Oscar Sunday

In 2000, I was pulling for "American Beauty," and in 2006, I was hoping for a "Brokeback Mountain" sweep.

But when the 2009 Academy Awards are broadcast Sunday on ABC, there's not one particular film I'll be rooting for.

"Slumdog Millionaire" is expected to win big, but I really don't see what all the fuss is about. It's convoluted and not that entertaining. And "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?" I'll pass on you as well. I couldn't bring myself to see two other films nominated for best picture: "The Reader" and "Frost/Nixon." That leaves "Milk," the biopic of slain politician Harvey Milk as my choice. There were some great performance in this film, especially Josh Brolin and Sean Penn.

The film that should have been nominated was Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino," but maybe it was a bit simplistic for the Academy's tastes. I only saw this movie because I had a couple of hours of free time and a few dollars in my pocket. "Torino," largely a story of redemption, turned out to be one of the best films I'd seen in a long time.

The one sure lock (which might not be so sure after all) is Penelope Cruz as Best Supporting Actress for her turn in "Vicki Christina Barcelona." She leaps off the screen and gave the most brilliant performance I saw the whole year. If you haven't seen "Vicki," check it out. It's worth renting for Cruz alone.

This sets up a head-to-head face-off with Viola Davis. Her character in "Doubt," Mrs. Mueller, has the unforgettable tag line, "It's just till June."

I'm just wondering who will win. At least I don't have to wait until June.

It's just till Sunday.