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2009 Academy Awards/Oscars Predictions

Jason Lowry — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:00:51 +0000

The 2009 Academy Awards are set to take place February 22 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, and we figured what better time than now to get you up to date on some of the top categories for this year’s event. The ceremony is set to be hosted by none other than Hugh Jackman. Here is a look at the odds for best picture, actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, and director, with our prediction on who we think will take home the hardware.

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire -250, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buton +350, Milk +800, Frost/Nixon +1200, and The Reader +1600

This is one of the top categories to take home, and there are a number of great movies that could be walking away with the award. While we liked the Curious Case of Benjamin Buton we don’t think that it will wind up winning this award. In our opinion it comes down to Slumdog Millionaire and Milk. Slumdog Millionaire took home best picture at the Golden Globes, but Milk was not part of the nominations.

Our Pick: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Actor: Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler -125, Sean Penn – Milk +165, Frank Langella – Frost/Nixon +650, Brad Pitt – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button +1200, and Richard Jenkins – The Visitor +2000

What a comeback it was for Mickey Rourke, as his performance in The Wrestler was outstanding. Sean Penn was brilliant in Milk and Frank Langella’s performance in Frost/Nixon was almost perfect. While Brad Pitt and Richard Jenkins remain long shots to take home this award. Rourke was your 2009 Golden Globe winner for best actor, but we think Penn takes home this award for the 2nd time in his career.

Our Pick: Sean Penn – Milk

Best Actress: Kate Winslet – The Reader -110, Anne Hathaway – Rachel Getting Married +175, Meryl Streep – Doubt +600, Melissa Leo – Frozen River +1200, Angelina Jolie – Changeling +1800

This category like so many others is loaded with some outstanding performances, and picking just one to win is a very difficult task. Kate Winslet looks like the solid front runner for this award, but Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep are not far behind. We are going to go out on a limb and say that Streep takes home the award for her amazing performance in Doubt, even though Winslet took home this award at the Golden Globes this year.

Our Pick: Meryl Streep – Doubt

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight -1400, Philip Seymour Hoffman – Doubt +1200, Josh Brolin – Milk +1200, Michael Shannon – Revolutionary Road +1400, and Robert Downey Jr. – Tropic Thunder +3000

This is about as safe as pick as you can make at this year’s Academy Awards, as it would be a crying shame if the late Heath Ledger did not get recognized for his outstanding career with the award for best supporting actor in his role as the Joker in the Dark Knight. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Josh Brolin, and Michael Shannon were all excellent in their respected roles, but Ledger deserves and should win this award.

Our Pick: Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight

Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz – Vicky Cristiina Barcelona -125, Viola Davis – Doubt +300, Marisa Tomei – The Wrestler +400, Taraji P Henson – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button +1000, and Amy Adams – Doubt +1200

In our opinion this is pretty much a two way race between Penelope Cruz and her amazing role as a mentally unstable ex-wife in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Viola Davis in her unforgettable role as Mrs. Miller in Doubt. While this is pretty much a coin toss on who is going to win, we are going to go with Davis to jump Cruz and take home this award.

Our Pick: Viola Davis – Doubt

Best Director: Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire -300, David Fincher – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button +450, Gus Van Sant – Milk +1000, Ron Howard – Frost/Nixon +1000, and Stephen Daldry – The Reader +1400

Lastly we take a look at the guys behind the scenes, who are the masterminds behind so many of the best movies today. Every single nominee here could wind up winning this award, but if you have seen Slumdog Millionaire you can understand why we are picking Danny Boyle to bring home another award for this great film.

Our Pick: Danny Boule – Slumdog Millionaire

For a complete list of odds for all the big award ceremonies this year, head over to BetUS.com today.

2008 Emmy Odds

Jack Jones — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:24:39 +0000

Before you know it the 2008 Emmy’s will be here and one of our favorite online sportsbooks in BetUS has posted odds on who they think is going to win each of the major categories. We’ll take a look at the lines, but if you want to place any action on your favorite show, actor, or actress then head to BetUS, where you can get up to 135% in free signup bonuses!

