Look for the The Aviator's Alan Alda and Thomas Haden Church of Sideways leaving the Kodak Theatre on Oscar night saying they were happy just to be nominated. And, look for voters to drive right by Jamie Foxx's powerfully understated Collateral cabbie, as they struggle to keep an eye on his best actor nomination.

That leaves Closer star Clive Owen, fresh from his Golden Globe win, and four-time Oscar nominee Morgan Freeman to duke it out for supporting actor honours. Despite Freeman's status as a sentimental favourite, look for Owen to walk away with an Oscar he can add to the BAFTA, BFCA and Sierra awards he's already claimed for the intense relationship drama Closer.