With the Oscars coming up on Sunday, the Pulse has decided to offer up its picks for which nominees we think will take home the coveted statue.

Ben Erwin’s Picks

Best Picture

“The Departed” It will be a crime if this doesn’t win.

Best Director

Martin Scorsese, “The Departed” After being unjustly denied for years, Marty will finally bring home the big one with his best film since “Goodfellas.”

Actor in a Leading Role

Forest Whitaker, “The Last King of Scotland” Ida Amin was a megalomaniacal egomaniac and cannibal. Forest Whitaker gave more life and emotion to that character than anyone else possibly could have.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Eddie Murphy, “Dreamgirls” Sure, he hasn’t been funny in a decade, but who knew he could act? I say he deserves the Oscar on the condition that he would stop making any movie where he plays multiple characters.

Actress in a Leading Role

Meryl Streep, “The Devil Wears Prada” Dame Judi Dench is usually a slam-dunk at the Oscars, but Streep actually performed incredibly well in the otherwise mediocre “Prada”

Actress in a Supporting Role

Abigail Breslin. “Little Miss Sunshine” Jennifer Hudson will probably win, but “Little Miss Sunshine” was vastly superior to the tepid “Dreamgirls”

Animated Feature Film

“Monster House” With Pixar having lost all of its former magic, the flick about a creepy, living house is bound for victory.

Cinematography

“Pan’s Labyrinth” If there was a better looking, more amazingly shot film in the last year, I didn’t see it.

Documentary Feature

“Jesus Camp” This film showcases what can happen when fundamentalism of any kind goes horribly awry.

Wayne Utterback’s Picks

Best Picture

“The Departed” Hands down, “The Departed” was the movie of the year. Engaging, gripping. and excellently told, I see this movie taking the Oscar.

Best Director

Martin Scorsese, “The Departed” “The Departed” is one of Scorsese’s finest and he will finally be done justice by getting the Oscar for his remake of “Infernal Affairs.”

Actor in a Leading Role

Forest Whitaker, “The Last King of Scotland” He fit the role of Idi Amin perfectly and gave a captivating performance at the same time.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Eddie Murphy, “Dreamgirls” I was going to make a remark about Norbit, but Erwin stole my idea. Eddie Murphy was excellent in “Dreamgirls” and should be recognized for it.

Actress in a Leading Role

Helen Mirren, “The Queen” Helen Mirren will probably win this for her role as Queen Elizabeth II. She managed to give audiences a new side of the queen never seen before.

Supporting Actress

Jennifer Hudson, “Dreamgirls” She was the star of “Dreamgirls” and one of the only reasons the movie was slightly better than average.

Animated Feature Film

“Cars” It was a fun and entertaining, and had many actors lending their voices to make it a good ride for any moviegoer. With such slim pickings, I see “Cars” winning first place.

Cinematography

“Pan’s Labyrinth” Anyone who thinks this movie won’t win needs to get his eyes checked. It was gorgeous and a wonder to behold.

Documentary Feature

“An Inconvenient Truth” It seemed really dry, but it presented a mountain of stunning facts about global warming. If the Academy wants to make a statement, they can by giving this movie an Oscar.

Wes Lawson’s Picks

Wes Lawson Daily Egyptian

Best Picture

“Babel” Not my first choice for the win, but the fact that it has many name actors and a story that Hollywood loves will probably lead to its win. Hollywood loves to pat itself on the back.

Best Director

Martin Scorsese, “The Departed” If Marty doesn’t win, there will be riots in the street. He deserves it for creating the most fun movie of the year

Actor in a Leading Role

Forest Whitaker, “The Last King of Scotland” Hard to believe Whitaker started in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” His performance as Idi Amin is fierce and believable, and biopics often net Oscars for their stars.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Eddie Murphy, “Dreamgirls” The best comeback of the year shows that Murphy isn’t just a shell of his former self. His performance almost erases Pluto Nash and Norbit from our memories – almost.

Actress in a Leading Role

Helen Mirren “The Queen” She has won every major critics circle award thus far, and took home the Golden Globe. It would take a miracle for her not to win.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Jennifer Hudson, “Dreamgirls” Hudson had the best debut performance of the year and also one of the most soulful and resonant. To be fair, this is a weak category this year, but Hudson herself shows she’s got the chops to play in the big leagues.

Animated Film

“Happy Feet” Although Monster House looks to be the dark horse in this race, Happy Feet was the more popular film. And it had penguins.

Cinematography

“Children of Men” The movie that deserved way more nominations will clinch the Oscar for creating a believable distopian future, and for featuring two of the most amazing shots in cinematic history.

Documentary Feature

“An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore’s documentary was the most popular of the year, and the popular documentaries are usually the ones that win. Case in point: “Bowling for Columbine.”