Our “Road to the Oscars” series is in full swing, ready to help you with your Oscar pools. This week, we looked at some of the more obscure categories like Best Live Action Short and Best Foreign Film, as well as the more mainstream Best Animated Film category. Adam Spunberg takes a look back.

The nominees for Best Foreign Film come from Israel, France, Argentina, Peru, and Germany. But it’s the latter nation’s film “The White Ribbon” which has most prognosticators buzzing. Can France’s “A Prophet” pull the upset? Or what about Peru’s “Milk of Sorrow?” Paul Popiel reports in “Road to the Oscars.”

Strong female characters highlight “An Education” and “Coco Before Chanel.” While the British “Education” could be nominated for several Oscars, including Carey Mulligan for Best Actress, the French “Chanel” might be in line for score and costume Oscars. Christa Youngpeter compares the two films.

Spanish Director Pedro Almodovar is back with “Broken Embraces,” teaming up again with starlet Penelope Cruz. After winning an Oscar last year, Cruz delivers another terrific performance, and the movie could win Best Foreign Language film. Christa Youngpeter reviews the film.