I'm Rooting for an Upset

I'm really hoping Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin are funny on Sunday night, because if they're not, then this year's Oscar ceremony will be one giant snoozer. After another long awards season when so many other trophies have already been handed out (the Golden Globes, SAG, Directors' Guild, Critics' Choice, etc.), there's not a whole lot of suspense left about who's going to win the Oscars. The top eight major categories (and at least three or four other awards) are already pretty well set. However, while some may say that means there's not much incentive to stay up until 12 to see the whole thing, I will definitely be watching until the bitter end — and maybe some post-show coverage too. I'm just not expecting to enjoy it much.

Need some last-minute help with your office Oscar pool? Want to know who I think will win? Here you go:

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Best Actress: Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique, Precious
Best Original Screenplay: The Hurt Locker
Best Adapted Screenplay: Up in the Air

I'll throw in these too:
Best Original Song: "The Weary Kind," Crazy Heart
Best Original Score: Up
Best Animated Feature: Up
Best Visual Effects: Avatar

It's worth noting that I actually haven't seen Hurt Locker yet, and that I don't agree with all the supposed winners above. If I had a vote, I'd choose Up in the Air for Best Picture, and either Carey Mulligan (An Education) or Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) for Best Actress.

In truth, I'm hoping I don't go 12-for-12 on my picks. An upset or two would be nice. But in lieu of that, I'm hoping Steve and Alec bring the funny so the show is actually enjoyable.

[Pssst ... Need an Oscar ballot? Here you go.]