Comparison:

Metacritic
Spider-Man 2 - 84
Iron-Man - 80
Spider-Man - 73
Batman Begins - 70

Rottentomatoes
Iron Man - 95%, 7.6 average
Spider-Man 2 - 93%, 8.2
Spider-Man - 90%, 7.6
Batman Begins - 84%, 7.7

BFCA
Spider-Man 2 - 94
Batman Begins - 91
Iron Man - 90
Spider-Man - 90

Oscar nominations
Spider-Man 2 - Visual Effects (won), Sound Editing, Sound Mixing
Spider-Man - Sound, Visual Effects
Batman Begins - Cinematography
Iron Man - ?

SM2 still has the best reviews of all the recent comic-book adaptations, but Iron Man might have a small advantage in that it's a non-sequel, and the expectation wasn't as high as SM2. Overall, I'd say the three categories SM2 got look good, and anything more will be a bonus.

Unless it ends up being 300M+, probably nothing. Maybe Visual Effects, but that category has become so random.

Visual effects seems like a lock at this point.

Other than that maybe a sound nom or nothing. I mean Casino Royale got raves too - yet not a single nom.

I'm very confident in those three categories (Visual Effects, Sound, and Sound Editing). I mean, Transformers got them with lesser reviews.

I haven't seen the film, but I wonder if a Editing nom like The Bourne Ultimatum could be possible.

Hmm, but Casino Royale was snubbed for all tech noms and I think Iron Man's box-office will be closer to CR's than to Transformers'.

I guess it'll also depend on how well-received Quantum of Solace, Indiana Jones and The Dark Knight will be.

Sound and effects were brilliant.

Yeah, it's extremely well-received, but this year is going to be filled with extremely well-received blockbusters. It'd have to be the highest-grossing out of all of them to get more than two nominations probably.

Three at most (sound, sound editing, visual effects). I highly doubt that Downey, Jr. even has a shot for actor.

Just some techincal.

But the film's succuess will give Downey a nod for Soloist. Gurantee it.

I say if an ILM film gets nominated for VE it's probably going to be Indiana Jones.

Effects were seamless. Though as we saw with Transformers, this could end up not winning (or not get nominated) because apparently water/talking animals > shiny, explosive metal.

Hair simulation is where it is at right now. I believe the next frontier is archs

Perhaps, but it wasn't up against the most sterling competition, reviews-wise. Keep in mind, the two comic adaptations got shut right out.

I don't think reviews matter that much in the technical categories. The Golden Compass won visual effects despite a pretty mediocre reception, and The Golden Age came out of nowhere to win costume design despite the critical slamming it got.

Probably nothing, one of the sound noms or Visual Effects if its lucky.

Ummm, there was one effect, I think it was the first time they showed the first suit moving and the movement felt so unnatural and it was very CGI - bit it was a very brief moment. Other than that the effects were good, but Transfomers had better effects in my opinion.

And IM probably won't get any noms. Maybe sound nom, but that's it.

I haven't seen the film, but I'm thinking 4 at best (Sound, Sound Editing, Visual Effects and Editing).

They won't nominate Downey Jr.

BUMP

I'm starting to think that Downey Jr. MAY get nominated for this if the field is weak. He's a supporting charecter (I think) in the Soloist, so even if he gets a nod, it would be supporting. Jaime Foxx was able to get a nod for both categories in 2004, so there is a chance Downey Jr. may be able to get both.

Of course, if we have a strong field, I doubt this happens. But if the field is weak, there's an outside chance.

No. They'll nominate Leo twice this year before they'd nominate RDJ.

RDJ is having a great year, but he won't get nominated for Iron Man.

I'm thinking that IM gets no nominations.

No way they snub it in the Effects category.

Iron Man's greatest strength was it's screenplay...

As far as ILM goes, Indiana Jones had more (and better, although it pains me to say that) effects.

the problem for Iron Man is that it doesn't rely on visual/technical stuff at all as much as Spidey/Batman did, hurting its chances. I mean, there are only fifteen-twenty minutes of pure visual effects/action, compared to more like forty-ish minutes in those films.

I'm sure it'll pick up two or three noms, but it won't sweep the techs, and Downey Jr. definitely isn't getting nominated. I'd say he's more likely for Best Supporting Actor with Tropic Thunder, and as much as I'd love that to happen, it ain't happening.