Acting Categories:
Since these are the most popular categories theysee a ton of action which usually results in very little value. I will offer up my opinions but I have to warn you, they're a bit chalky.
Best Supporting Actress:
0.5* (1.25/0.5) Melissa Leo -250
We can eliminate Jaki weaver because a long shot will never win. Vegas wouldn't offer up that kind of payout on a serious contender. We can also eliminate Amy Adams. With her co-star as the favorite if anyone from "The Fighter" is going to win this category it's not underdog. Helena Bonham Carter would have a chance if not for the "Kings Speech" already in line to win quite a few awards. Remember, the voters like to spread the wealth. So "The Kings Speech" will get its recognition elsewhere, not in this category. That leaves Hailee Steinfeld and Melissa Leo. There's so much steam behind Melissa Leo right now that Hailee is going to have to wait her turn.
Pick: Melissa Leo -250 (Sportsbook)/-300 (Bodog)
Action Play option: Hailee Steifeld +300 (BetUs)/+300 (Bodog)
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Best Supporting Actor:
OFFICIAL NO PLAY
This is a "no contest." Christian Bale has put in his time in Hollywood and there's a reason that 3 of the 5 nominees are in the 40-1 range. The only competition is Geoffry Rush who has already won an Oscar and as I stated earlier, "The Kings Speech" will get it recognition later in the show. The problem is it's a lot of chalk to lay. So I will pass.
Pick: Chrisitan Bale -800 (Bodog)
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Best Actress:
OFFICIAL NO PLAY
This is as close to a "lock" as you can get. Natalie Portman has very little competition andwill run away with this award. Agai, the problem is the price. It's a lot too lay, but seriously there's no other contender here.
Pick: Natalie Portman
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Best Actor:
OFFICIAL NO PLAY
If Natalie Portman is as close to a lock as you can get, then Colin Firth is that "LOCK." Bodog has him at -3300 and BetUs has him at -10,000! They want you to LAY 100-1. Really!?!?! This is another reason "The Kings Speech" will not win the other acting categories, because Colin Firth has this one locked up.
Pick: Colin Firth -2000 (sportsbook)
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The important thing to note is that all four of these picks were also the winners for the Golden Globes and for the Screen Actors Guild awards. Both of which have been precursor's to Oscar wins. There's better value in other categories, which we will cover in the next few weeks.
Stay tuned...