Final Oscar Predictions: Best Actor

Will Win: Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

Sean Penn said it right when he picked up his SAG Award for Milk. "They've got their dogfight." Even though Penn was being cynical, he was absolutely right. Penn and Rourke are in a tough battle for the Oscar here, whether they like it or not. I personally think it's pretty much a coin toss between the two of them and wouldn't be surprised with either outcome. However, the story behind Rourke's comeback, plus those really entertaining speeches he gives, is so engaging that you can't help but want to reward the guy. Some people are even saying a vote split between the two might cause Langella to pull ahead, but I'd say Mickey's going to pin this one down.

Should Win: Sean Penn - Milk

I think both Penn and Rourke gave commanding performances, and in all honesty, I won't be terribly disappointed by either outcome. Still, I give the edge to Penn because in terms of delivering a performance, he was astonishing at being able to completely disappear into the character of Harvey Milk, and I totally believed him without even knowning who Milk was or how he acted. It's a genuine and engaging performance that is Penn's best in years, even better than Mystic River. Though, I do feel that premature win will come into play, and I'll still cheer Mickey on. I'm just cheering for Sean a little louder.