I've only got one thing to say - best film of 2006 was United 93 and Paul Greengrass should win Best Director over much bigger names.

Best comment of the year so far from (I think) Manager Man... Helen Mirren is a bit scary!

Was watching Film 2007 wiv Jonafon Woss and he interviewed a sound editor who has now been nominated for an Oscar 19 times - but not won (yet). !!!

As for Helen ... she'll win - would YOU dare not vote for her?

It seems as if Dame Helen is going to run away with the Best Actress Oscar - I think that she gave a wondeful impersonation of the Queen, whereas Dame Judi's performance in 'Notes...' was acting at it's finest.
I think that Martin Scorcese will get either Best Picture or Best Director - if Paul Greengrass got the one that Scorcese doesn't get, justice will have been done.
It would be great if 'Little Miss Sunshine' picked up Best Picture, but I think it unlikely that the Academy will go for another small low-budget picture after 'Crash' last year. Hopefully it will get Best Original Screenplay

The Oscars do throw up some surprises though, I heard a comment some time ago that sometimes they get the Oscar not for the current film but the earlier one that should have got one.

It is pleasing the British have a strong showing and credible contenders.

Well I haven't seen The Departed but it will have to be brilliant to have deserved Best Director over United 93.

Anyone notice that Best... went to those playing existing characters (well, Idi Amin did exist and so did the fat Dreamgirl!).

Are we now in an era where caricature is acclaimed as acting?

Rory Bremner will win them all next year (with Jan Ravens).

Interesting how Helen Mirren virtually remained in character during her acceptence speech.