'Chocolat'

When I saw the trailers for Chocolat, all I could think was "gee, I'm hungry." What I didn't expect was food not just for the senses, but for the soul. Juliette Binoche cooks up a captivating performance as the nomad chocolatier. Hands down this dynamic look at life, happiness and sinful pleasures deserves the Oscar for Best Picture.

I walked into the theater expecting the usual tear-jerking chick flick, but instead I walked away with a new understanding of myself. Chocolat delivers insight into the human soul with its in-depth juxtaposition of good and evil with temptation and obligation. So to the Academy, I say — What do you see?

— by Parveen Shamsi

'Traffic'

Fresh off the win of Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Steven Soderbergh's sharply directed Traffic is the film most worthy of the highest nod.

An intelligent and powerful story of drugs and drug trafficking in North America, Traffic combines Soderbergh's brilliant directing style with a tightly woven script and the finest all-around ensemble acting of the year.

The only thing potentially stopping this superb movie is Gladiator and the Academy's tendency to award blockbuster action sagas like Titanic and Braveheart.

However, should Benicio Del Toro (nominated for best supporting actor), Stephen Gaghan (best screenplay) and Soderbergh (best director) pick up wins as expected, the odds of Traffic nabbing best picture are high.

— by Meghan Day

'Gladiator'

"And the winner is . . . Gladiator!" That is what should be announced Sunday night, when the winner is announced for Best Picture this year.

This epic movie that tells the story of one man who makes a difference and wins the heart of an empire is the greatest movie of the year.

Russell Crowe as Maximus and others like Joaquin Phoenix, Richard Harris and Connie Nielsen are just a few who make up the amazing ensemble cast. These actors bring to life the saga that director Ridley Scott impeccably brings to the big screen.

It is about time that one of Crowe's movies receives acclaim after he was denied well-deserved praise for past nominations for L.A. Confidential and The Insider.

— by Gretchen E. Gailey

'Erin Brockovich'

Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich stars Julia Roberts as Brockovich, an unemployed single mother desperate to find a job.

Roberts is outstanding in portraying one of the most strong-willed and determined female characters that has been seen in a long time. Written by Susannah Grant and directed by Steven Soderbergh, this is a feel-good film that has you routing for Roberts.

The acting in this film is top rate, with Albert Finney (Ed Masry) also pulling his weight in the film.

Erin Brockovich should win because it has all of the elements of a Best Picture: an appeal to all ages, a good story, great acting and a hopeful message to boot.

— by Jodi Hanauer

'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'

Though I know Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon doesn't have a chance in hell, I still believe it should win Best Picture.

Just the fact that Crouching is a foreign film with subtitles and demands more of its audience than the other nominees combined puts it at a disadvantage in the popularity contest known as Best Picture.

But its 10 nominations in the major award categories are right behind Gladiator's 12, making me believe Crouching has a stronger chance at winning a minor award like Cinematography, which are well-deserved.

In a field of cookie-cutter dramas, Crouching takes the drama genre and kicks its ass. And it's not just because of the martial arts sequences, even though their beautiful choreography and smart direction are reason enough for the film to be nominated. The musical score, direction, location, actors, costumes and plot are all amazing.

Not just a movie but a piece of art, Crouching's director, Ang Lee, deserves an Oscar, even if it isn't Best Picture.

— by Sarah Cassi