Well the Writers Strike is over and the 80th Academy awards will go on, meaning we get to see Mary Hart and her false sense of enthusiasm during her red carpet interviews.

Something that has gone hand in hand with the Oscars for quite a while is Academy Award prop betting and with the big show scheduled for two weeks from now, it’s a good time to look at some options.

Actor

George Clooney (Michael Clayton +800) proved to be more than just a pretty face in 2005 when he won a Best Supporting Oscar for his role in Syriana. He is one of the favorites to take home the award for top actor for his portrayal of Michael Clayton in the movie bearing the same name.

For the most part, Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd +800) chooses some non-mainstream roles but that only accentuates his acting chops. His vocals as well as his skills as an actor have earned him a nomination for the musical Sweeney Todd this year.

Can you think of a Daniel Day Lewis (There Will Be Blood -2500) role that hasn’t been intense? Lewis’ hardcore performance as oil prospector Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood makes him the odds-on to take the Best Actor Oscar.

Actress

Ellen Page (Juno +800) might follow in the footsteps of another Canadian born actress (Anna Paquin, Best Supporting 1993) as a youngster taking home an Academy Award—Page is only 20—if she wins for playing a pregnant teen in Juno.

Julie Christie (Away From Her -200) wowed audiences with her portrayal as a wife who distances herself from her husband because she is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Christie is so convincing that she is the odds-on at many sportsbooks.

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