Oscar Winner Predictions: Best Original Screenplay

The competition: American Hustle (David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer), Blue Jasmine (Woody Allen), Dallas Buyers Club (Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack), Her (Spike Jonze) and Nebraska (Bob Nelson).

Previous winners: Django Unchained, Midnight in Paris, The King’s Speech, The Hurt Locker, Milk, Juno
My winner: Her
The facts: This is Allen’s sixteenth writing nomination, and he has won three times, most recently in 2011 for “Midnight in Paris.” Directors Russell and Jonze have previous nominations in other races, and Russell was nominated before for the adapted screenplay of “Silver Linings Playbook.” Russell is up for Best Director this year, and Jonze is up for Best Original Song. The others are all new to the race. All but “Blue Jasmine” are nominated for Best Picture.

Who should win: Definitely “Her”
Who will win: “American Hustle” is a possibility, as is “Blue Jasmine.” The recent controversy regarding Allen may reduce his chances. I think, therefore, the field is open for Her to send Jonze home with a very deserved trophy.