Best Supporting Actor
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
This race often rewards comic roles (witness Little Miss Sunshine's Alan Arkin). With The Soloist bumped to 2009, this is his best shot at a nod.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
He more than keeps pace with Meryl Streep as a priest accused of molestation. If voters follow the Supporting Actor campaign, he's a lock.
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Thanks to his unforgettable villainous turn, the late star (and past lead-actor nominee for Brokeback Mountain) is this year's surest thing.