It's a rare thing indeed when most award-speculators seem unanimous on picking a winner. Clooney, who made the fabulous, underrated Good Night, And Good Luck, deserves more, but this supporting performance in Stephen Gaghan's occasionally abstruse film has become what is called a lock-down.

Who else is there: Despite Paul Giamatti's profane perfection in Cinderella Man and Bob Hoskins doing his thing in Mrs Henderson Presents, Clooney should romp home with the award. Or he would, if Will Ferrell wasn't as spot-on in The Producers.