Best Actor in a Leading Role

WHO I'D PICK:

COLIN FIRTH- THE KING'S SPEECH

As I mentioned before, certain aspects of this role are things Oscar voters cannot resist casting their ballots for: British, handicapped, troubled.  But that's something a performer can fall into, and it's difficult to actually make it work.  Firth not only has the pathetic and, at times, irritating stammer down, but you honestly believe his massive concern for the state of his country, and his self-conscious fear that he may not be all that it needs him to be.  From his first speech you feel so sorry for the poor guy, and when you see his heart of gold you want to personally punch the people who would bully him.  That's what I believe it all comes down to: can this actor involve me as though he were real?  Well he's done a great job at that, so I look forward to see Firth's next performance: The Best Actor's Speech.

MY FAVORITE PART: He can't give a speech at the English Expo, but he'll do his dardest to deliver a bedtime story about a Penguin Prince to his two girls.

WHO THEY'LL PICK (PROBABLY):

COLIN FIRTH- THE KING'S SPEECH

This year has some great performances, but they all have little imperfection that cast them out.  James Franco's performance as Aron Ralston, you all know who he is, actually failed to wow me until about his third day stuck in that canyon; and while he had some awesome moments (my favorite: morning talk show with himself), half a great role isn't enough to win.  Then you've got Jeff Bridges, who does a great job as hard-butt Marshall Rooster Cogburn, but let's face it, you can't not nominate a role that won John Wayne his only Oscar all those years ago.  My second pick would actually be to Jesse Eisenberg.  I never though he'd be more than "that Zombieland kid trying to be Michael Cera", but his role as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was cold, calculating, and, once again, enthralling.  But, then again, he's not British royalty.