This year’s Oscar nominations were released yesterday in a characteristically awkward and unnecessary ceremony. Why can’t they just put the list up on their website? I think the Academy of Motion Art Stuff and Other Stuff knows when it has information we want, and will use it to make us look at them for as long as they can. No one wants to look at you, president of the Academy. Not to be mean. I’m sure you’re a good guy, but come on.

What we really care about are the nominations. I might be using the word “care” a little liberally here. In this usage, it is pretty much a synonym for “mildly interested, excited to complain about”. Though the Grammys have made themselves pretty much untouchable in terms of egregious nominations and winners, complaining about the Oscars is a time honored tradition as well. But I’ll keep it in check, because hating on the Oscars is best done the day after, or even during, the actual show. Let’s allow ourselves to be excited for now.

There are a few unexpected nominations to help us with this. I am especially excited about “Bridesmaids” and its nominations for Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress. Melissa McCarthy, who gave maybe the year’s most popular performance, might even have a chance of winning that one, though the Oscars are historically biased against comedy. Also, Brad Pitt could win his first Oscar with his awesome “Moneyball” performance as Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane (though he already should have one for killin’ Nazis as Lieutenant Aldo Raine).

I will be picking who I think will win in the major categories, not who should win. Big difference. It is obvious that “Super 8” should win all of the awards that exist and most of the awards that don’t exist, but it was not nominated for any. Not even for the boring sound editing and special effects awards. Come on, Academy. Did you not see “Super 8”? It was the best.

Whoops, I’m complaining like I said I wouldn’t. Alright, enough talk. My pick will be in bold.

Best Picture

“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
“The Help”
“Hugo”
“Midnight in Paris”
“Moneyball”
“The Tree of Life”
“War Horse”

Actor in a Leading Role

Demián Bichir in “A Better Life”
George Clooney in “The Descendants”
Jean Dujardin in “The Artist”
Gary Oldman in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”
Brad Pitt in “Moneyball”

Actress in a Leading Role

Glenn Close in “Albert Nobbs”
Viola Davis in “The Help”
Rooney Mara in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Meryl Streep in “The Iron Lady”
Michelle Williams in “My Week with Marilyn”

Directing

Michel Hazanavicius for “The Artist”
Alexander Payne for “The Descendants”
Martin Scorcese for “Hugo”
Woody Allen for “Midnight in Paris”
Terrence Malick for “The Tree of Life”

Original Screenplay

“The Artist” written by Michel Hazanavicius
“Bridesmaids” written by Annie Mumolo &&undefined; Kristen Wiig
“Margin Call” written by J.C. Chandor
“Midnight in Paris” written by Woody Allen
“A Separation” written by Asghar Farhadi

Animated Feature Film

“A Cat in Paris”
“Chico & Rita”
“Kung Fu Panda 2”
“Puss in Boots”
“Rango”

I could be very wrong on all of these, but guessing is no fun when you know for sure. What did I get wrong? Who do you think will/should win at the Oscars?