Pick a winner

This just might be the year the goodfellas over at the Academy reward Martin Scorsese.

Coming into 2005, Scorsese, arguably the best living American film director, had earned five previous Best Director Oscar nominations (including in 1991 for “Goodfellas”). His win total: zilch.

Scorsese’s “The Aviator” – an epic look at the life of reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes – has given the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences the chance finally to do what’s right at this year’s ceremony next Sunday.

As if that matters. Anyone who has participated in The Spokesman-Review’s annual Oscar contest knows that no one has the ability to perfectly channel the collective mind of the Academy. Neither Scorsese nor any of the favored acting nominees – Jamie Foxx (Best Actor, “Ray”), Hilary Swank (Best Actress, “Million Dollar Baby”), Cate Blanchett (Supporting Actress, “The Aviator”) or Morgan Freeman (Supporting Actor, “Million Dollar Baby”) – is a sure thing.

Yet our readers keep trying to pick the winners, and we’re glad they do. The three top finishers will receive, respectively, $100, $50 and $25 in movie passes.

Use this official newspaper ballot (no photocopies) and mark your choices. Send it to the address listed below postmarked no later than Tuesday.

To enter the contest online, go to www.spokesmanreview.com and follow the instructions.