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60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, 2008

Who will win Most Outstanding Drama Series? (Again, Dexter is just so unique that I have to think it gets a nod here)
Mad Men +125 5/4
Boston Legal +700 7/1
Dexter +550 11/2
Damages +450 9/2
House +650 13/2
Lost +750 15/2

Who will win Most Outstanding Comedy Series? (Entourage faded last year in my mind, while you can’t go wrong with any of the top three favorites)
30 Rock +175 7/4
The Office +250 5/2
Curb Your Enthusiasm +450 9/2
Entourage +500 5/1
Two and a Half Men +550 11/2

Who will win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series? (Please not Steve Carell, he’s nowhere near as good in the Office as Alec Baldwin is in 30 Rock)
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock +150 3/2
Steve Carell, The Office +250 5/2
Tony Shalhoub, Monk +400 4/1
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men +550 11/2
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies +700 7/1

Who will win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series? (Tough category with lots of worthy women competing, but I have a soft spot for Tina Fey)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine +225 9/4
Tina Fey, 30 Rock +250 5/2
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds +350 7/2
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? +450 9/2
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty +500 5/1

Who will win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series? (If there is a better character on TV than Dexter, somebody please clue me in)
Jon Hamm, Mad Men +275 11/4
Michael C. Hall, Dexter +300 3/1
Hugh Laurie, House +325 13/4
James Spader, Boston Legal +600 6/1
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad +650 13/2
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment +700 7/1

Who will win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series? (I personally will be rooting against Glenn Close and for one of the TNT ladies)
Glenn Close, Damages +125 5/4
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters +500 5/1
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit +600 6/1
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace +550 11/2
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer +300 3/1

Who will win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series? (Damages wasn’t a bad show, but two nods here?)
Ted Danson, Damages +200 2/1
Michael Emerson, Lost +550 11/2
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages +250 5/2
William Shatner, Boston Legal +600 6/1
John Slattery, Mad Men +325 13/4

Who will win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama?
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy +250 5/2
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment +275 11/4
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal +350 7/2
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy +400 4/1
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters +450 9/2

Who will win Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series?
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live +275 11/4
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies +300 3/1
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men +325 13/4
Jean Smart, Samantha Who? +400 4/1
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty +400 4/1

Who will win Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy? (Sure Neil Patrick Harris is great, but how can this not go to Dwight Shrute?)
Rainn Wilson, The Office +250 5/2
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother +275 11/4
Kevin Dillon, Entourage +350 7/2
Jeremy Piven, Entourage +400 4/1
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men +450 9/2

Which show will win outstanding Reality Competition?
The Amazing Race +275 11/4
Dancing With The Stars +275 11/4
Project Runway +325 13/4
American Idol +400 4/1
Top Chef +450 9/2

Who will win Outstanding Host of a Reality Series?
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars +250 5/2
Heidi Klum, Project Runway +275 11/4
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol +325 13/4
Jeff Probst, Survivor +350 7/2
Howie Mandel, Deal or No Deal +600 6/1

Who will win Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series (Comedy Central getting some real love here)
The Colbert Report +300 3/1
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart +275 11/4
Late Show With David Letterman +450 9/2
Real Time With Bill Maher +400 4/1
Saturday Night Live +300 3/1

Dancing With the Stars Odds 2008

Jack Jones — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:40:32 +0000

One of the hottest shows in recent years has been Dancing With The Stars. This show has become an absolute phenomenon with fans tuning in record numbers to watch former athletes, current athletes, singers, actors and more who are looking for a re-boost in their career. The show offers quite a few familiar faces and puts them in an uncomfortable situation of having to learn a new skill in front of the world.

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Speculation is mounting on just who will win this year’s competition, and the odds makers at Betus are one of the first to set the odds on who will walk away from this year’s dance floor as a champion.

