In the past, Bradley Hayward has offered up some DVD reviews for Crimespree Cinema. Well, I am pleased as punch to announce that he will be a regular contributor from here on out.

Mr. Bradley is an accomplished playwright as well as a veritable movie/television guru. If you folks like his writings half as much as I do, he will be a hit! Of course, I may be biased as he is also my brother-in-law.

To kick things off, Mr. B is offering up his Oscar picks for the major catagories:

It’s Oscar time again. Sunday night, to be exact. Unfortunately, this year seems like it will be the most predictable in history. So many nominees are a lock in their categories that the ceremony is shaping up to be a yawnfest. I mean, there’s no stopping Mo’Nique and that’s a Fa’Ct. But just for the record, here’s my take on the awards…

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Let’s hope this is the first award presented because it’s the most predictable. Anyone other than Mo’Nique taking this award would be a collossal shockeroo. Although the last time there was someone this far in front of the pack, Lauren Bacall (The Mirror Has Two Faces) was upset by Juliette Binoche (The English Patient). So anything is possible. But not really…Mo’Nique has this one in the bag. Which is too bad because Vera Farmiga was delicious.

Will Win: Mo’Nique, Precious
Dark Horse: Maggie Gyllenhall, Crazy Heart
Should Win: Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Christoph Waltz has waltzed away with nearly every acting prize since the movie premiered many moons ago. There’s no reason to believe he won’t pick up the Oscar as well.

Will Win: Christoph Waltz, Inglorious Basterds
Dark Horse: Woody Harrelson, The Messenger
Should Win: Stanley Tucci, although he was nominated for the wrong movie. He should have been recognized for his spectacular work in Julie & Julia.

BEST ACTRESS

Why does Meryl Streep lose every year? She starts the award season way out in front, and then at the last second someone creeps in and nabs it away from her. And her performance in Julia & Julia is the best work she’s done in ages. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Sandra Bullock. Hell, she’s one of my favorite movie stars working today. But an Oscar winner? No way. Although in a world that gives one to Reese Witherspoon, what can I expect? I secretly think Meryl could take this one, but after losing for 27 years straight, it would be stupid to put my money on her this time around. And I don’t want to jinx her, so I’m sticking with Sandy.

Will Win: Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side
Dark Horse: Gabourey Sidibe, Precious
Should Win: Meryl Streep, Julia & Julia

BEST ACTOR

Another no brainer. Jeff Bridges takes it. George Clooney could surprise, but his performance seemed so effortless that people might not realize he was acting.

Will Win: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart
Dark Horse: Nobody
Should Win: George Clooney, Up in the Air

BEST ANIMATED PICTURE

Since Up is nominated for Best Picture, there should be no surprises here. If anything else wins, I will boycott the Oscars forever.

Will Win: Up
Dark Horse: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Should Win: Up

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

The Coen Brothers made their best film since Fargo, but they will have to accept their nomination as reward enough. Up was funny, irreverant and original…three things the Academy hates. So give it to Quentin Tarantino as a consellation prize for not winning best picture.

Will Win: Inglorious Basterds
Dark Horse: Up
Should Win: Up

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Likewise, Up in the Air will have to take this award in lieu of best picture.

Will Win: Up in the Air
Dark Horse: District 9
Should Win: Up in the Air

BEST DIRECTOR

For the first time ever, a woman will win this award. Funny that it took an adrenaline packed action flick to do so, but she’s worthy nonetheless. Of course it’s close between her and James Cameron, but I don’t think anyone cares what he has to say at the podium. “King of the World” kind of said it all.

Will Win: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Dark Horse: Quentin Tarantino, Inglorious Basterds
Should Win: Pete Doctor, Up…oh wait, he’s not nominated. For shame.

BEST PICTURE

It has yet to be seen if the new voting system will make for a surprise in this category. By ranking each film 1 to 10, rather than just picking one favorite, any movie from the middle of the pack has a chance to rise to the top. And I sure hope the balloons in Up are up to that challenge. But with everyone’s eyes on Avatar and The Hurt Locker, I think Inglorious Basterds could slip in under the radar. Plus, it falls in line with the gore fests that have recently been winning this statue.

Will Win: Inglorious Basterds
Dark Horse: Inglorious Basterds is the dark horse, but I don’t want to put my money on Avatar or The Hurt Locker just in case my instinct is correct…which it usually is not.
Should Win: Up

Bradley Hayward