Carrie's Corner: Oscar picks and predictions; Looking ahead to the Academy Awards

CLEVELAND - Hi. My name is Carrie and I am an awards show junkie. I'm also a producer for NewsChannel5 and once a year, I become the un-official WEWS Oscar expert.  

I’ve been watching the Academy Awards my entire life…or so it seems. Last year, I decided to not only love the Oscars, but make it part of my job. So, I watched all the movies, gave a preview and my predictions, plus put it all on newsnet5.com. I also held a live chat during the awards so that at-home viewers could take part in interacting with me at the station. I'll be doing the same this year, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the films, the nominees, the presenters, the fashions and of course, the hairdos. I’ll get back to that chat in just a second.

First, I’d like to give you my picks for some of the bigger Oscar awards. *Disclaimer: I’m really not an expert ora member of the Academy. I'm basing this on gut instinct, although I got every single pick right last year. Consequently, I won well, nothing. But it’s fun to play and even more fun to win. So, here are my picks for this year's 84th Academy Awards.

Best Picture: There are 10 movies nominated for this award. I still think that’s too many, but again, my opinion doesn’t really matter to the big wigs. One more disclaimer here: I didn’t see all 10 flicks. It just didn’t work out this time, but I don’t think the few that I left out will make a difference with my decisions.

I predict "The Artist" will clean up for this category. Whether I think it should win is a different story altogether. But I do think it will win. It’s a storyline that the Academy loves: a silent movie star worries about the arrival of talking pictures and what it will mean to his career. Most of the film is silent and in black-and-white. It also picked up the top honor at this year’s Golden Globe awards, which serves as a solid preview of what to expect at the Oscars.

Best Actor: I’d love to say Brad Pitt (because he’s so cute) and because he played a much different role than I’m used to seeing him in. However, I think this is a category where "The Artist" will reign supreme again. Jean Dejuardin will likely take home the top nod.

I also thought George Clooney did a great job playing against his usual role as a burdened father in “The Descendants”, but I think the votes will be with Dejuardin. Sorry George, I just don’t think it's your year yet.

Best Actress: I’m going to go out on a limb here and put my pennies on Viola Davis of “The Help”.  That movie deserves some credit and respect from the Academy and I think this is just the category to show it. The movie is a huge reminder of the plight of black women in the pre-Civil Rights south. Davis was nominated for a Golden Globe, but lost to Meryl Streep for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”. I don’t think Streep will win this category at the Oscars. It’s her 17th nomination. We know she’s amazing, but let the other, later-rising stars shine.

Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer in “Beginners”. His name has been touted as the Oscar frontrunner since the movie was released last summer. He won the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award for this role. If he does win, he’ll be the oldest acting winner at the age of 82. I did think Jonah Hill did an incredible job in “Moneyball”, but I don’t think it's his time yet. If he continues with serious acting roles and picking the right film, the newly slimmed down star stands a great chance of future nods.

Best Supporting Actress: I want so badly to write Melissa McCarthy for “Bridesmaids”. I think it's time the Academy started appreciating good comedic acting and storylines. I really do believe that she should win, but I know she won’t. The Academy made a big statement about their progression just by nominating her. In her case, it really will have to be enough just to receive a nod. I do expect to see a comedic performance win in the future. So who am I picking? Chalk up another victory for “The Help”. I think Octavia Spencer will clean up. This is her first nomination, yet she’s practically a shoe-in.

Who do you think will win? Join me on Oscar night, Feb. 26, for a live chat during the ceremony, where we can discuss all of this -- and you can see how many picks I get right. If I get them all, like I did last year, I win only satisfaction. If I’m wrong on all counts, I’ll be glad I still have a day job. All you have to do is click newsnet5.com and you’ll be directed to the chat. See ya then!