After seeing them all, our critics share their very early Oscar predictions

Earlier this week, nomination ballots were mailed for the 83rd Academy Awards. Eligible films have all had to open in theaters by midnight tonight, and the ones that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences deem the best will get their Oscars on Feb. 27.

But if you want to seem up to speed at a New Year's party this weekend — well before nominations are announced Jan. 25 — feel confident backing any of these choices. A lot of unknowns are still out there, so we'll break them down to Win, Place or Show to hedge our bets — and yours.