The votes are in and the celebration of another year of film is set for this Sunday at the Academy Awards. The 2010 season might’ve been one of the worst for blockbusters (remember “The Last Airbender”) but the smaller films — the little guys — had their day in the wake of less notable, bigger flicks.

Natalie Portman is considered to be one of the favorites in the Best Actress category for her role as Nina in “Black Swan.” (Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight)

The top 10 picks for Best Picture look much better than last year’s embarrassing compilation, though, as usual, there are a few stragglers that don’t belong. Let’s begin with “Winter’s Bone”, an incredibly well-received film about a young lady, played by Jennifer Lawrence, who’s having a tough go, what with a sick mother and a father who skipped bail. It all feels like an R-rated Lifetime channel film chock full of Bible Belt clichés and “emo” events that all lead up to one anti-climactic conclusion.

To be completely honest, I’m not sold on “Toy Story 3” in this category either. I do believe animated works are worthy of this category (even comedy, sci-fi, fantasy and, dare I say, superhero films), but “How to Train Your Dragon” was the better animated film — if not the best film of the year. And “True Grit”…far too overrated. The real battle for best picture is “The Social Network” (which won at the Golden Globes) and “The King’s Speech”. It really could go either way, though I’m guessing “The Social Network”, what with Oscar’s affinity for modern-day dramas over period piece films.

That said, “Inception” and “Black Swan” are easily the two most memorable films on the best picture list. Whether it’s wondering about the dreamscape or Mila Kunis’ moving swan wing tattoos, those films prove that the indie directors of the past decade are set to pave the way for more filmmakers to come. The most “Network” and “Speech” can boast is an enjoyable narrative with minimal repeat viewing.

The only contenders for best actress are Nicole Kidman in “The Rabbit Hole” and Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”. Now, as much as I love watching Ewan McGregor in “Moulin Rouge” musically persuade Kidman, as Satine, to become his lover, I’m ready to put her singing chops aside and see Portman’s ballet moves awarded. Besides, how many people actually saw “The Rabbit Hole” (cue sad music here).

Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg star in “The Social Network,” nominated for numerous Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. (photo courtesy of Sony Pictures)

Colin Firth to the rescue for best actor. It’s hard to top a former king of England with a speech problem played by one of the most beloved British actors. Javier Bardem (“Biutiful”), on the other hand, is one of the few actors to earn a nomination for a non-English speaking performance, and he’s just as deserving as Firth. Too bad James Franco didn’t premiere in “127 Hours” a year earlier; he could’ve taken on Jeff Bridges last year, not Firth this year.

Now, supporting actress. I don’t really understand how Hailee Seinfeld is in this category when she’s clearly the main character of “True Grit” (Bridges in the same film is not). Anyway, Seinfeld’s the clear choice; I just hope Oscar is willing to let a teenager win. Otherwise, it’ll probably be Melissa Leo for her role of mom in “The Fighter”.

For supporting actor, there’s only one choice: Christian Bale for his stellar performance as the drug-addicted ex-boxer, Dicky Ekland, in “The Fighter”. Still, Geoffrey Rush is all too lovable as Lionel Logue, the speech therapist of King George VI.

As for directing, the Coen brothers (“True Grit”) are always favored, though “True Grit” is set to be the critically well-received film that gets the Oscar snub. Expect David Fincher (“The Social Network”) or Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”). The real tragedy here is the absence of Chris Nolan (“Inception”) on that list. Sorry Coen, Fincher and Hooper, but Nolan’s talent with actors is often overlooked by the originality of his plotlines. He’ll get there though (perhaps with “The Dark Knight Rises”).

Let’s get some of the others out of the way here. “Toy Story 3” is a shoe-in for best animated feature, even though “How to Train Your Dragon” is a better film. “Inception” will probably take several technical awards. Even if “127 Hours” has the better song, Disney will take best song either through “Tangled” or another bland addition by Randy Newman in “Toy Story 3”.

The really interesting (so-called “uninteresting”) category is musical score. Hans Zimmer (“Inception”) has truly created one of his most memorable scores to date. John Powell (“How to Train Your Dragon”) knows Celtic better than “Braveheart”. Even unlikely scores by Trent Rezner of Nine Inch Nails, and Atticus Ross (“The Social Network”) and A.R. Rahman (“127 Hours”) know how to introduce something new to the Hollywood game that might seem more suited for a nightclub than a best picture nomination.

There you have it. Prepare yourself for what should be an entertaining evening with James Franco and Anne Hathaway as hosts. Just remember: regardless of what Oscar decides, check ‘em out for yourself and be your own critic.