Analysts at BetUS.com Posted the following odds on Dancing With The Stars:

Toni Braxton 3/1
Lance Bass 5/1
Misty May Treanor 7/1
Kim Kardashian 8/1
Cody Linley 8/1
Maurice Green 9/1
Brooke Burke 12/1
Susan Lucci 15/1
Ted McGinley 15/1
Cloris Leachman 18/1
Warren Sapp 20/1
Rocco Dispirito 20/1
Jeffrey Ross 25/1

There are some other stranger odds posted like the line on who is most Likely to hook up backstage on this season’s Dancing with the Stars:

Lance Bass – Kim Kardashian 5/1
Lance Bass – Misty May Treanor 8/1
Lance Bass – Toni Braxton 15/1
Lance Bass – Brooke Burke 15/1
Toni Braxton – Rocco Dispirito 10/1
Toni Braxton – Jeffrey Ross 10/1
Brooke Burke – Maurice Green 18/1
Brooke Burke – Warren Sapp 25/1
Misty May Treanor – Maurice Green 30/1
Lance Bass – Cody Linley 55/1
Kim Kardashian – Misty May Treanor 50/1

Odds on who is most Likely to be arrested for DUI after the start of Dancing with the Stars:

Susan Lucci 5/1
Rocco Dispirito 8/1
Jeffrey Ross 9/1
Ted McGinley 10/1
Warren Sapp 12/1
Toni Braxton 20/1
Kim Kardashian 20/1
Brooke Burke 25/1
Lance Bass 30/1
Cloris Leachman 30/1
Maurice Green 35/1
Misty May Treanor 50/1
Cody Linley 75/1

First Oldtimer to suffer an injury

Cloris Leachman 2/3
Susan Lucci 11/10

Props Betting

Jack Jones — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:15:26 +0000

On this page we are going to be focusing on props betting or proposition sports betting. This is something that is becoming increasingly more popular among gamblers and there are plenty of sportsbooks that are setting odds on events to draw in the action. You can bet on anything from major award shows, celebrities, to the general election.

We are going to be providing advice on these different bets so you can take advantage of some decent lines and make some interesting bets that should bring enjoyment for months to come. Of course if you think you have great insight into entertainment, business, celebrities, or politics then you can make a boat load of cash with these bets.

2006 Emmy Predictions

Jack Jones — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:17:55 +0000

We have 2006 Emmy predictions based on what the odds are being offered by online sportsbooks. You can now get the latest in 2006 Emmy odds and make your bets all at Bodog. Let’s get down to the categories so you can decide which shows you watch and like, and which shows you think are complete garbage and have no chance of winning. The first category is the 2006 Emmy for outstanding reality-competition program. American Idol is by far the most popular show on television, but can they take the popularity to the house and collect an Emmy? Survivor has been around for quite some time now and may be losing some of it’s fizzle, I would personally stay away from betting on that show no matter how much you love it. The guys at Bodog think that American Idol is going to take this award, but Amazing Race might show the most value.

Amazing Race +300
American Idol -120
Dancing With the Stars +400
Project Runway +200
Survivor +400

So who is going to win the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series. The favorite is Steve Carell from the Office and I personally don’t see any dark horses pulling through here. This show is a cult favorite and he has been brilliant. He obviously shows the worst value, so this might be a category to avoid.

Curb Your Enthusiasm – Larry David +500
King of Queens – Kevin James +1000
Monk – Tony Shalhoub +300
The Office – Steve Carell -166
Two and a Half Men – Charlie Sheen +215

Time for the lead actor in a drama series. Let’s be honest there is a great following for 24 and Kiefer Sutherland, but Denis Leary has been great on one of our favorite shows here at BetFirms in Rescue Me. This show is buried on FX so there aren’t as many viewers as with 24, but he’s our underdog choice.

