![Riding the successful wave of "Argo" love that was generated with Affleck's Best Director snub, "Argo" seems to stand the best chance at winning Best Adapted Screenplay. It does face stiff competition from Tony Kushner's "Lincoln" script. Although "Silver Linings Playbook" received lots of respect by way of nominations, David O. Russell's script seems to be one of the long-shot chances for the film to win an Oscar (it stands better chances in the acting categories). That leaves David Magee's "Life of Pi" and Benh Zeitlin's "Beasts of the Southern Wild," both of which are probably the most deserving and impressive if you really look at effective adaptation. I would love for Zeitlin to carry this category, since it seems "Beasts" may be looking at a shut-out (which would be a travesty). But my best bet for a winner would be for "Argo" to dominate.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/c2/c4/c2c4469f094ab65868b6376e6a1e72df.jpg?itok=UC407PiK "Riding the successful wave of "Argo" love that was generated with Affleck's Best Director snub, "Argo" seems to stand the best chance at winning Best Adapted Screenplay. It does face stiff competition from Tony Kushner's "Lincoln" script. Although "Silver Linings Playbook" received lots of respect by way of nominations, David O. Russell's script seems to be one of the long-shot chances for the film to win an Oscar (it stands better chances in the acting categories). That leaves David Magee's "Life of Pi" and Benh Zeitlin's "Beasts of the Southern Wild," both of which are probably the most deserving and impressive if you really look at effective adaptation. I would love for Zeitlin to carry this category, since it seems "Beasts" may be looking at a shut-out (which would be a travesty). But my best bet for a winner would be for "Argo" to dominate."){kind=small}
![The Screenplay categories are always interesting, as it gives Academy voters a chance to honor a film that was special, but not quite special enough to win their vote for Best Picture. This year, that film may be "Django Unchained," where Best Original Screenplay could be their opportunity to acknowledge Quentin Tarantino. That's my pick to narrowly win, over "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Amour," both films that have very solid chances at winning in this category as well. My personal favorite film in this category, "Moonrise Kingdom," doesn't really stand a shot at winning, although it would totally make my night. The last nominee, "Flight," doesn't seem to have much momentum.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/4e/8f/4e8f182c90e24ff7552687e2913524b5.jpg?itok=nV9fKZSb "The Screenplay categories are always interesting, as it gives Academy voters a chance to honor a film that was special, but not quite special enough to win their vote for Best Picture. This year, that film may be "Django Unchained," where Best Original Screenplay could be their opportunity to acknowledge Quentin Tarantino. That's my pick to narrowly win, over "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Amour," both films that have very solid chances at winning in this category as well. My personal favorite film in this category, "Moonrise Kingdom," doesn't really stand a shot at winning, although it would totally make my night. The last nominee, "Flight," doesn't seem to have much momentum."){kind=small}
![All of the talk, all of the controversy of this year's Oscars has centered around the category of Best Director. With Kathryn Bigelow was snubbed for "Zero Dark Thirty," there was outrage. But when Ben Affleck was snubbed for his impressive work in "Argo," there was an all out eruption of discontent across Hollywood. Since no write-in votes are allowed at the Oscars, Ben Affleck will sadly not have a chance at winning Best Director. But as waves of backlash over his snub have led to a surge of support for his film, "Argo," the previous front-runner, "Lincoln," has seemed to lost a bit of steam. Daniel Day-Lewis seems like a lock for Best Actor, but just as "Argo" has gotten a recent boost, so has "Lincoln" director Steven Spielberg, the legendary director who some feel is getting unjustly slighted by all of the hooplah surrounding Affleck and "Argo." Funny how these things play out, but Spielberg should win Best Director even if his film doesn't win Best Picture. The best chance for an upset seems to be Ang Lee, whose masterful "Life of Pi" was sheer directing brilliance. There is support for David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") and Michael Haneke ("Amour"), but not enough to over-shadow Lee or Spielberg. First-time director and nominee Ben Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") has already won his reward: Being nominated alongside these other brilliant filmmakers.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/hash/bf/88/1361297763_6349_Spielberg.jpg?itok=9YPJTFrK "All of the talk, all of the controversy of this year's Oscars has centered around the category of Best Director. With Kathryn Bigelow was snubbed for "Zero Dark Thirty," there was outrage. But when Ben Affleck was snubbed for his impressive work in "Argo," there was an all out eruption of discontent across Hollywood. Since no write-in votes are allowed at the Oscars, Ben Affleck will sadly not have a chance at winning Best Director. But as waves of backlash over his snub have led to a surge of support for his film, "Argo," the previous front-runner, "Lincoln," has seemed to lost a bit of steam. Daniel Day-Lewis seems like a lock for Best Actor, but just as "Argo" has gotten a recent boost, so has "Lincoln" director Steven Spielberg, the legendary director who some feel is getting unjustly slighted by all of the hooplah surrounding Affleck and "Argo." Funny how these things play out, but Spielberg should win Best Director even if his film doesn't win Best Picture. The best chance for an upset seems to be Ang Lee, whose masterful "Life of Pi" was sheer directing brilliance. There is support for David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") and Michael Haneke ("Amour"), but not enough to over-shadow Lee or Spielberg. First-time director and nominee Ben Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") has already won his reward: Being nominated alongside these other brilliant filmmakers.")
