Oscar Nominees: Best Sound

My predictions: 3/5, picking “Star Trek Into Darkness” and “12 Years a Slave” over “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” and “Lone Survivor”
My ballot: Come back in February!
The nominees: Captain Phillips, Gravity, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Inside Llewyn Davis, Lone Survivor

I haven’t seen two of these films, and I’m perfectly okay with that, since they played only in the sound and visual effects categories, and I’m sure those elements are terrific. “Lone Survivor” at one point was supposed to be a Best Picture contender, but I suppose a high box office haul and these nominations are enough. This is an appropriate place to recognize the mostly-snubbed “Inside Llewyn Davis,” and it’s wonderful to see the sleek Captain Phillips here too. And, of course, we have “Gravity,” which was actually probably more awesome here and in Best Sound Editing than in any race.

My current bet to win: A consolation prize for “Inside Llewyn Davis” or more love for Gravity? The latter, I presume.