Let's hope there are some surprises among today's Oscar nominations

It's Oscar morning.

That means all of the bets and predictions pertaining to this year’s list of Academy Award nominees are on the table.

As for what names will be called shortly?

It’s anyone’s guess and there’s been plenty of speculation in the past couple of weeks, some it based on performance and some on the buzz surrounding the nominations already chosen for the Golden Globe and People's Choice Awards.

While I agree on many of the choices made by my colleagues during the week – including Ben Affleck’s Argo and Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty for Best Picture, I love surprises.

Suraj Sharma

Wouldn’t it be nice, for example, to hear that Suraj Sharma, whose performance in director Ang Lee's acclaimed film Life of Pi, is one of the reasons it is being considered for best picture, was among those nominated for best actor. 

While no surprise to anyone who saw Perks of Being a Wallflower a nomination for best director and best adapted screenplay for Perks writer/director Stephen Chbosky would be well received. While you’re at it, how about including Perks cast member Ezra Miller in the running for best supporting actor?

Logan Lerman, Ezra Miller and Emma Watson/Perks of Being a Wallflower.

As for absolutes in this year’s Oscar race. I would say, I would be very surprised if actress Jennifer Lawrence's performance in Silver Linings Playbook didn't earn her a spot on the best actress list or actor Daniel Day-Lewis was not among the names listed for best actor nominee. I would also leap to say (bet you a penny even) he’ll be taking Oscar home for his performance as the president in Lincoln.

Soon we'll see!