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Oscar nomination predictions: The Best Picture race Which movies will make the cut and which won’t? The Post’s Jen Chaney lays out the slate in advance of the Jan. 24 nomination announcement.
The Definite Contenders
Due to a change in the voting rules for Best Picture, we won't know exactly how many films will be nominated this year. But "The Artist" will almost certainly be recognized in the category.
The Weinstein Company
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Also a good bet for a best picture nomination: Alexander Payne's "The Descendants," which recently won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture -- Drama.
Merie Wallace/Fox Searchlight
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AP
"Hugo" -- Martin Scorsese's 3D adventure and cinematic history celebration -- topped a number of critics' lists of the year's best movies. It will likely take one of the coveted Best Picture slots as well.
Paramount Pictures
Given the caliber of its performances and its civil rights-era subject matter, there should be enough Academy support to put "The Help" in the Best Picture race.
DreamWorks Studios
"Midnight in Paris," Woody Allen's smart, whimsical rom-com, should be able to charm its way into the Oscar contest, giving the filmmaker his first best picture hopeful since 1986's "Hannah and Her Sisters."
Sony Pictures Classics
Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" has all the classic elements of a best picture contender: a tale set during wartime, gorgeous cinematography and more than a few obvious attempts to tug the heartstrings. And that's why it will likely make the cut.
DreamWorks II Distribution Co.LLC.
"Moneyball" is a great underdog story with a stellar script and a fine star turn from Brad Pitt, all of which should be enough to lure the votes it needs for a best picture nod.
Columbia TriStar
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" has been extremely overlooked and incredibly unbuzzy during much of the awards season so far. But its 9/11 gutpunch moments could well sway some Oscar voters. Which is why I think it will squeak in as the eighth -- and final -- best picture nominee.
2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
The Almost Contenders
"The Tree of Life" is a polarizing film -- some adore its spiritual, stream-of-consciousness approach and others can't abide a single second of Terrence Malick's cinematic exploration of the meaning of life. If enough of the lovers make it their top pick, it has a shot at a nomination. But I suspect it will miss by *that* much.
Fox Searchlight
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" has garnered strong reviews and some awards season attention, particularly for Rooney Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander. But is it enough for a best picture nod? My guess is no.
Columbia TriStar
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" earned a number of BAFTA nominations. But given the competition for best picture, odds are it will be shut out.
Focus Features
Early in the fall, "J. Edgar" looked like it might have some best picture juice. But lukewarm reaction to the Clint Eastwood film suggests its best shot lies in a best actor nomination for Leonardo DiCaprio.
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
"The Ides of March" may have been nominated for a Gloden Globe for Best Motion Picture -- Drama. But in the Academy Awards best picture race, there's only room for one George Clooney movie. And that will be "The Descendants."
Sony Pictures
There has been much speculation and debate about whether "Bridesmaids" -- a hilarious but decidedly more raunchy movie than the typical Oscar fare -- will manage to land in the best picture race. My guess is it could come close, but won't make the cut.
Universal Studios
Fans of the "Harry Potter" series believe "Deathly Hallows Part 2" deserves a best picture chance as a mark of the entire franchise's achievement. But come Jan. 24, when the nominations and the exact number of best picture hopefuls are announced, they will likely wind up disappointed.
Warner Bros.
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