Law & Order SVU – Christopher Meloni +1800
Rescue Me – Denis Leary +125
Six Feet Under – Peter Krause +200
24 – Kiefer Sutherland -150
West Wing – Martin Sheen +1000

The favorite for lead actress in a comedy is Lisa Kudrow in the Comeback. Personally, Will & Grace’s Debra Messing was great throughout the show’s history and we’ll be pulling for her to take home the hardware.

Comeback – Lisa Kudrow -220
Malcolm in the Middle – Jane Kaczmarek +400
New Adventures of Old Christine – Julia Louis-Drefus +1800
Out of Practice – Stockard Channing +150
Will & Grace – Debra Messing +100

That leads us to the Emmy for Outstanding lead actress in a drama series. The favorite here is Kyra Sedgwick from TNT’s hit the Closer, but we just can’t get over all the promo hype that was going on through the NBA playoffs. This is one of those girls who I don’t understand why people think she’s that hot, I mean she reminds me more of a fish. I’m passing on giving a pick for this category so you are on your own due to protesting ABC’s pushing Commander in Chief to get the American public to warm up for a Presidential run by Hillary Clinton.

Closer – Kyra Sedgwick +150
Commander in Chief – Geena Davis +233
Law & Order SVU – Mariska Kargitay +185
Six Feet Under – Frances Conroy +567
West Wing – Allison Janney +300

Odds for best comedy series are heavily weighted towards the Office and Scrubs, but Arrested Development is the dark horse that you are going to want to put your money on. This show was cancelled even though the critics loved it. No way you should pass on this chance to cash at 3 to 1.

Arrested Development +300
Curb Your Enthusiasm +400
Office +100
Scrubs +120
Two and a Half Men +1900

Grey’s Anatomy is the favorite to win the best drama series and we have to agree. Sopranos was just rot this year, no way they can pull out a victory here and if so then voters need to undergo drug testing before voting. Maybe that is the only way to understand the dream scenes and other crap that goes on during the show that seems irrelevant to everyone who is sober.

Grey’s +100
House +200
Sopranos +800
24 +350
West Wing +240

Sex and the City Odds

Jack Jones — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:09:40 +0000

Analysts are posting predictions on the possible outcomes for the Sex and the City premiere, one of the most highly anticipated movies of the summer for females moviegoers.

BetUS.com Posts Odds on all Things ‘Sex” Movie Premiere

The premiere of the Sex and The City Movie is going to hit London first, then move on to New York City, which is what the HBO show calls it’s fifth cast member (and gets included in the title). Fans are confused and the Big Apple is pretty pissed off at being the bridesmaid and not the bride, but nonetheless the show will go on and fans from the show are pumped for the movie, and predictions are coming from everywhere.

Whenever there are predictions being made it seems like sportsbooks like BetUS step up and give the public what they want, odds on the event.

BetUS tries to cater to everyone, and that includes people looking to cast their wagers on the prop bets they post on high profile events, which includes the premiere of Sex and the City.

Oddsmakers at BetUS.com posted the following odds in all things Sex in the City Premiere:

Opening weekend dollars over/under
Over 55 Million 2/3
Under 55 Million 11/10

Sarah Jessica Parker’s dentures fall out on red carpet
Yes 150/1

Kim Catrall endorses a retirement home during red carpet interview.
Yes 25/1

Kristen Davis uses cane to make her way down red carpet
Yes 18/1

Only cast and crew attend premiere
Yes 250/1

SJP wears suit on red carpet
Yes 10/1
No 1/100

Odds that a fight breaks out between cast members on red carpet
Yes 250/1

Over/under on number of weeks before movie goes to DVD
Over 9.5 2/3
Under 9.5 11/10

Will Sex and the city win razzie award
Yes 15/1
No 1/125

Will sex and the city lose money
Yes 150/1

Will there be a sequel
Yes 5/6
No 5/6

Will Sex and the city win an oscar
Yes 4/1
No 1/10

Odds on number of nude (partial nude) scenes
Over 4.5 5/6
Under 4.5 5/6

For more sports and entertainment odds, visit www.BetUS.com

National Spelling Bee Odds

Jack Jones — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:49:08 +0000

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is fast approaching and bettors can get in on the action. The odds makers at BetUS have posted odds on the event, allowing you to have predictions on nearly every single possible scenario

Students will come from both the United States and Canada to compete with 287 other junior high age students, starting on May 29th at the 2008 Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington. The winner will take home a trophy, a whopping $35,000 in cash, and the recognition that goes along with being the best speller in North America.

