The nominations have officially been announced and the competition is underway. Over the next month, the contenders will vye for Academy members’ votes. Stories, rumors, and ads will emerge that will change the complexion of the race in all categories. Guaranteed. As always, Oscar Frenzy will be at the forefront monitoring the latest developments. On the morning of February 25th, two days before the big show, Oscar Frenzy will unveil its Final Predictions. These will represent your best bet to win your Oscar pool. For now, to kick things off, we offer our first look at the categories and who we think has the EDGE as the month long campaign gets under way. Let’s get it started!

Best Picture: The King’s Speech

It swept the Guilds and is the more sentimental movie. It also led the pack in nominations.

Best Director: David Fincher, The Social Network

One of the closest races of the night. Voters may want to award Fincher, who is one of Hollywood’s premier directors.

Best Actor: Colin Firth. The King’s Speech

This one’s a lock. Firth has won all the precursors to date.

Best Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan

She’s got the edge over Bening due to her mesmerizing performance. She is very likeable in Hollywood too.

Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter

He’s overdue. Everyone knows it. One of the best character actors working today.

Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter

It’s a tight race between her and Hailee Steinfeld. Leo won the Golden Globe and SAG, so she has the edge.

Best Original Screenplay: The King’s Speech

Another close race, but the Best Picture winner usually takes screenplay.

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network

Sorkin’s script is witty and hilarious. He should take home the gold.

Best Art Direction: The King’s Speech

True Grit may have a chance here, but The King’s Speech could ride a wave of good feeling to a win here.

Best Cinematography: True Grit

The film was just gorgeous and Roger Deakins is one of the best cinematographers who has yet to win an Oscar.

Best Costume Design: Alice in Wonderland

People remember the zany costumes from this film. Often, the showiest digs wins this category.

Best Makeup: The Wolfman

Same as with costumes, the makeup was most apparent in this otherwise forgettable film.

Best Editing: The Social Network

The fast paced editing made this film so brisk and entertaining. Should beat out The King’s Speech.

Best Sound Mixing: Inception

Nolan’s masterful sci-fi drama should clean up the tech categories.

Best Sound Editing: Inception

Sound Mixing and Editing often go together.

Best Visual Effects: Inception

You can take this to the bank. Inception was a visual feast.

Best Original Score: The Social Network

The King’s Speech could win, but The Network score. featuring Trent Reznor, was the most original.

Best Original Song: If I Rise, 127 Hours

One of the most unpredictable categories. We’ll go with this one since the two animated film songs may split the vote.

Best Foreign Language Film: In A Better World

Denmark’s “World” won the Golden Globe, so it’s the frontrunner for now.

Best Animated Film: Toy Story 3

Four words to remember: Don’t bet against Pixar.

Best Documentary Feature: Inside Job

It’s a close one between this and Exit Through the Gift Shop. Inside Job has won more awards to date.

Best Documentary Short: Poster Girl

It’s the most intimate portrait of the five nominees and addresses a topic that hits close to home.

Best Animated Short: The Gruffalo

The longest animated short usually wins and this one clocks in at 27 minutes.

Best Live Action Short: Wish 143

It’s a touching story with a twist. Should be enough to capture voters’ hearts.