Oscars aftermath for big stars

In Hollywood, Oscar and career boost have become synonymous. So now that the gowns are at the cleaners and the tuxes are in storage, here's what the six leading winners will do next.

MEL GIBSON (Best Director, Best Picture)
Will next be seen in: The July thriller Ransom.
Where his Oscar put him: In limbo land. A Gibson spokesman says the actor hasn't decided whether to act or direct next. ''He's probably the only Oscar winner who will be unemployed.''

SUSAN SARANDON (Best Actress)
Will next be seen in: Make that heard in — this month's James and the Giant Peach, as the voice of Spider. In addition, Sarandon may appear with Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan in The Women, due in '97.
Where her Oscar put her: On vacation at an undisclosed location.

NICOLAS CAGE (Best Actor)
Will next be seen in: This June's The Rock, with Sean Connery.
Where his Oscar put him: On the A list. He's reportedly getting $6 million to star with John Travolta in Paramount's Face Off.

MIRA SORVINO (Best Supporting Actress)
Will next be seen in: The May HBO movie Norma Jean and Marilyn.
Where her Oscar put her: Out of town. ''It's been so overwhelming, she's going to take a few days to herself,'' says her spokeswoman.

KEVIN SPACEY (Best Supporting Actor)
Will next be seen in: A Time to Kill in August. And this fall Miramax will release his directorial debut, Albino Alligator.
Where his Oscar put him: In the catbird seat. ''He's gotten a tremendous amount of offers,'' says a spokeswoman. ''One thing is for certain: He doesn't have to do the first thing that comes along.''

EMMA THOMPSON (Best Screenplay Adaptation)
Will next be seen in: Thompson has no project scheduled, though she has been mentioned for the lead in Robert Redford's The Horse Whisperer.
Where her Oscar put her: In about the same place. ''Emma is not someone who gets offers based on one award,'' says her spokeswoman. ''She has so many already.''