Oscars panel: Sarah Griffin

Though we don't see much of it this side of the Atlantic, things have been hotting up in Tinseltown.

Production companies are in hyperdrive, advertising their movies in magazines and on billboards, trying desperately to jolt the Academy's memory about their film.

There is a certain risk involved in being so 'gung ho' about your movie, as Brokeback Mountain proved.

Oscar can sometimes get a little sick of reading, seeing and hearing about a film being a 'certain bet' to win, turning the tables at the last minute on the leading contender.

MEET THE PANEL Name: Sarah Griffin Age: 24 Occupation: Civil servant Nationality: Irish Lives: Donard, County Wicklow, Republic of Ireland Favourite film: "The Godfather for perfection in script, direction and acting, and The Big Lebowski for all the above, coupled with laugh-out-loud brilliance!" Back to panel main page

For this reason, I worry about Scorsese! He is among an illustrious set of nominees, and public favour can sometimes tilt the Academy's opinion in completely the wrong direction. They just love to shock!

Little Miss Sunshine simply must win best picture! Besides The Departed, it is the best movie in its category, and has wowed critics at every turn as well as the viewing public, who voted with their feet.

I can't see things changing, as there is no Crash-like sleeper waiting in the wings to usurp - but my fingers will be firmly crossed for this one!

Forest Whitaker could suffer from much the same malady as Scorsese - too much publicity.

Having received every award available for his portrayal of Idi Amin, Oscar may decide that he has had enough.

Unfortunately, Oscar still shows a tangible willingness to veer into discrimination when it comes to the golden statue.

This could see things going Leonardo DiCaprio's way, which might be partially deserved, seeing as his performance was certainly Oscar-worthy. However, I would like to think that things have moved on enough in Hollywood for Forest to stand proudly at the podium.

READ SARAH'S EARLIER POSTS The enduring appeal of Oscar Reaction to 2007 nominations Predictions for nominations

The best supporting actor category could prove most interesting, as there is no definite winner from the bunch.

I would imagine things will head Alan Arkin's direction, but I would fully welcome Djimon Hounsou earning a statue.

Helen Mirren will probably walk the finals, despite her own share of hype, and I have sympathy for Penelope Cruz. Against such opposition, though, perhaps it's best to remain pragmatic and enjoy the nomination.

One thing is for definite - an Oscar is never certain until it is in your hand, bound for your mantelpiece.

Every year, the rug gets pulled from under a sure thing, giving a thrill to the viewing public every time.