual February screening, so I have no solid opinions yet. However, who are your picks? The Oscars are on March 7. Last year, I was pre-empted because I was en route to the Philippines, but I've my normal Academy punditry this season.
  
  Best Motion Picture of the Year:A Serious ManAn EducationAvatarThe Blind SideDistrict 9Inglourious BasterdsPreciousThe Hurt LockerUpUp in the Air
  
  Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:Jeff Bridges, Crazy HeartGeorge Clooney, Up in the AirColin Firth, A Single ManMorgan Freeman, InvictusJeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker
  
  Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:Sandra Bullock, The Blind SideHelen Mirren, The Last StationCarey Mulligan, An EducationGabourey Sidibe, PreciousMeryl Streep, Julie & Julia
  
  Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:Matt Damon, InvictusWoody Harrelson, The MessengerChristopher Plummer, The Last StationStanley Tucci, The Lovely BonesChristoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
  
  Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:Penelope Cruz, NineVera Farmiga, Up in the AirMaggie Gyllenhaal, Crazy HeartAnna Kendrick, Up in the AirMo'Nique, Precious
  
  Best Achievement in Directing:Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt LockerJames Cameron, AvatarLee Daniels, PreciousJason Reitman, Up in the AirQuentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds
  
  Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song:Crazy Heart - Ryan Bingham; T-Bone Burnett- For the song "The Weary Kind"Faubourg 36 - Reinhardt Wagner (music); Frank Thomas (lyrics)- For the song "Loin de Paname"Nine - Maury Yeston- For the song "Take It All"The Princess and the Frog - Randy Newman- For the song "Almost There"The Princess and the Frog - Randy Newman- For the song "Down in New Orleans"