Oscars: The Supporting Actors

Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy (Dreamgirls), Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), Jackie E. Haley (Little Children), Mark Wahlberg (The Departed), Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine)
Traditionally the categories where the great and good of the Academy like to fling caution windwards and give out something to those who haven't played the political game. This year, no one has done that so this is a category based purely on its merits. Eddie Murphy, due to Dreamgirls' lack of other big category nominations, is the major frontrunner, after wins in almost all major precursors. Haley and Arkin are the two to watch in this one as potential dark horses while both Hounsou and Wahlberg are unlikely to be rewarded with anything more than their nominations. Money though, smart and heart, is on Murphy.



Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), Cate Blanchett (Notes on a Scandal), Rinko Kikuchi (Babel), Adriana Bazarra (Babel), Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine)
Well, Dreamgirls should be looking at a double win here with Hudson almost a lock for the win. Blanchett could nick it, as could Kikuchi but anyone else is really on the outside. Breslin's surprise nomination is a little odd but she deserves it. Hopefully, this isn't the start of a life of underage drinking, failed teenage marriage and arrests under the influence. Hudson to win.