Your early Oscar picks

It may be a little early, considering the Academy Awards show isn’t until Sunday, but I’m gonna make my Oscar predictions now. This year is easier than most, so don’t expect any surprises.

That doesn’t guarantee success, but it makes for less stress.

Best actor : Jeff Bridges “Crazy Heart.” He’s won everything else, why not the big one?

Best actress : Sandra Bullock, “”The Blind Side.” Meryl Streep may be the best actress in Hollywood, and her Julia Child is brilliant, but this is Bullock’s year.

Best Supporting Actor : Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds.” In a film a featuring a Porky Pig portion of ham, Waltz is the ground. Deservedly.

Best Supporting Actress : Mo’Nique, “Precious.” If anyone is more of a lock than Bridges, it’s Mo’nique. As I’ve written before, hers may be the most courageous performance I’ve ever seen.

Best Director : Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker.” She deserves it, but I’d give it to her just to disappoint James Cameron.

Best Picture : “The Hurt Locker.” Before the latest controversy, I’d have said that “The Hurt Locker” was, uh, a lock. That may have  shifted a bit. And with the addition of five films to this category, making it 10 nominees overall, the way may be opened for “Avatar.” I sure hope not. Love the look of the thing, but no overbaked “Pocahontas” script deserves an Oscar.

I really can’t wait to see Cameron’s face, win or lose. Lose would be far better, though.

Below : James Cameron in all his glory.