The writer's strike ended only 8 days before the ceremony. This year will be remembered as a year of dark films and dark characters. 3 of the 4 acting winners were for portrayals of ruthless villians.

Remember, it's not about the "best", it's about who is favored. Politics are part of the fun. Still, the overall nominees represent many of the best movies of the year.

Here are our final picks...

	Our Picks*	Winners
Picture	No Country For Old Men D&LA
Actor	Daniel Day Lewis D&LA
Actress	Julie Christie D&LA	Marion Cotillard
Sup Actor	Javier Bardem D&LA
Sup Actress	Ruby Dee D&LA	Tilda Swinton
Director	Joel & Ethan Coen D&LA

* who we think will win, not necessarily who we want to win.

Last year's picks and winners.

Picture:
"No Country For Old Men"
"Michael Clayton"
"There Will Be Blood"

Actor:
Daniel Day Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
George Clooney, "Michael Clayton"

Actress:
Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
Ellen Page, "Juno"
Marion Cotillard, "La Vie En Rose"

Supporting Actor:
Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"
Hal Holbrook, "Into the Wild"
Casey Affleck , "Ass. of Jesse James"

Supporting Actress:
Ruby Dee, "American Gangster"
Tilda swinton, "Michael Clayton"
Amy Ryan, "Gone Baby Gone"
Cate Blanchett, "I'm not There"