Oscar Winner Predictions: Best Documentary

The competition: Burma VJ, The Cove, Food Inc, The Most Dangerous Man in America, Which Way Home

Previous winners: Man on Wire, Taxi to the Dark Side, An Inconvenient Truth, March of the Penguins, Born into Brothels
Who should win: “The Cove,” but they’re all great
Who will win: Last year there was a distinctive frontrunner in this category, and I think it’s safe to say that this year it’s going to be all about the dolphins. I didn’t get a chance to see “Which Way Home,” which tells the story of Mexican children trying to reach their parents in the United States. “Burma VJ” is a compelling expose on reporting from a closed country (the film’s subtitle) and both “The Most Dangerous Man in America” and “Food, Inc.” are entertaining and informative riffs on two important national crises with far too little attention on them. And then there’s The Cove, where the former Flipper trainer heads into Japan to shed some light on the plight of the dolphins. It’s appealing and hits all the right notes to take home this award. (Please note: a review of “The Cove” and “Burma VJ” will be posted before the Oscar ceremony takes place)