Who is going to win "Best Picture" next year?

So I am not apart of the Academy (one day people one day) but I can at least give my two cents who is in the running for a very mediocre year of film. There have been some real great movies this year. Don't get me wrong, but every year there is just so much crap coming out. And don't get me started on movies that everyone thinks are great because they are so-called "artsy." (I'm looking at you George Clooney and your awful craptacular movie The American). But here are some of my pics, and movies which have not been released yet, but are getting huge attention at the festivals that could be contenders for the "Best Picture" award next year.

The Social Network - The David Fincher drama was a huge success for the director, screenwriter and the actors. It showcased the talents of Fincher as the director, Aaron Sorkin as the screenwriter, and made us pay attention to the acting talent of Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and even Justin Timberlake (did I just say that). The movie has made a killing at the box office and has been one of the critics favourites this year. Could this be Fincher's year after missing out on the Oscar for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?" Maybe.

The Kids Are Alright - This little independent movie about a same-sex couple who have conceived two children through artificial insemination was a crowd pleaser. The acting was excellent (Mark Ruffulo as the donor showed he really could convince us he is more than a romantic lead in a cheesy chick flick) and the subject matter couldn't be a hotter topic right now. But a small film may have some competition from the bigger films. Fingers crossed gang.

Inception - This movie was brillant. It is my number two flick this year and definitely is in my top ten favourites. It had everything. Perfect casting (Leo better get a nod), amazing story and visually brilliant. Christopher Nolan spent 10 years on the screenplay and it shows. The movie about going inside of our dreams to implant memories (plus much more) is quiet extraordinary (and see it before anyone gives away the ending). Let's hope unlike a few years ago the Academy does not ignore the talent of this man like the did for the Dark Knight.

Toy Story 3 - This is definitely bound to win the Academy Award for Best Animated movie. Nothing else even compares to the highest grossing animated movie ever, as well as had the biggest box office this year, (one billion and counting.)Pixar has the biggest hit on their hands and is lobbying for this to be a contender for Best Picture. Is this going to set the bench mark for animated movies? Will in the Academy's entire history this be the first every animated movie to win the Best Picture? We will have to wait and see. (This blogger would like to see it)

Black Swan - This small independent movie from one of the most talented directors today Darren Aronofsky, has been receiving rave reviews. Set in the world of competitive ballet, the movie tells the story of a dancer who starts to go mad due to the stress and strain of being the perfect casting choice for the production of Swan Lake. Staring Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder and Mila Kunis, this is sure to have Oscar written all over it. Aronofsky has made big stars of his actors (Ellen Burstyn won for Requim for a Dream, and Mikey Rourke was a huge contender to win the Oscar for The Wrestler). Maybe next year will see this small flick steal some of the limelight.

127 Hours - Slumdog Millionaire Oscar Winning Director Danny Boyle, has taken the extraordinary true story of a Aron Ralston (James Franco) who spent five days trapped under a rock and had to do the unthinkable to survive into a huge critics choice. Boyle has a way of making the Academy notice his movies. Slumdog Millionaire was a huge hit on a very tiny budget. It may also see the Academy finally take notice of James Franco as well. The dude can act people, now watch and praise.

These are just a few I have seen, plus also heard about due to the reactions from film festivals. You never know how the Academy is going to vote. Just look at when The Hurt Locker won over Avatar last year. Or when Crash scooped the biggest award several years ago. The Academy are very funny in their choices, and you can never really tell who is going to win. Fingers and toes for all the contenders, but I have my mind made up on who should already win (and it involves toys, not very subtle I know but it is the best movie of this year for this reviewer).