This time last year, most of Hollywood's awards prognosticators (myself included) expected "The Queen," "The Departed," "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Dreamgirls" to receive Oscar nominations for Best Picture. The "Dreamgirls" snub aside (another week and it would have battled back the backlash), the other three movies made the final cut alongside Clint "I want more!" Eastwood's "Letters From Iwo Jima" and "Babel." This year is a completely different story with studio awards consultants pondering whether any of their pictures have a chance. So, with that in mind, here's a look at 11 high-profile pictures that are battling it out.

"Michael Clayton"
For: This film has stellar reviews, great performances from George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Sydney Pollack and Tilda Swinton and a fantastic final scene.
Against: It was quickly labeled a box-office disappointment when its wide release earned only $10 million, but it's steadily made back more than its modest $30 million budget.
Chances: Clooney and director/writer Tony Gilroy have begun campaigning around town, and the film's still doing well in Los Angeles theaters, which is a very good sign.

"The Kite Runner"
For: Adapted from Khaled Hosseini's popular book, the backdrop of 1980s and modern day Afghanistan is timely. Gender stereotyping is never good, but women in particular react very strongly to this film.
Against: The cast is completely unknown (even to people in the industry), and it will most likely not be a critics' darling.
Chances: If it performs well at the box office, it may earn the "feel good" nomination.

"Atonement"
For: Praised since its screenings at the Venice and Toronto film festivals, this romantic drama based on the beloved Ian McEwan book is an English period flick (the Academy loves that British accent) that hits you with an emotional wallop at the end. The fantastic direction by Joe Wright ("Pride & Prejudice") doesn't hurt either.
Against: Focus Features has been doing everything they can to not be labeled in the press as the frontrunner (a major overreaction across the industry after "Dreamgirls"), but have they been too quiet?
Chances: It would be a huge surprise if it didn't get nominated.

"No Country for Old Men"
For: It's the best Coen Bros. movie since their Oscar-winning "Fargo"; Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem are Academy favorites in the acting categories; and the third lead actor, industry veteran Josh Brolin, gives an impressive, understated performance.
Against: It's really violent and, at first viewing, the final scene may be somewhat of a letdown.
Chances: It's battling "There Will Be Blood" for the "critical" slot (see below) but currently has more momentum behind it.

"There Will Be Blood"
For: Paul Thomas Anderson's stunning vision and Daniel Day-Lewis' charismatic performance make "Blood" an art house "must see" and, no doubt, the winner of numerous critics' awards.
Against: Audiences will be split on the film's unconventional last scene. Oh, and it's another dark one.
Chances: Similar to previous nominee "The Thin Red Line," "Blood" needs to ride an expected wave of critical acclaim into significant early box-office returns (even in limited release). If both Day-Lewis and Paul Dano snag acting nominations from the SAG awards (actors comprise the largest contingent of the Academy), it's a good bet "Blood" gets in.

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