The Spelling Bee has grown quite a bit in both intellectual and parental circles over the past couple of years and in 2008 the hype has really mounted. People are just mesmerized by the spectacle that allows for nerds everywhere to become stars. Users at the sportsbook BetUS.com can now wager on the world’s largest educational challenge, betting on nearly any possible scenario.

Head over to BetUS to check it out, the odds include whether the winner will be wearing a stereotypical studious costume of spectacular spectacles.

Oddsmakers at BetUS.com posted the following odds on all things Scripps National Spelling Bee:

Gender of winner
Male 5/7
Female 1/1

Winner to wear glasses
Yes 1/1
No 5/7

Length of winning word
Over 8.5 2/3
Under 8.5 11/10

For more sports and entertainment odds, visit BetUS.com

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Odds on Deal or No Deal

Jack Jones — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:07:00 +0000

We frequently get asked if the banker is setting the true odds on Deal or No Deal or is this game show still showing a game show edge? It isn’t normally giving players the average, but then again there are other factors involved. Mark Pilarski gives his thoughts on the game.

If you haven’t seen Deal or No Deal then this is how it works. The participant selects a brief case containing anywhere from 1 cent to 1 million dollars, and there are 26 cases to choose from. Then, all non-selected cases are slowly revealed until there are just three left, two on the board and the one the player has selected. My wife believes at the end of the game, when only 3 cases are left, the player has a 1 in 3 chance for the highest prize, assuming that the 1 million has not been seen yet. I believe the true odds are still 26-1, which is what they were when the case was selected. Which is it? Dick D.

Dear Mark,
Do you watch Deal or No Deal, and what is your take on the game in general and when should you take the banker’s offer? Cheryl A.

Yes, Cheryl, I’ve watched Deal or No Deal a bit, although not a lot since I really don’t see it as much of a game, since neither skill nor trivia is involved, just an ambiguity, a bellowing brother-in-law, the prickle of greed, and a baseless guess.

My take on it, Cheryl: I find Deal or No Deal excruciating to watch because of its tortoise pace, (an exercise in Job-like patience), not to mention all those dreary commercials to keep the suspense alive (huh?). When they finally return from pushing products, we get to watch five more minutes of a brother-in-law in the wings yelling; “Take the Deal, you Putz!” Now that Nielson knows what I think of the show’s staging, plot, and general entertainment value, and because of my resultant limited exposure to it, I really can’t answer your Banker offer question with 100% certainty.

From what I have seen, I am sure that probabilities are re-calculated by the anonymous silhouetted banker, based on what values remain in play, which allows me to put Dick’s question to bed. At the onset, Deal or No Deal offers the best odds for winning $1 million on national TV — 1 in 26. But once only three cases remain, those odds are improved to 1 in 3. Your wife is right, case closed.
Back to you, Cheryl. From my limited observation of Deal or No Deal, the banker seems to start with offers well below the expected value of the remaining suitcases, getting closer to the expected value near the end. A smart player would refuse the banker’s offer until it is close to or exceeds the average of the remaining suitcases. If the contestant just wants to maximize the expected value of their winnings they should always turn down the Banker, and yet, it seems most players end up accepting the Banker’s deal before all the brief cases are opened. So, are they well advised by their brother-in-law to take the money and run? Probably yes, because it seems their decisions are made based on what we call in the gambling business risk aversion.

Given the choice between two gambles: Gamble A making the weak promise of a very high payoff, and Gamble B making a more likely promise of a more modest payoff — the gambler showing “risk aversion” will choose Gamble B, preferring to take the lesser risk. The “risk seekers”, familiar at casino tables, accept a negative expected return or the thrill of financial risk and a possible immense payoff.

