Oscar Hit List 2005: Year of the Young Oscars? from MSNBC.com Terrence Howard Thrice Nominated for Black Reel Awards from USAToday.com Eric Bana: The Comic Who Turned Into an Assassin from NYTimes.com George Clooney: The Journey to Good Night from NPR.org Hallmark Role for Philip Seymour Hoffman from USAToday.com Heath Ledger Doubles Up for the Holidays from SunTimes.com

And The Winner Is: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote Our Pick Was: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote In the Best Actor category, it's still looking more and more like a four-legged race, but there's one horse who's definitely pulling ahead. Amazing performances by Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) have cast a shadow over their fellow competitors in what has become one of the best contests we've seen in some time. Ledger and Hoffman both earned rhapsodic reviews and their share of critics' awards. However, when critical push finally gave way to awards show shove, it was Hoffman who emerged triumphant, winning both the Golden Globe and the SAG Award; at this rate, the only chance Ledger will get to be onstage is as a presenter! Hoffman's standing as a seasoned character actor also gives him the final edge; we'll hold out for an upset from the Brokeback cowboy, but our money's on Mr. Capote. If somehow Hoffman and Ledger split the vote, the beneficiary would most definitely be Joaquin Phoenix for his captivating portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line. Never underestimate the Man in Black, who picked up the Golden Globe for Comedy/Musical actor -- also, his movie's the only one in this category to have broken $100 million, meaning it's most likely more people have seen it more than any other performance. Nominations for David Straithairn (Good Night, and Good Luck.) and Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow) are nice acknowledgements of the work of two supremely talented and deserving actors, but unless the spirit of Adrien Brody is hanging over the proceedings, they're the least likely to win. Omissions? Most egregiously, Jeff Daniels (The Squid and the Whale). Most surprisingly, Russell Crowe (Cinderella Man). And sadly, most inevitably, Ralph Fiennes (The Constant Gardener), whose great work has been overshadowed unintentionally by co-star Rachel Weisz. Our pick: Though Ledger leaves us in decidedly warm blood, we're going with the one who's more than familiar with cold blood, Capote's Philip Seymour Hoffman. Best of 2005 Poll Results

Philip Seymour Hoffman Capote Spencer Tracy was the first actor to win back-to-back Best Actor Oscars