Each February, Hollywood, its followers and critics alike become abuzz with talk about Oscar. The question on everyone's lips: "Who will take home that prized statuette?"

Some years the results can be seen months in advance, as was the case with last year's Best Director win for Katherine Bigelow, but sometimes they are anyone's guess.

After a great many hours spent watching the films in the running this year, and another few hours in deep contemplation, I have complied my list of Oscar picks for this season.

Visual Effects
This one easily has to go to Inception, because even though it may have been a bit too convoluted, it sure looked both fantastic and fantastical.

Sound Editing
I have a feeling Inception will take another one here by Richard King, although I would cast my vote differently.

Sound Mixing
Sound mixing and sound editing so often go hand in hand that I'm leaning towards Inception again with this one.

Short Film: Live Action
God of Love by Luke Matheny is the likely choice for this vote.

Short Film: Animated
I think the Academy will vote Day and Night by Teddy Newton on this one.

Music: Original Song
My pick for Original Song has to be Coming Home from the film Country Strong, music and lyrics by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Gwyneth belted that one out.

Music: Original Score
Although heavy-hitter Hans Zimmer is nominated for his Inception score, I believe that 127 Hours composer A. R. Rahman will emerge victorious in this category for his heart-pounding music that kept the action going through an otherwise static film.

Makeup
This award is almost certainly going out to Rick Baker and Dave Elsey for their work on The Wolfman.

Foreign Language Film
I have a strong feeling that the Academy is going to give this award to the Mexican film Biutiful. Much buzz surrounds this film and its leading man Javier Bardem, and that often has an effect on the judges' pick for this category.

Costume Design
This one is a toss-up. Alice in Wonderland, True Grit and The King's Speech all have skilled costumers. I feel the Academy leaning towards The King's Speech but they may remember Alice in Wonderland instead.

Cinematography
Depending on how the Academy votes, either Black Swan or Inception will take it. I believe they will choose excess and give it to Inception.

Art Direction
This is sometimes a fickle category, but this year I think the award will go to one of the period films — either The King's Speech or True Grit.

Animated Feature Film
Although I think that The Illusionist really deserves to win, Toy Story 3 is more or less guaranteed this Oscar. The Academy loves Pixar.

Documentary: Feature and Documentary: Short Subject
I have merged these two categories together because they are anyone's guess. I have no idea of who will receive honours in these two categories, as they always prove to be unpredictable.

Writing: Adapted Screenplay
I have to say I think the Academy's going to go with Aaron Sorkin for this award for his adaptation work on The Social Network.

Writing: Original Screenplay
I am certain that The King's Speech writer David Seidler will be honoured in this category.

Film Editing
127 Hours editor Jon Harris should definitely be taking this one home for his outstanding work with the film.

Directing
Tom Hooper has received countless accolades for his direction of The King's Speech and I think they will continue into the Academy, although he faces tough competition in Darren Aronofsky and David Fincher for Black Swan and The Social Network.

Actor in a Supporting Role
A difficult choice is to be made here, but as I see it the race is between Geoffrey Rush in The King's Speech and Christian Bale in The Fighter. I would vote for Rush, but I wouldn't be surprised if either man wins the statue.

Actor in a Lead Role
This pick is tricky. Colin Firth and James Franco are equally strong in their respective roles in The King's Speech and 127 Hours but I feel like the Academy will lean in favour of Firth.

Actress in a Supporting Role
I think without a doubt this one should go to young Hailee Steinfeld for her turn as young Mattie Ross in True Grit. Rarely do young actresses give such strong performances.

Actress in a Lead Role
Natalie Portman for Black Swan. Absolutely.

Best Picture
This category more than any other is tough to call before hand, although this year I am leaning towards either The Social Network or Black Swan, which, at this point, seem to be the two top contenders.