Best Actor is shaping up as a career award for Jeff Bridges. The long-time actor has been nominated for five Oscars, but never won the gold. His role as a washed up country singer has earned rave reviews, and Kit Bowen predicts he’ll win over George Clooney and Colin Firth.

In these trying times, “Up in the Air” is a perfect film for this era and deserves multiple Oscars, Mallory Pickard writes. It’s the favorite for Best Adapted Screenplay, and may get recognition for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director.

Adam Spunberg offers a thorough examination of the Best Actor award and says that George Clooney deserves the Oscar for “Up in the Air.”

Matt Damon and George Clooney have become good friends in recent years, having starred in several films together. But on Oscar night they could be pitted against each other, writes Michaela Zanello, for their roles in “The Informant” and “Up in the Air,” respectively.