Oscars 2012: Early predictions

It’s that time of year again: Oscars season!  A time when cinemas are flooded with worthy movies each trying to nab one of the Academy’s all-important little gold men.

[See more: Golden Globe nominations announced]

But out of this year’s bumper crop of Oscar hopefuls, which films look set to scoop the top gongs when Billy Crystal takes to the stage to present the 84th Academy Awards? Here’s our pick of the early frontrunners: find out more about the films, actors, actresses and directors that we reckon might walk away with awards come February in our Oscars 2012 predictions...

The Artist

Might win:Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor

Best Picture odds: 8/11

‘The Artist’ has been lauded by critics and audiences alike, but is an Oscar nod for a black and white film with just two lines of dialogue a step too far for Academy voters? Perhaps not.  It’s currently odds-on to win Best Picture. With the backing of Oscar-specialist Harvey Weinstein and co, you’ve got to fancy its chances.

The Descendants

Might win: Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director

Best Picture odds: 10/3

It’s been described as the best dramatic performance in Clooney’s career so it’s no surprise that gorgeous George is favourite for the highly competitive Best Actor category this year. The film’s early popularity could even spell success for Alexander Payne in the Best Director category, in what’s his first foray into cinemas since 2004 Oscar-winner ‘Sideways’.

[See also: Which movies are always on at Christmas?]

War Horse

Might win:Best Picture, Best Director

Best Picture odds: 4/1

Directed by Steven Spielberg, scored by John Williams and set in World War I: there’s no doubt Disney’s ‘War Horse’ is laden with Oscar bait. We hated it, but the talent involved alone means it’s still third favourite with bookies.

Hugo

Might win:Best Picture, Best Director

Best Picture odds: 7/1

Before its release Martin Scorsese’s kid-friendly homage to silent cinema wasn’t in the Oscar running. Ecstatic reviews and a fistful of garlands at various shows changed all that. Having won for ‘The Departed’, Scorsese isn’t due Oscar glory anymore, but this would still be a popular Best Picture winner. Expect a host of technical nominations as well.

Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close

Might win:Best Picture, Best Director

Best Picture odds: 10/1

Stephen Daldry is no stranger when it comes to Oscar nominations, having scooped three nods for Best Director in his career so far. We’re yet to see much of his latest outing but you’d be a fool to write off an offering that stars Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock and Jon Goodman in a flick that follows the exploits of a boy who lost his father in 9/11. ‘Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close’ is almost definitely Oscar material.

J. Edgar

Might win: Best Actor

Best Picture odds: 14/1

The early buzz around Clint Eastwood’s biopic of J. Edgar Hoover has been mixed at best. But whatever the film’s critical and commercial fate, Leonardo DiCaprio looks like a shoe-in for a Best Actor nomination for a role which sees the star play the former FBI Director across five decades, ranging from his 20s to late 70s and all without missing a beat.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Might win:  Best Picture, Best Actor

Best Picture odds: 20/1

Tomas Alfredson’s film adaptation of John Le Carré’s Cold War novel seemed like a sure thing for an Oscar, but perhaps it peaked too soon as it missed out at the Golden Globes. Nonetheless, it would be a travesty if Gary Oldman’s superb incarnation of George Smiley didn’t pick up a nod.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Might win: Best Actress

Best Picture odds: 20/1

This might just be a genre film (though a very, very good one), but ‘Dragon Tattoo’ could still scoop Oscar glory for Rooney Mara, who plays psychotic punk hacker Lisbeth Salander in the film. Her brave performance, which saw her get fully nude, get real piercings and totally alter her appearance, is right up the street of Oscar judges.

Moneyball

Might win: Best Picture

Best Picture odds: 25/1

The Academy loves a sports film and with critics already lavishing praise on Brad Pitt’s baseball blockbuster, the flick could put in a good innings at this year’s awards. Pitt’s a sure thing for a Best Actor nom as well.

The Iron Lady

Might win: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor
Best picture odds: 33/1

With 16 nominations in a career spanning just under 30 years, Meryl Streep is a veritable Oscar magnet. So it’s perhaps no surprise to see her name linked with the little gold men again this year for her take on Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady’.  She’s currently evens for Oscar glory. Jim Broadbent is also an outside shout for his turn as Denis Thatcher.

The Help

Might win: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress.
Best picture odds: 25/1

‘The Help’ was a sleeper hit Stateside, and whilst it didn't fare quite so well in the UK,  expect Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer to do well in the Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress categories. Has an outside shot for Best Picture as well after its Golden Globe nod.

Beginners

Might win: Best Supporting Actor
Best picture odds: Not in the running

If there’s a better performance from a Supporting Actor this year then we’re yet to see it. Christopher Plummer’s turn as a gay man in his 70s, who comes out to his son after his wife's death, is undoubtedly one of the performances of the year and fully deserving of recognition.

My Week With Marilyn

Might win: Best actress
Best picture odds: 40/1

The Oscar voters love a good impersonation, and there was none better than Michelle Williams’ spot-on turn as Marilyn Monroe in this solid biographical drama. Streep’s closest competitor for the Best Actress award.

All betting odds from William Hill.

Do you agree with our selections or have we missed your tip for the top? Let us know in the comments section below.

Plus: Visit our Oscars 2012 site