ADG crafts rule change
Four modificaltions for Guild awards
 The Art Directors Guild has announced four rule changes for its annual excellence in production design awards.
 
Oscar telecast in need of overhaul
A modest proposal to help out at-home viewers

MPEG fetes Thomas C. Short
Former IATSE topper to recieve service award

'Saigon' gets four Ovation Awards
Cabrillo Music Theatre wins six trophies

Skoll honored with Visionary Award
PGA fetes Participant Media topper

Every year has its frontrunner and dark horse possibilities. While we have a good idea of who the contenders will be, we don't pretend to know the winners. Here's our take on these categories. All Contenders | Best Picture | Best Director Best Screenplay | Best Actor | Best Actress
Our 2008 Contenders list includes 22 films that Variety's pros deem to have a shot at two major Oscar nominations.
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Awards Season Talent Preview
One election season may have ended on Nov. 4, but with the preponderance of actors playing real-life politicians in this year's films, it's a safe bet the awards season will have a political aura, too
• Actors try to emulate political personas
• Comeback tales a Hollywood tradition
Revolutionary Road
Eye on the Oscars: Music
With almost 80 film and TV credits dating back to the late '70s, it's no longer a surprise when Thomas Newman is credited with three scores in the span of a year.
• Thomas Newman delivers film trifecta
• Stage-to-screen scores pose challenges
Ben Kingsley
Global Contenders
As usual, overseas talent stands poised to take many of Hollywood's top prizes this awards season.
• World directors take dark view of U.S.
• Boyle gets cultural help on 'Slumdog'
Award Central Poll
Comic book films are steadily gaining credibility in critical circles. What's been this year's best comic book-inspired performance?
Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight"
Aaron Eckhart in "The Dark Knight"
Charlize Theron in "Hancock"
Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man"