Oscar Predictions: Best Cinematography

Last year’s nominees: Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire

This year’s ASC nominees: Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Nine, The White Ribbon

Other contenders: The Lovely Bones, District 9, A Single Man, Where the Wild Things Are, Bright Star, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The rundown: All five of the ASC’s nominees seem likely to repeat at the Oscars, though foreign films don’t always make the cut and a certain poorly-reviewed musical may find itself less favored than originally expected. Still, “The Lovely Bones” probably won’t break in because of the despicable reviews and the fact that everyone seems to have pretty much forgotten about it, aside from Stanley Tucci’s performance. Watch out for “District 9,” though, which could dominate the technical awards. I’m also pulling for my personal favorite, “A Single Man.”

Forecasted winner: Avatar