[HCIsland]

Obviously it's tough to guess when we haven't seen the movie or it's likely competition. TTT didn't do so well because there was a perception that it was the same people doing the same things they were doing in Fellowship. As well, PJ and company apparently weren't out pressing palms like they did for Fellowship. I think their putting those marbles in the Return of the King basket and will be coming out gangbusters next year.<P>Best actor oscars are going to be tough to come by. The fantasy genre is just not taken that seriously, though John Ryes Davies has high praise for Sean Astin and predicts an oscar for him, though obviously that's a somewhat biased opinion.<P>Obvioulsy there will be technical awards and I think TTT was robbed of some these oscars last time (like costumes). Best director or picture was a long shot for TTT.<P>RotK will likely get a stack of nominations (which in of itself is a great accomplishment - how many best director and picture oscar nominations are out there for other fantasy films). I think the politics will be right for a potential best director and best picture, but obviously this depends upon the competition and whether a more oscar friendly movie comes out. Ron Howard doesn't have another movie coming out does he. <P>H.C.