Best Actor predictions - 11/11/07

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1. DANIEL DAY-LEWIS - There Will Be Blood
Nominated: thrice, won in '89 for "My Left Foot"
Why he could: Great reviews and fantastic buzz for an Oscar fav.
Why he couldn't: It's always possible he could be snubbed...although Oscar likes DDL, they might not like PTA.

2. JAMES McAVOY - Atonement
Nominated: never
Why he could: Once again, great reviews and buzz. Plus, he's supposed to be the standout.
Why he couldn't: His fairly unknown status might work against him.

3. DENZEL WASHINGTON - American Gangster
Nominated: five times, won twice for "Glory" and "Training Day"
Why he could: The standout of the film, and great reviews.
Why he couldn't: The film's response wasn't as widely accepted as originally thought, and he could be overlooked.

4. EMILIE HIRSCH - Into the Wild
Nominated: never
Why he could: Very positive reviews for the film and his performance.
Why he couldn't: He may get overlooked or replaced by a bigger name/movie.

5. JOHNNY DEPP - Sweeney Todd
Nominated: twice, never won
Why he could: Early buzz for a clearly baity and previously known (and praised) role.
Why he couldn't: Definitely could be too bizzare for Oscar's taste.

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6. PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN - The Savages
Nominated: once, and won for it. (Capote)
Why he couldn't: Could be overlooked by costars Linney and Bosco.
Why he could: Still fresh in Oscar's mind, his performance might be thrown in for comedic relief.

7. GEORGE CLOONEY - Michael Clayton
Nominated: thrice, but once for acting. He won the award for "Syriana."
Why he couldn't: Reviews and buzz not outstanding enough to push him all the way.
Why he could: If some other contenders fall flat, he could easily swoop in.

8. VIGGO MORTENSON - Eastern Promises
Nominated: never
Why he couldn't: Early release date and a film that is probably not for Oscar. (They did, after all, overlook AHOV.)
Why he could: The reviews have been overwhelmingly good, and he could get in with a campaign push.

9. TOMMY LEE JONES - No Country for Old Men
Nominated: twice, won for "The Fugitive"
Why he couldn't: Not enough buzz, and easily overshadowed by costar Bardem.
Why he could: If the category becomes pitiful, his vet. status may help him along with the "parasitic move." (Film with an easy shot at one category gets another nomination in a category you might not expect...See Djimon Hounsou for Blood Diamond, Frances McDormand for North Country, etc.)

10. TOM HANKS - Charlie Wilson's War
Nominated: 5 times, won twice for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump."
Why he couldn't: His recent box office slump might bite him in the butt, along with how uncertain the film's future seems.
Why he could: If he pulls out a really good performance, a proper campaign and his vet status could get him in.