Oscar Picks: A. Horbal

Best Picture – “Chicago”

Best Actor – Daniel Day-Lewis, “Gangs of New…

Best Picture – “Chicago”

Best Actor – Daniel Day-Lewis, “Gangs of New York”

Best Actress – Nicole Kidman, “The Hours”

Best Supporting Actor – Christopher Walken, “Catch Me If You Can”

Best Supporting Actress – Catherine Zeta-Jones, “Chicago”

Best Director – Roman Polanski, “The Pianist”

On the majors: Everyone is saying it: “The musical is back.” All that’s missing is industry endorsement, which comes via an Academy Award. Look for “Moulin Rouge!” to have its revenge from beyond the grave as “Chicago” walks away the big winner and Nicole Kidman takes home the Best Actress award that she lost last year. Oh, and the smart money isn’t on Roman Polanski for Best Director, but damn it, it should be.

The awards I’m really interested in: The screenplay categories. Unlike Best Director, which features a pool of qualified nominees with no chance of winning, there are no clear favorites for either of these two awards. I’m picking “Far From Heaven” for Original Screenplay and “Adaptation” for Adapted Screenplay, but I’ll be rooting for “Talk to Her” for the former and “About a Boy” for the latter, respectively.

A word to the wise: If you are the betting type, keep an eye on “Road to Perdition.” It wasn’t a remarkably original film but it did look real purdy and it’s a strong contender in each of the seven categories that it received nominations. The late Conrad Hall at least should certainly win for Best Cinematography.

And finally, “It looks like ritual suicide for me again” if: “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” wins Best Picture or Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) wins Best Original Screenplay. It is a crime they were even nominated.