My Oscar Picks

Best Picture: Ray
(but Aviator probably will win - liked the film, but the ending missed the opportunity for a little postscript; didn't like the 10 second blank screen)
Best Director: Aviator (he's overdue, and it was a good directing job)
Best Actor: Jamie Foxx (that *was* Ray Charles on that screen, amazing)
(yes, Leonard did a great job as well, and if he gets the Oscar, then Jamie better get supporting actor)
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Alda (he's way overdue)
Best Actress: (have to decline - I have not seen any of these films)
Best Support Actress: Cate Blanchett (that *was* Katherine Hepburn on that screen, amazing)
Best Original Screenplay: Incredibles
(but Aviator or Eternal Sunshine will probably get it)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Sideways
(but either Finding Neverland or Million Dollar Baby will probably get it)
Best Animated Film: Incredibles
Art Direction: Aviator
(but Phantom is beautiful)
Cinematography: Aviator
(Flying Daggers is also beautiful)
Costume Design: Lemony Snickets
(come on - Aviator was great period pieces, some of those dresses would look great today)
Documentary: SuperSize Me!!!!!!!
Visual Effects: I, Robot

I get to a lot of movies every year. Here is a pet peeve: Limited release of a picture just before Dec 31st to qualify it for Academy Awards while it is still fresh in the mind of the members (but unfamiliar with the viewing public until mass release the few weeks before the Oscar broadcast (i.e. Million Dollar Baby, Phantom of the Opera). 2004 Academy Awards should be about movies released for viewing BY THE PUBLIC in 2004, not by just a few audiences in NY and LA for a long weekend.
I totally understanding the Oscars are picked by members of the Academy (a little more than 5000 people), the "People's Choice" awards are subject to internet "hacking" to get some weird results, and Film Critics may not reflect your own personal preference. Perhaps the best indicator of a good quality film is a combination of all of the above? Or just your own choices.

What entertained you in 2004?