Academy Awards - Betting on the Oscars

It's that time of year again – the best of Hollywood strut their stuff on the red carpet using all their acting skills to desperately attempt to portray an air of nonchalance, but the truth is every actor and actress dreams of winning an Oscar.

The 80th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 24 and will be hosted by Jon Stewart. Oscars are handed out to winners in a wide range of categories. Around 6000 voters, including 1300 actors, will vote for their favorites in each category.

Betting on the Academy Awards has become increasingly popular in the last few years, with most sports books offering a range of betting options for various blue riband categories. Bodog offers odds for prestigious categories and PokerNewsCasino resident movie expert Jonny Vincent has been called in for expert tips.

PNC: Jonny, what is your pick for Best Picture and why?

JV: There's been a lot of hype which has pushed No Country for Old Men into favoritism. I think there is some value to be found on a couple other choices in this category. There Will Be Blood is my pick for this category and I believe Bodog's 6:1 odds is too generous for this great film.

I don't think Michael Clayton and Juno deserve to even be in this category. Atonement does deserve to be in contention, but I don't think the voters will give Atonement the credit it deserves, being a foreign film (filmed in the UK and starring British actors).

You can't go past There Will Be Blood for this category and at the generous odds offered.

PNC: Any value in the Best Actor category?

JV: No, I don't think so. Daniel-Day Lewis is almost an unbackable favorite at 2/25. He deserves this Oscar for his performance in There Will Be Blood and he's going to get it.

PNC: Who do you like in the Best Actress category?

JV: Julie Christie is the favorite and will probably pick up the gong for her performance in Away From Her. But I don't mind a bet on Ellen Page for her wonderful performance in Juno. You can get 13/2 for Page at Bodog and I think this presents some value as Page is capable of causing an big upset in this category.

PNC: Best Supporting Actor? Can anyone take this away from Javier Bardem?

JV: Yes, I think Casey Affleck can for his performance in The Assassination of Jesse James. Bardem is almost unbackable at 1/11, but I think the odds being offered on Casey Affleck are irresistible (11/1) and I'll be placing a wager on Casey to cause a massive upset in this category.

PNC: Thanks Jonny.

JV: No problem. But take this advice with a grain of salt. The Oscars are handed out by voters who couldn't find even a single nomination for The Darjeeling Limited. Good luck!

So there you have it. Jump onto Bodog for all your Oscars betting.

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