Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot shut up once I see a great film or even hear about one. Not that I agree with what Oscar picks as the best each year. They usually include some of my favorites in there, and usually go with the safe choice: case in point, Lord of the Rings. Yeah, yeah, go ahead and flame me. I thought it was a good film, just not my favorite. But the reason I love this time of year, is because there are always great little films that find their way into theatres and build up steam along the way. This year, that one seems to be Million Dollar Baby.

Hilary Swank has long been one of my favorite actresses. She has, admittedly, made more than her share of stinkers - Sometimes They Come Back...Again, anyone? - but when she works with a skilled director, she turns in an amazing performance. Her turn in Boys Don't Cry is one of my all-time favorites, and I think she turned in strong performances in The Gift, Insomnia and Iron Jawed Angels. Then I read this article from Roger Ebert who claims, "Hilary Swank will quite possibly win the Oscar as best actress this year, for a role in a movie nobody had heard of two weeks ago." I love Eastwood's films, and I think Morgan Freeman is one of the most versatile and reliably good actors around. I cannot wait to see this one once it makes its way to the theatres.

Are there any award-hyped movies coming out that you're looking forward to?

I really want to see Million Dollar Baby because of Ebert and Roper's review plus I like Hilary and she hasn't done anything solid in awhile.

Seems like it's been sort of quiet this year in terms of shoe-in films and performances except for Jamie Foxx, Johnny Depp and Leonardo in The Aviator with multiple Golden Globe nominations maybe the hardware will be spread out.