Oscar Watch 2006

Which films are in the frame for next year's awards race? Check out our exclusive preview.

With pedigree director Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters) in charge, this musical is picking up rave early reviews, and could see Eddie Murphy pick up a surprise Oscar for Best Actor.

Could Scorsese finally break his Oscar duck? His film has been a critical and commercial success, but its trademark violence may deter some conservative voters. Look out also for acting nods for Nicholson and DiCaprio.

Almodovar's latest has all the right ingredients: a hilarious family-friendly comedy which should be the favourite for the Best Foreign Film Oscar, and which should give Penelope Cruz a serious chance at a gong for Best Actress.

If it's got Clint's name on it it must have a chance, and this microscopic look at the Battle of Iwo Jima may prove popular with older voters.

The sleeper hit of the year is a joyous indie film which looks certain to be nominated, but whether it will have a strong enough campaign to actually win remains to be seen.

Can Bristol's Aardman Animations follow up their success with The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and pick up a second award for Best Animated feature?

Paul Greengrass' harrowing film has one major factor against it: it was released so long ago that many voters may have forgotten about it. Still, it surpassess Stone's World Trade Center in its depiction of the 911 crisis.

Al Gore's ecology documentary was the surprise commercial success of the year and is hot favourite to win Best Documentary Feature.

Helen Mirren is early favourite for Best Actress, and the film may well sneak into the frame for Best Picture.

Emilio Estevez' look at the assassination of Robert Kennedy has delighted everyone who has seen it, and it may prove to be a dark horse.