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 Our 2008 Contenders list includes 22 films that Variety's pros deem to have a shot at two major Oscar nominations. Our definition of "major" spans these kudo categories: picture, actor, actress, director and screenplay. Plus, we've highlighted 10 more titles that could yield at least one major nod. You'll also find a survey of the animation, visual effects, foreign-language film and documentary races.
Oscar picture hopefuls all over the map
A look at the Acad's top honor over the past decade pretty much annihilates any notion of a best-picture template.
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Dark horse movies could crash Oscars
In the best picture race, "The Visitor" should give "The Wrestler" and "Slumdog Millionaire" a run for the money.
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Globes recognize musicals, comedies
Org gives a chance to lighter fare

No special treatment for stage-to-film efforts
Critics aren't 'slavishly committed' to the source

Directors draw inspiration from unusual locales
Filmmakers set their sites abroad

Directors hope to parlay noms into bigger films
Short film directors win in the long run

Claudio Miranda
'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Past Oscar noms likely in director race
Many of the usual suspects could reappear in the Oscar director race for 2008.
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Dark horse directors vie for Oscars
A number of films this year stood out for their important subject matter or for deliciously entertaining audiences.
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Playwrights bring work to screen
It's been nearly 20 years since Alfred Uhry managed to double-dip his way into an Oscar.
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Unexpected writers enter spotlight
Of all the major Oscar categories, perhaps none are more accommodating to dark horses than the screenplay.
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Philip Seymour Hoffman in Synecdoche
Familiar names vie for actor Oscar
Newcomers have a tough task breaking into the old boys' club of lead acting Oscar nominations.
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Christian Bale in Dark Knight
Dark horse contenders enter field
To help whittle down the overflow of acting-award contenders, voters often look for a reason not to nominate someone.
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Meryl Streep in Doubt
Could this be the year for Meryl Streep?
Meryl Streep earns nominations easily but she hasn't won an Oscar since 1983's "Sophie's Choice."
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Marisa Tomei in the Wrestler
Quiet perfs could make noise at Oscars
Roles in smaller pics don't always have breakout potential, but voters aren't immune to introspective.
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