Also factored in is that the amount of money involved in Deal or No Deal is a significant fraction of the contestant’s net worth. As we crunch the banker’s offer in our heads at home in the comfort of our Lazy Boy, the banker’s stingy offer may be far more than the contestant makes in a year. It’s easy to see why many players become risk averse and are willing to accept a sure amount rather than a possibly higher amount by taking additional risks. Let’s face it, taking risks is… risky.

Just like those million dollar figures on a progressive slot machine, Deal or No Deal taps into the most basic human emotions: greed, a desire to improve one’s situation through a get-rich-quick scenario. It’s something we can all relate to, and one we all play in life differently.

2008 Oscar Predictions & Odds

Jack Jones — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:16:42 +0000

Bet Using Your Credit Card!

The red carpet is ready to welcome the stars this year for the 80th Academy Awards hosted by infamous funny man, Jon Stewart. On February 24th, viewers everywhere will be scrutinizing massively bad hair-dos, dye-jobs and fashion faux pas. But don’t forget the real reason for the glitz and glamor; to honor the best of the best in films since January 1st, 2007. With a lot of good ones out there this year, competition will be tough and the claws will be out. We can only hope there’s a cat fight, but let’s face it that’s not really classy Grammy style.

Odds for Best Picture:

Atonement 9/1
Juno 15/1
Michael Clayton 20/1
No Country for Old Men 4/13
There Will Be Blood 13-4

Best Picture is a tough one this year, but Juno will likely take the cake on this one. The hot new cast and buzz worthy stripper-turned-screen writer (yep, it’s true) has caught everyone’s eye in the past few months. This fresh story has caught the attention of day time talk shows everywhere and it’s doubtful that it will lose any publicity in the next few weeks. Rivaled by Atonement and No Country for Old Men, the Grammy could very well be stolen by any one of these note worthy blockbusters.

Odds to Win Best Actor

George Clooney – Michael Clayton 8/1
Daniel Day-Lewis – There Will Be Blood 1/10
Johnny Depp – Sweeney Todd 8/1
Tommy Lee Jones – In the Valley of Elah 25/1
Viggo Mortensen – Eastern Promises 25/1

The category for best actor is filled with actors that have likely seen this nomination coming from miles away. They act like they had no idea it was coming but we know that it’s all a big game. It must be because these guys are right on the money with their big hits this year; George Clooney for Michael Clayton, Johnny Depp in Sweeny Todd, and Daniel Day Lewis in There Will be Blood. I’d say Johnny Depp will probably come out on top of this category with his creepy role in Sweeny Tood. Creepy or not, this guy can act and he knows a thing or two about how to win awards. If anything, Daniel Day Lewis will steal this one away from him.

Cate Blanchett – Elizabeth: The Golden Age 25/1
Julie Christie – Away from Her 2/7
Marion Cotillard – La vie en Rose 7/2
Laura Linney – Savages 25/1
Ellen Page – Juno 7/1

And the Juno buzz continues. Best actess will undeniably go to new actress, Ellen Page from Juno. She might be new to this scene but she looked like a natural in this film, depicting the laid back, high school student that gets pregnant accidentally. The young starlet will turn 21 just days before the awards show airs and it’s likely her birthday present will be that infamous gold plated Grammy. My guess is she’ll be toasting a little champagne to that.

Casey Affleck – The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 9/1
Javier Bardem – No Country for Old Men 1/10
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Charlie Wilson’s War 16/1
Hal Holbrook – Into the Wild 12/1
Tom Wilkinson – Michael Clayton 14/1

Best Supporting Actor is most likely going to go home with Javier Bardem from No Country for Old Men. Born in Spain, Bardem has a diverse acting background that has already lead him to receive an Academy Award nomination once before (2000) and it’s likely that he’ll soon be the proud owner of not only the nomination but the coveted award. This Frankenstein-like man will scare you shitless every time he appears on screen but he’s got that “it-factor” that will likely snag this award.

Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There 3/2
Ruby Dee – American Gangster 7/4
Saoirse Ronan – Atonement 16/1
Amy Ryan – Gone Baby Gone 2/1
Tilda Swinton – Michael Clayton 20/1

Finally, Best Supporting female actress is a tight race as well. Cate Blanchet is a star from the start and an award winning famous face. But it’s hard to tell if she’ll take this one for her role in, I’m not There, a film about Bob Dylan and his interesting life from childhood. With Amy Ryan also in the pool of nominees this year for her solid role in Gone Baby Gone, it’s tough to tell who will be the winner here. Blanchett and Ryan’s roles in these very different films are off the charts but neck and neck until they announce the winner.

2008 Grammy Predictions

Jack Jones — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:03:24 +0000

The 2008 Grammys are sure to be a knock-out production as they are every year but this time the tables are slightly turned. With the Writer’s strike bringing the Oscars to a halt, the Grammys are one of the only remaining chances celebrities have to strut down the red carpet and show off their newest Botox injection, Pimp Cup or Boob job. Of course, you never know which artist will rock the stage and which ones will deliver less than perfect performances. But one thing that you can be sure of is the anticipation of who will win that sleek gold Grammy statuette.

All hype aside, there are some pretty great nominees this year, as well as some pretty terrible ones. Amy Winehouse, for example snagged six nominations even though we all know she spent more time doing drugs and wasting away before our eyes than focusing on her music. In all seriousness, no one really knows what she’s up to anymore, but eating and staying sober are likely not among them.

Sadly, it’s doubtful she’ll actually win any of the categories that she’s nominated for except for maybe Song of the Year with her ironically titled song, Rehab. However, she’s rivaled by Carrie Underwood’s, Before he Cheats and Rhianna’s hit, Umbrella with Jay Z, which are probably much more likely to win. Since Carrie Underwood’s song proved popular on not only the country charts but pop charts too, I’d say she’s got this one in the bag, unless Rhianna and Jay Z steal it out from under her.

For Album of the year the stakes are high and the competition is close. Vince Gill, a long-favored country star who’s been dominating country charts since the mid 1980’s is up for his album titled, These Days. Although a great album, up for this award is also the Foo Fighters for, Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, and Kanye West for Graduation, as well as others who although great nominees, aren’t worth dwelling on for this award. With the fresh, young competition dominating this category, I’d say the Foo Fighters or Kanye West are most likely to take home this one, with Kanye a little more likely to end up on top.

Best Country Album will without a doubt go to the infamous George Strait for, It Just Comes Natural. He’s rivaled by Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley. All great albums worthy of this nomination, yet overshadowed by the prestige and longevity Strait has held for so long. With It Just Comes Natural likely to be Strait’s last album the award is even more likely to go to him.

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance is a battle of the bitches. With a category that includes Nelly Furtado, Fergie, Amy Winehouse, Feist and new mommy Christina Aguilera I smell a cat fight at the end of this award announcement. Christina Aguilera’s, Candyman is indicative of her soul/pop/diva music style but might not cut it for this Grammy award. It’s likely that almost no one has even heard of the Canadian native, Feist and Winehouse is…well…not just singing about rehab anymore. I’d say Fergie’s , Big Girls Don’t Cry is probably going to try to steal this award, with Fergie’s, Say it Right performance a close second.

Finally, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance is a no-brainer. Justin Timberlake will take the cake with his What Goes Around… Comes Around performance. Let’s face it, he may have been a top notch boy band phenomenon for a while, but he’s racing even higher up the ranks as his solo career continues to boom. He can shake it, sing it, and I have no doubt that he’ll take it…the shiny gold Grammy that is.

This year’s Grammy’s are definitely going to be a show, but you never know who will screw up just enough on the red carpet to make headlines for weeks. So be sure to watch on February 10th to see who makes a fool of themselves and who makes history-it’s going to be good.