Best Large-Scale Production by a Big-Time Director Who Has Never Won an Oscar and Who Probably Will, Especially Since It’s Been Such a Bad Year:  “The Aviator.”  Of all the iconic biopics this year, this one rewrites history the least and Martin Scorsese is getting lots of buzz.  Leonardo DiCaprio looks laughably young for the role, but the film is still impressive.  In a year of very bad films – including one that sent Hollywood and the media into fits of rage– this is probably the most likely winner.

Best Large-Scale Production That Should Win the Oscar for Best Film (after “The Passion of the Christ”):  “Phantom of the Opera.”  The world’s most successful musical ever, finally available on film.  Wonderful acting, singing, music, costumes and sets in a film that somehow manages to improve upon the near-perfect theatrical masterpiece.

Best Film of the Year that Should Win an Oscar But Definitely Won’t: “The Passion of the Christ.”  It was gruesome, but that’s exactly the way it happened (if not worse).  A brilliant, inspired and hauntingly beautiful portrayal that left audiences weeping in repentance and Hollywood shaking with fear.  Probably the best movie ever made.  Let’s hope they at least give Jim Caviezel his due with a Best Actor nomination. Light in the midst of our darkness, all free for the asking.  Anyone care to accept?

The Worst of the Worst

Worst Date Movie:  “50 First Dates.”  Adam Sander showed us that he is capable of something other than pure trash in his more recent “Spanglish” – but this ain’t that film.

Worst Action Movie:  “Flight of the Phoenix.”  Rappers and acting do not mix.  A dud for the talented Dennis Quaid, who fares far better with the upcoming “In Good Company.”

Worst Christmas Movie:  “Surviving Christmas.”  Ben Affleck should fire his agent.

Worst Cinderella Movie:  Too many to count.

Worst Movie About a President’s Daughter: Too many to count.  Nah, on second thought, Mandy Moore’s “Chasing Liberty” – because she skinny dips and sleeps around, then acts confused when Christians says she’s no longer a role model for her ‘tween audience.

Worst Sequel:  “The Whole Ten Yards.”  Silly story, bad dialogue, terrible acting, and lots of sex and language.  Welcome to the new PG-13.  Runner-Up:  “Bridge Jones Diary: The Edge of Reason.”  Sex, sex and more sex.  Far less inspired than the first one – and hope you like the f-word.

Worst CGI Effects: “Troy.”  Not nearly as bad a film as it could have been, with good acting by Peter O’Toole, Brad Pitt and Eric Bana, but still a huge disappointment.  And the fakest-looking sets, boats and ships I’ve ever seen.

Worst Movie of the Year?:  “Alexander.”  Angelina Jolie’s Russian accent meets Colin Farrell’s Flock-of-Seagulls hairdo in a roll-your-eyes production.  Do not pass go and return to history class, Mr. Stone.  Again.

*Please note that no Ben Stiller films were taken into consideration for this award.