The 85th annual Academy Awards are coming this Sunday, Feb 24, 2013 and this week leading up to them is known as "Oscar Week," the official build-up towards movie's most prestigious awards show. So who is going to win at this year's Oscars?
Every day this week, check back to get my picks in all 24 categories. In this second installment of my "Oscar Week Predictions," I'll be looking at the Best Director category, the Original and Adapted Screenplay categories, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress.
Click the "List" button below (or above) to get started! Be sure to check back all of this week for my predictions in the other categories, leading up to Best Actor, Actress and Best Picture on Friday!
Follow film critic Tom Santilli on Twitter, @tomsantilli.
![All of the talk, all of the controversy of this year's Oscars has centered around the category of Best Director. With Kathryn Bigelow was snubbed for "Zero Dark Thirty," there was outrage. But when Ben Affleck was snubbed for his impressive work in "Argo," there was an all out eruption of discontent across Hollywood. Since no write-in votes are allowed at the Oscars, Ben Affleck will sadly not have a chance at winning Best Director. But as waves of backlash over his snub have led to a surge of support for his film, "Argo," the previous front-runner, "Lincoln," has seemed to lost a bit of steam. Daniel Day-Lewis seems like a lock for Best Actor, but just as "Argo" has gotten a recent boost, so has "Lincoln" director Steven Spielberg, the legendary director who some feel is getting unjustly slighted by all of the hooplah surrounding Affleck and "Argo." Funny how these things play out, but Spielberg should win Best Director even if his film doesn't win Best Picture. The best chance for an upset seems to be Ang Lee, whose masterful "Life of Pi" was sheer directing brilliance. There is support for David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") and Michael Haneke ("Amour"), but not enough to over-shadow Lee or Spielberg. First-time director and nominee Ben Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") has already won his reward: Being nominated alongside these other brilliant filmmakers.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/bf/88/1361297763_6349_Spielberg.jpg?itok=4V8P_qZa "All of the talk, all of the controversy of this year's Oscars has centered around the category of Best Director. With Kathryn Bigelow was snubbed for "Zero Dark Thirty," there was outrage. But when Ben Affleck was snubbed for his impressive work in "Argo," there was an all out eruption of discontent across Hollywood. Since no write-in votes are allowed at the Oscars, Ben Affleck will sadly not have a chance at winning Best Director. But as waves of backlash over his snub have led to a surge of support for his film, "Argo," the previous front-runner, "Lincoln," has seemed to lost a bit of steam. Daniel Day-Lewis seems like a lock for Best Actor, but just as "Argo" has gotten a recent boost, so has "Lincoln" director Steven Spielberg, the legendary director who some feel is getting unjustly slighted by all of the hooplah surrounding Affleck and "Argo." Funny how these things play out, but Spielberg should win Best Director even if his film doesn't win Best Picture. The best chance for an upset seems to be Ang Lee, whose masterful "Life of Pi" was sheer directing brilliance. There is support for David O. Russell ("Silver Linings Playbook") and Michael Haneke ("Amour"), but not enough to over-shadow Lee or Spielberg. First-time director and nominee Ben Zeitlin ("Beasts of the Southern Wild") has already won his reward: Being nominated alongside these other brilliant filmmakers.")
![The Screenplay categories are always interesting, as it gives Academy voters a chance to honor a film that was special, but not quite special enough to win their vote for Best Picture. This year, that film may be "Django Unchained," where Best Original Screenplay could be their opportunity to acknowledge Quentin Tarantino. That's my pick to narrowly win, over "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Amour," both films that have very solid chances at winning in this category as well. My personal favorite film in this category, "Moonrise Kingdom," doesn't really stand a shot at winning, although it would totally make my night. The last nominee, "Flight," doesn't seem to have much momentum.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/b2/53/b2538cf742bf53a95b25add368a9464a.jpg?itok=pPMijgUL "The Screenplay categories are always interesting, as it gives Academy voters a chance to honor a film that was special, but not quite special enough to win their vote for Best Picture. This year, that film may be "Django Unchained," where Best Original Screenplay could be their opportunity to acknowledge Quentin Tarantino. That's my pick to narrowly win, over "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Amour," both films that have very solid chances at winning in this category as well. My personal favorite film in this category, "Moonrise Kingdom," doesn't really stand a shot at winning, although it would totally make my night. The last nominee, "Flight," doesn't seem to have much momentum.")
