Below are my Oscar selections and why for some of the major categories:
Picture: Slumdog Millionaire - because I was transported into this film. It showed a realistic view of poor India and I felt that the story and direction were unique. And I just loved the Bollywood dance scene during the credits. Milk and Frost/Nixon were a close second.
Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire). Although I have to say Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon) and Gus Van Sant (Milk) are a close second here as well.
Actor: Micky Rourke (The Wrestler). Amazing performance. He was and is The Wrestler. Close second goes to Sean Penn (Milk) and Richard Jenkins (The Visitor).
Actress: Kate Winslet (The Reader). Very close second is Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married). Note: If Kristin Scott Thomas (I've Loved Her So Long) would have been nominated she would have gotten my first place vote.
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight). Close second would be Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road) because his few short scenes were electrifying and to Josh Brolin (Milk) a subtle and meaningful performance.
Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Varcelona). Very close second to Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler) and Amy Adams (Doubt).
Animated Feature: Wall-E - This was an amazing film.
Documentary Feature: Man on Wire - This man is amazing.