Prediction: Argo
On the day of the Oscar nominations, EW's headline was ''Bad day for 'Argo,' 'Les Mis' and 'Zero Dark Thirty''' and it was, at that moment. Just days later, Argo's fortunes changed. The film won Best Drama and Best Director at the Golden Globes, igniting a whisper campaign that would right the wrong of the directors branch snubbing Ben Affleck. That prophecy was confirmed time and again in the weeks that followed as Argo swept the various guild awards. On Sunday, expect to hear it announced as Best Picture.
Runner-Up: Silver Linings Playbook
Everyone suspects this is a battle between Argo and Lincoln, but the real potential spoiler here is Silver Linings. It's the first movie since 1981's Reds to land nominations in all four acting categories, which indicates broad support within the actors branch, the largest voting bloc in the Academy.
Surprise: Lincoln
Despite her decades-long career as a producer, Kathleen Kennedy has never won an Oscar. If Lincoln somehow overcomes the Argo Express, the prize will still be making up for a snub.
Click here for Anthony's complete forecast for all 24 categories.
Image Credit: Claire Folger
Making your Oscar Pool picks? See how Anthony Breznican reads the tea leaves heading into Sunday; get his take on 15 categories here, then click over to Inside Movies for a deeper dive and picks for all 24 races