In part one we safely established that there are only a select number of movies i.e Atonement, Into The Wild and Michael Clayton that are in the running for any type of Oscar success.While 'Oscar Season' officially began way back i September it's late December and early January where the true Academy Award contenders come out of the woodwork and show their potential.In the next couple of weeks there are a string of high profile releases that will all be hoping for nominations when the shortlist is announced on 22nd January.First up is Charlie Wilson's War starring three Oscar winners Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and is a sharp political thriller.Directed by Mike Nichols, who has four Oscar nominations to his name, the film follows playboy congressman Charlie Wilson who, with the help of a socialite and a rogue CIA agent, pull off the most successful covert operation in history.However it does run the risk of falling into the 'political' category that hasn't been well received at the box office Lions for Lambs and The good Shepherd being the best examples.

No Country For Old Men is already the favourite to scoop Best Picture prize for the Coen brothers.

Premiered at Cannes Film Festival it gained support on the festival circuit being screened at Toronto and New York.

In America it has been met with rave reviews, in particular for Javier Bardem's performance as quiet killer Anton Chigurh who is, without a doubt, the very strong favourite for the Best Supporting Actor gong.

The film and it's director, Joel and Ethan Coen, have already won a string of Best picture and Best Director awards at the numerous Critic's awards that have already been held.

There Will Be Blood is perhaps No Country For Old Men's strongest competition when it comes to the Best Picture and Best Director prizes.

Paul Thomas Anderson's fifth movie follows simple silver miner Daniel Plainview who discovers oil. Over the years he becomes a shrewd business man whose sole purpose is to discover oil and make money from it.

It is Daniel Day Lewis' performance that has impressed the critics. He recently picked up Best Actor at the Top Critics Awards and he is expected to pick up another Oscar nomination, as is Anderson for his direction and adaptation.

In The Valley of Elah may have performed poorly at the box office, further highlighting the public's disinterest in movies on the war on terror, this film is still being pushed by Warner Independent.

While it may not get a look in for Best Picture performances by it's cast, especially Tommy Lee Jones, may have a chance of some recognition.

The musical really is back with a bang as the successful partnership of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, with the help of Helena Bonham Carter, rolls out another picture.

It really is about time that Burton and Depp were recognised by the Academy, Burton in particular is yet to receive a Best Director nomination which doesn't inspire much confidence.

But this adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical could be the surprise package that causes the major upset.

Depp is back as another off the wall character, what he does so well, Sweeney Todd/Benjamin Barker who, after being unjustly imprisoned for fifteen years, is back in London in search of revenge.

This is a very dark musical horror and the fact that it is a musical may be it's downfall as Chicago won Best Picture in 2003.

While Ben Affleck's directorial debut Gone Baby Gone failed to get a UK release, du to similarities with the Madeline McCann case this movie whipped up a frenzy with critics in America.

Amy Ryan is perhaps the film's best bet for a nomination after being recognised by the Golden Globes for her role as the mother of the missing child.

Leading man Casey Affleck is more likely to be nominated for his role as Jesse James than this, but he does cement himself as a fine actor. However if critics get behind this film then it possibly could sneak nominations for director or adaptation, Best Picture could be a step too far.

Finally French animation Persepolis is also one to watch. The film was the surprise entry for Best Foreign Language Picture for France, over the more favoured La Vie En Rose.

However Persepolis could be Ratatouille's biggest competition when it comes to Best Animation as it's aimed at an adult audience.

The Golden Globes will be the best indicator as to were the awards will go. The Oscar nominations will be announced on 22nd January.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw