Aaron writes...

<<1. What are my options?

The truth is, I've seen so FEW movies this year, I'd be a lousy judge. Why don't we wait until the nominees come out,
then ask me again.

(And did we do this last year? I have no memory.)>>

Yes, I think Aris asked last year.

Anyway here goes: (Apoligies in advance for the length)

Here's a quick look at the big races:

Best Picture:
Chocolat
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Erin Brockovich
Gladiator
Traffic

Best Actor:
Russell Crowe (Gladiator)
Javier Bardem (Before Night Falls)
Tom Hanks (Cast Away)
Ed Harris (Pollock)
Geoffrey Rush (Quills)

Best Actress:
Joan Allen (The Contender)
Juliette Binoche (Chocolat)
Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream)
Laura Linney (You Can Count on Me)
Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich)

Best Supporting Actor:
Jeff Bridges (The Contender)
Willem Dafoe (Shadow of the Vampire)
Benicio Del Toro (Traffic)
Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich)
Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator)

Best Supporting Actress:
Judi Dench (Chocolat)
Marcia Gay Harden (Pollock)
Kate Hudson (Almost Famous)
Frances McDormand (Almost Famous)
Julie Walters (Billy Elliot)

Best Director:
Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot)
Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich)
Ridley Scott (Gladiator)
Steven Soderbergh (Traffic)

Best Original Screenplay:
Cameron Crowe, Almost Famous
Lee Hall, Billy Elliot
Susannah Grant, Erin Brockovich
David Franzoni, John Logan and William Nicholson, Gladiator
Kenneth Lonergan, You Can Count on Me

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Robert Nelson Jacobs, Chocolat
Wang Hui Ling, James Schamus and Tsai Kuo Jung, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Stephen Gaghan, Traffic
Steve Kloves, Wonder Boys

I know you're probably not pleased by 12 nominations for Gladiator, but if it's any consolation, I have figured out why Senator Gracius (sp) isn't executed by the Praetorians. He just told them he was the reincarnation of the Emperor Claudius, and they let him go. ;)