Ahh, the Oscars. The time of year where we get to look back on the cinematic year and admire how just how great it was. 2009 was definitely no exception. This year’s Oscar films cover a wide range of genres and styles, from powerful films of domestic violence and war to more light-hearted movies with balloons and cooking. The show itself is usually quite enjoyable too, particularly considering that the hosts this year are the comedy duo of Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. The real question on everyone’s mind though is just who is going to take home that little gold statue? Here’s a list of my picks for this years Oscars.

BEST PICTURE: Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire

This year, the academy decided to up the ante and make the total nominees for best picture ten instead of the usual five. District 9 was an original concept and reinvigorated the sci-fi genre while Avatar was an epic visual masterpiece. Hurt Locker and Inglorious Basterds were both very different takes on war movies that truly stood apart from all the films of this year. However, in my opinion, it was Precious that truly rose above all the movies and easily proved the most powerful and memorable, not to mention the movie was shot on virtually no budget.

BEST ACTOR: Colin Firth in A Single Man

While Jeff Bridges took home the Golden Globe for his performance in Crazy Heart, Colin Firth truly broke out of his acting mold in his role depicting a homosexual English professor. Anyone his able to break out of their usual typecast and truly make it something great deserves an Oscar.

BEST ACTRESS: Carey Mulligan in An Education

An Education was one of my favorite movies this year, mainly due to Carey Mulligan’s performance. Her wit and clever smile made her less of a character and more of a person, creating a truly powerful illusion. You have to love Meryl Streep, though. Her portrayal of Julia Child was spot on and the woman sure knows how to get the Academy’s attention.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christoph Waltz in Inglorious Basterds

Anyone who saw Inglorious Basterds will easily understand this pick. Waltz stole the show with his comic yet chilling interpretation of an SS officer and Quentin Tarantino’s vision of World War II. There is no doubt in my mind he’ll win the award.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Mo’Nique in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire

Another easy pick. If a comedian like Mo’Nique can seamlessly recreate herself into an abusive mother, she should be given the Oscar. No competition here either.

BEST DIRECTOR: Kathryn Bigelow for Hurt Locker

There were some heavy hitters in this year’s directing category. James Cameron released his vision upon the world with Avatar and Tarantino brought his usual charm to Inglorious Basterds. Yet Kathryn Bigelow’s depiction of the Iraq War took a bold step in terms of outstanding directing. Anyone who can revive a genre as old as the industry itself should be commended.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Up

Seriously, who didn’t like Up? Its story was creative, witty and complex, but carried a beautiful message that was refreshingly heartwarming. It’s an achievement in writing that truly ranks among the best.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire

Precious made a seamless transition from print to screen. Even after Hollywood had its way with it, much of the literary elements and themes retained all the value. The screenwriters should be given credit for this successful transition.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Inglorious Basterds

Whether it was the brilliant framing, unconventional and imaginative use of light or the quintessential extreme close-up of feet, Inglorious Basterds was a tasteful and artfully done film.

BEST EDITING: Avatar

Avatar was nothing short of an epic. The literally thousands of camera shots and digital alteration must have been a post-production nightmare. Yet the editing team was able to produce the highest grossing film of all time. You have to give Avatar some serious credit for simply pulling itself together.

BEST ART DIRECTION: Avatar

James Cameron had literally been drawing creatures and landscapes for years in preparation for Avatar. What he was finally able to produce was nothing short of amazing and original in terms of artistic vision.

BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Coco avant Chanel

This French biopic detailing the life of Coco Chanel had some of the coolest and visually stunning costumes of any film this year, especially when clothes played such a crucial role in the plot.

BEST MAKEUP: Star Trek

When you have to recreate a fantasy world that is so easily recognized, you can’t mess up with the makeup. It’s a good thing Star Trek well exceeded expectations and made the faces of the characters come alive while creating the notion of whimsy.

BEST SOUND MIXING: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

BEST SOUND EDITING: Avatar

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS: District 9

This was a tough one, but District 9 got my pick in the end. The aliens and weapons were perfectly integrated into the real scenery and that stands out more than fantasy worlds any day.

BEST ANIMATED FILM: Up

The fact that the Academy loves Pixar and Up is almost a given. While Disney did return to its roots with The Princess and the Frog, and The Secret of Kells has the most original visual style of an animated movie in a while, nothing can defeat the animated powerhouse that is Pixar.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Un Prophete (A Prophet)

Any film that has been dubbed the “French Godfather” will easily take the gold. Keep an eye out for The White Ribbon, a bizzare German film that could possibly win.

BEST DOCUMENTARY: Food Inc

BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY: The Last Truck

BEST SHORT ANIMATED FILM: Wallace and Gromit ” A matter of loaf and death”

BEST SHORT FILM: Miracle Fish