No matter how much you study The Academy Awards, making Oscar predictions is never going to be perfect (unless this one is). To some extent, it will always be a guessing game. Anyway, here are my predictions, educated and otherwise. Enjoy!
Best Actor:
Though I have not seen Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy or A Better Life, I believe the race here narrows down to Clooney and Dujarden. George is terrific in The Descendants, but considering how Jean has already won more awards for his role, I would bet on him. And I think The Academy would like to see him win with that big, infectious smile on his face.
Best Actress:
Poor Streep has so many nominations, but so few wins. I doubt that will change this year, because Viola Davis as just stunning in The Help.
Supporting Actor:
There has been so much buzz over Christopher Plummer’s performance in The Beginners that I have to agree with the hype. I’m dying to see that movie.
Supporting Actress:
I really believe this will go to Octavia Spencer. Have I mentioned how great the acting is all throughout The Help?
Director:
Honestly, this category feels very close. Each nominee has great reason to win and should be proud of the work they have produced. While Michel Hazanavicius feels like a favorite, I’m convinced that Martin Scorsese should win for Hugo.
Original Screenplay:
The fluidity of Midnight in Paris has me convinced that Woody Allen will win this award.
Adapted Screenplay:
I feel this is a close one between Hugo and The Descendants. After mulling it over, going back and forth, I think this will go to The Descendants.
Cinematography:
Don’t laugh, but part of me thinks The Tree of Life really deserves this one. However, my gut wants to go with Hugo.
Art Direction:
This should go to the one movie that kept my eyes completely astounded (and not just because of it’s wonderful use of 3D), Hugo!
Sound Mixing:
Honestly, I feel like I just guess at the sound categories. The nominee that stands out the most here to me is War Horse. I’m a sucker for vintage explosions and thunderous galloping.
Sound editing:
Again, War Horse.
Film Editing:
Hmm, tricky dance routines and a dog that I’m sure did not always behave, I’ll have to pick The Artist.
Original Score:
Did I not make this clear in my review? The Artist!
Animated Feature:
Rango!
Best Picture:
The big kahuna. This year, I believe this only comes down to two films of similar theme and idea: Hugo and The Artist. While The Artist has all the hype propelling it forward, I cannot forget Hugo and how it was one of the best films I had seen in years. Honestly, I feel that Hugo has more merit, but The Academy would love to award a simple silent film. I do feel this is a tossup between the two, and if any other film is awarded, I will be very shocked. Going with my heart here, I want Hugo to win.
Have a great Oscar night, everyone!
The Best Picture Project 
I think your predictions are about right, though not my preference. Other notes: Michael Shannon should definitely have been nominated for TAKE SHELTER; As much as I loved Viola Davis’ performance in THE HELP, Meryl Streep was just stunning in THE IRON LADY; BEGINNERS was a major disappointment, and frankly, just plain stupid…Plummer has been so much better in so many other roles–this film was almost insulting to one’s intelligence in its portrayal of gay guys as empty-headed dizzy queens; and Spencer was great; but OMG Jessica Chastain in “The Help”, “Tree of Life”, and “Take Shelter”…WOW!
As for best picture…Je n’ai pas soin about what the Academy says, my pick is still WAR HORSE>
I’m going the other way and saying The Artist. I agree with your supporting acting guesses, but not lead acting categories. We shall see tomorrow!