“21 Grams” Ackerman Grand Ballroom Feb. 26-27, 7 and 9:30 p.m. If you’ve seen all the Best Picture nominees already and are sick of new theatrical releases, you may want to check out “21 Grams,” which not only includes the best cinematography not nominated for this year’s Oscars, but also one of the better non-nominated performances by Sean Penn, who may be stronger in this film than he was in “Mystic River.” Tickets are $2 at the door. Read more...

So it seems this year’s Oscar race is primed to become the Academy’s personal tribute to “The Lord of the Rings” ““ and deservedly so. Considering neither of the trilogy’s first two installments won Oscars for Best Picture or Best Director, “The Return of the King” should take both. Read more...

WILL Win: Tim Robbins, “Mystic River” SHOULD Win: Tim Robbins, “Mystic River” While Robbins may at times be a controversial figure due to his anti-war activism, one thing there is no fighting about is this UCLA alum’s chance of coming home a winner. Read more...

New York City weather drops below freezing in the winter. This became painfully obvious to anti-war protesters Dan Droller and Franz Hartl, who took to the streets Feb. Read more...

WILL Win: “Finding Nemo” SHOULD Win: “The Triplets of Belleville” If the Oscars were decided by a Magic 8-ball ““ and let’s face it, sometimes it seems like they are ““ “Finding Nemo” would get an “All signs point to yes” in this category. Read more...

In the overgrown jungle of L.A. garage rock and testosterone-based performance, a new bird is quietly piping, but she doesn’t need to yell to be heard. Read more...

WILL Win: Bill Murray, “Lost in Translation” SHOULD Win: Johnny Depp, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” This is a two-man race. Sean Penn’s fierce portrayal in “Mystic River” of a father grieving his daughter’s murder while being forced to face the sins of his past is considered the front runner. Read more...