![Riding the successful wave of "Argo" love that was generated with Affleck's Best Director snub, "Argo" seems to stand the best chance at winning Best Adapted Screenplay. It does face stiff competition from Tony Kushner's "Lincoln" script. Although "Silver Linings Playbook" received lots of respect by way of nominations, David O. Russell's script seems to be one of the long-shot chances for the film to win an Oscar (it stands better chances in the acting categories). That leaves David Magee's "Life of Pi" and Benh Zeitlin's "Beasts of the Southern Wild," both of which are probably the most deserving and impressive if you really look at effective adaptation. I would love for Zeitlin to carry this category, since it seems "Beasts" may be looking at a shut-out (which would be a travesty). But my best bet for a winner would be for "Argo" to dominate.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/29/c8/29c8570f02a33d0a12be0c6f52c7c543.jpg?itok=iDUTgBgJ "Riding the successful wave of "Argo" love that was generated with Affleck's Best Director snub, "Argo" seems to stand the best chance at winning Best Adapted Screenplay. It does face stiff competition from Tony Kushner's "Lincoln" script. Although "Silver Linings Playbook" received lots of respect by way of nominations, David O. Russell's script seems to be one of the long-shot chances for the film to win an Oscar (it stands better chances in the acting categories). That leaves David Magee's "Life of Pi" and Benh Zeitlin's "Beasts of the Southern Wild," both of which are probably the most deserving and impressive if you really look at effective adaptation. I would love for Zeitlin to carry this category, since it seems "Beasts" may be looking at a shut-out (which would be a travesty). But my best bet for a winner would be for "Argo" to dominate.")
![Anne Hathaway. Simply stated. Thank you for showing up, fellow nominees Sally Field, Amy Adams, Helen Hunt and Jacki Weaver, but Hathaway's riveting performance in "Les Miserables" winning her this award is one of the surest things at this year's Oscars. Who doesn't love Sally Field, who gave a terrific portrayal in "Lincoln," but Oscar nostalgia will not overcome a - to this point - career performance by one of Hollywood's brightest young actresses.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/89/ff/89ff51ca99076c55883ee2ecd5c9cd2d.jpg?itok=wm-Yx_a8 "Anne Hathaway. Simply stated. Thank you for showing up, fellow nominees Sally Field, Amy Adams, Helen Hunt and Jacki Weaver, but Hathaway's riveting performance in "Les Miserables" winning her this award is one of the surest things at this year's Oscars. Who doesn't love Sally Field, who gave a terrific portrayal in "Lincoln," but Oscar nostalgia will not overcome a - to this point - career performance by one of Hollywood's brightest young actresses.")
![Where Best Supporting Actress may be a lock, the race for Best Supporting Actor is one of this year's closest - and most unpredictable - races. Alan Arkin represents the one "Argo" nomination that has very little chance of winning and Philip Seymour Hoffman's powerful performance in "The Master" is being over-looked in favor of lighter, more comedic fare. It's really a three-horse race between slight front-runner Tommy Lee Jones in "Lincoln," Robert De Niro in "Silver Linings Playbook," and Christoph Waltz in "Django Unchained." If I had my druthers, the award would have gone to first-time actor Dwight Howard (not even nominated, for his amazing work in "Beasts of the Southern Wild.") But of these three, I pick De Niro to win out in the end, which would give the famous actor his third-ever Oscar (out of six total nominations, he's won twice, for "The Godfather II" and "Raging Bull.") If Tommy Lee Jones wins early, it could signal a stronger-than-expected night for "Lincoln," which would make this years broadcast all the more interesting.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/4c/70/4c70661e8b9b820e871666cd97153bad.jpg?itok=W7d877zR "Where Best Supporting Actress may be a lock, the race for Best Supporting Actor is one of this year's closest - and most unpredictable - races. Alan Arkin represents the one "Argo" nomination that has very little chance of winning and Philip Seymour Hoffman's powerful performance in "The Master" is being over-looked in favor of lighter, more comedic fare. It's really a three-horse race between slight front-runner Tommy Lee Jones in "Lincoln," Robert De Niro in "Silver Linings Playbook," and Christoph Waltz in "Django Unchained." If I had my druthers, the award would have gone to first-time actor Dwight Howard (not even nominated, for his amazing work in "Beasts of the Southern Wild.") But of these three, I pick De Niro to win out in the end, which would give the famous actor his third-ever Oscar (out of six total nominations, he's won twice, for "The Godfather II" and "Raging Bull.") If Tommy Lee Jones wins early, it could signal a stronger-than-expected night for "Lincoln," which would make this years broadcast all the more interesting.")
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