It's shaping up to be a very strong year.

We already have two critically praised musicals (Once and Hairspray.)

Two also equally well reviewed animated films (Ratatouille and The Simpsons Movie.) If Bee movie doesn't dissapoint we could have three.

There's two R-rated box office blockbusters (Superbad, Knocked Up.)

And Waitress and The Savages are not too far behind. And that's just among already out/screened films.

Any predictions?

Animated features are no longer eligible since they have their own award now. Still, five strong contenders already.

Hairspray
Sweeney Todd
Knocked Up
Once
The Bucket List

just off the top of my head. Once is very iffy since the HFP is like what, less than 100 people?

superbad no other nominees are necessary

I really do wonder if Superbad has a good chance.

Are there any other high profile comedies being released this year other than the ones mentioned on this thread?

HFP will pick the sparkliest of the bunch...hence, Hairspray.

Lars and the Real Girl might stand a chance. Margot at the Wedding could end up being a very strong contender as well depending on reviews. But Squid and the Whale did well (I think...)

But with animated films not eligible it'll make it interesting for the last couple of spots.

Hairspray is a lock. Knocked Up is not too far behind. I think The Savages will probably make it as well as Sweeney Todd.

Margot at the Wedding, Once and possibly Waitress will probably fight for the last spot. Once has a bit of an edge right now. The problem with Superbad is I don't see it AND Knocked Up both getting nominations. But if it holds up really well at the box office ($170+ million total) it will change things.

And IF Knocked Up and Superbad both get noms, they'll split the vote.

I think Knocked Up is somewhat better-reviewed than Superbad and will thus get in over it.

Other four nominees:

Once
Hairspray
Sweeney Todd
Waitress

Contenders:

Waitress
Once
Knocked Up
Superbad
Hairspray
Sweeney Todd
Across the Universe
The Heartbreak Kid
The Darjeeling Limited
Margot at the Wedding
Enchanted

Pretty damn stacked, something is going to get snubbed big time.

How did The Heartbreak Kid get on there?

We also have another musical this year in the form of Enchanted, which is getting great advance buzz. It could potentially squeak in if it breaks out this November (which is obviously will).

Disney probably won't push this for animated since they have Ratatouille, so yeah, this is almost certain to get a nomination.

I'm eagerly awaiting Across the Universe reviews... I can't WAIT for that movie.

YESS!! But I have a STRONG feeling it's going to disappoint.

It wouldn't be eligible for Animated anyway, as the grand total of animation in the movie is around 10-12 minutes.

Enchanted is a musical AND a comedy, and as mentioned is getting great buzz, so I think it has a REALLY good chance at getting nominated.

I'm hoping Sweeney Todd ends up nominated as well; the early buzz about the clips shown at the Venice Film Festival is pretty good.

Joy

With Juno now in the mix this got even more interesting!!

I think even better than the best picture category will be the best actress category.

Laura Linney, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Nicole Kidman, Helena Bonham Carter and Keri Russell. Who will miss out on a nomination? If Across the Universe becomes a contender I think this could be an even stronger lineup than the drama category.

(I'm also wondering if Katherine Heigl, with Knocked Up being a very likely best picture nominee and Heigl a previous GG nominee, could become yet another contender for the best actress prize.