What a shame that “Marmaduke” was snubbed in the Best Picture category for the 83rd Academy Awards, airing this Sunday at 7 p.m.

No matter. The films appearing on the ballot that I have seen so far are worthy of the accolades.

This year, I made a point to see all ten films nominated for Best Picture. I liked all of them to some degree, some much more than others.

Like last year’s top two contenders being “The Hurt Locker” and “Avatar,” this year two strong contenders are in the running to take home the grand prize this year.

“The King’s Speech” and “The Social Network” are the top picks to win the honor.

But let’s not sell “Black Swan,” Winter’s Bone,” “True Grit” or “Inception” short.

Those were great movies, too.

“Toy Story 3” will win Best Animated Picture instead of Best Picture, but a major upset would have to happen to let any of the other contenders win.

I predict “The Social Network” will be announced as the Best Picture of 2010 for its timeliness and its universal affection.

The Best Actor category does not have a definite winner, unlike the Best Actress category, where Natalie Portman’s performance in “Black Swan” will surely win.

For the gentlemen, it will be another showdown between Jessie Eisenberg from “The Social Network” and Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech.”

I was underwhelmed with “127 Hours” as a whole, but think nominee James Franco’s ability to carry the movie deserves some recognition.

Nevertheless, I expect Firth to take home the Oscar for his portrayal as the stammering King George XI.

The Best Director in my eyes is David Fincher for “The Social Network.”

Anyone who makes a movie mostly set in deposition rooms and in front of computer screens that exhilarating should win something.

A clear Best Visual Effects winner will not be set until “Avatar 2” is released in 2014.

This year, though, it might be “Inception,” or “Alice in Wonderland.”

Other highlighted predictions on my end include Christian Bale for his supporting role in “The Fighter,” “Exit Through the Gift Shop” for Best Documentary, Melissa Leo in “The Fighter” and “The Social Network” for Best Original Screenplay.

I forgot to predict award winners in Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Costume Design, Foreign Film and Short Films.

But then again, who wouldn’t?