In the week leading up to the Academy Awards, we all like to put on our film critic hats and confidently predict which movies will win big.
And while none of us can know for certain which films and actors will take home the evening's major awards, there are indicators that can give us a sense of each film's relative chances. The results of other events during "awards season," such as the Golden Globes, the Screen Actor's Guild Awards and the Producer's Guild Awards, help us get a sense for who has the right momentum leading up to Oscars night.
See also: If Your Google Searches Determined Oscar Winners
We're curious to hear your thoughts on which movies will steal the show at the 86th Annual Academy Awards. Check out our rundown of nine of the biggest Oscar categories and then vote in our polls with your predictions.

Image: Jaap Buitendijk/Associated Press

While all of the nominees are great films in their own right, critics have narrowed down the Best Picture race to three films: 12 Years A Slave, American Hustle and Gravity. American Hustle won the Golden Globe for Best Comedy or Musical and remains a strong contender. 12 Years A Slave won the Golden Globe for Best Drama and has been a consistent front-runner for the award, but the recent tie for Outstanding Motion Picture between 12 Years A Slave and Gravity at the PGA Awards has critics wondering if Gravity could snatch the award. Which film do you think will take home the big prize?

Image: John Shearer/Associated Press

Although the race for Best Picture is tight, critics seem more certain that this award will go to Alfonso Cuaron for Gravity. Cuaron won the Golden Globe for Best Director, and Ang Lee's recent directing win for Life of Pi, a film with similar strengths to Gravity's, sets an encouraging precedent for Cuaron. However, Steve McQueen and David O. Russell both figure to be contenders for the award given the strength of their films in the Best Picture race. Who do you like to win here?

Image: Mary Cybulsk/Associated Press

Matthew McConaughey figures to be the favorite in this category after winning for his role in Dallas Buyers Club at the SAG Awards and Golden Globes, but the race is fairly close in this category. Many critics praised Chiwetel Ejiofor for his strong performance in 12 Years A Slave, and some critics wonder if, after being nominated several times without a win, Leonardo DiCaprio will finally win for his electrifying performance in The Wolf of Wall Street. Who do you think stands the best shot?

Image: Jordan Strauss/Associated Press

With wins at the SAG Awards and the Golden Globes, critics seem to feel that Cate Blanchett is a lock at this point. However, the recent controversy surrounding Woody Allen could put pressure on the Academy to leave Allen's film Blue Jasmine out of the discussion on Oscar night. If that's the case, Amy Adams' win for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy at the SAG Awards would make her a strong contender. Who do you think will win?

Image: Anne Marie Fox/Associated Press

Jared Leto heads into Sunday night as the clear favorite in this category, and few critics seem to think anyone else stands a real chance at an upset victory in this category. The feel-good story of Barkhad Abdi's path to Hollywood could give him an edge, and Michael Fassbender could sneak out a win if 12 Years A Slave enters sweep mode on Sunday night. Who do you like here?

Image: Paul A. Hebert/Associated Press

While anything can happen, the race for Best Supporting Actress is essentially between two women at this point. In one corner: Jennifer Lawrence, sporting a win at the Golden Globes and universal adoration on the Internet. In the other corner: Lupita Nyong'o, fresh off a win at the SAG awards and benefiting from widespread critical praise. Who do you see taking home a golden statuette on Sunday?

Image: Disney/Associated Press

The widespread consensus is that this is Frozen's award to lose. With a Golden Globe win and a song that has taken over the Internet in "Let It Go," the Disney feature seems like a lock. However, some think that critically-acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki could sneak out a win for The Wind Rises, which is allegedly the last film he will make. What's your guess?

Image: Warner Bros. Pictures/Associated Press

This one of the less clear-cut races. With a Golden Globe award for Best Screenplay under its belt, many critics feel this will be where the Academy acknowledges Her, which seems to have fallen out of serious contention for Best Picture. However, if American Hustle reaches its ceiling on Oscar night, it could take the award for screenplay as well. What's your prediction?

Image: Francois Duhamel/Associated Press

With its momentum in other major categories, the powerful story of 12 Years A Slave looks to be the safe bet here. However, many critics were surprised to see Before Midnight not present on the list of Best Picture nominees and could choose to honor the film in this category, where they can. Which script do you think is the most Oscar-worthy?

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