Close contest predicted for this year’s Oscars

THREE great actors, one gold statue — the countdown to the Oscars is officially underway.

With nominations to be announced tomorrow, this year has seen one of the closest contests in recent memory with only two movies Chicago and The Hours seeming to be shoo-ins for the best motion picture nomination and several other films vying for the three remaining spots.

Offbeat dramas Adaptation and About Schmidt appear to have an edge because they have been popular with critics, industry folk, early awards givers and audiences, so far.