Which of Sundance '07's titles are looking promising for this year's Oscar race?

The most promising title seems to be "The Savages," Tamara Jenkins' dark comedy about two siblings (Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman) dealing with their cantankerous dad (Philip Bosco). The movie opened this weekend in New York and L.A. to good box office (according to this IndieWire report), and is slated to open in Utah sometime in January.

Linney is a strong contender for a Best Actress nomination. Hoffman is a long-shot for Best Actor, but if he gets it, it will more likely be for his performance in "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." (What's most likely is a supporting-actor nod for "Charlie Wilson's War.") Jenkins could also nab one of the slots for Original Screenplay - a reflection not just of Jenkins' talent but, alas, on the dearth of original screenplays out there.

Another strong Best Actress contender is Julie Christie, for her role as an Alzheimer's victim in Sarah Polley's "Away From Her" - which was the Salt Lake Gala premiere film at Sundance '07.

Miramax bought "Grace Is Gone" (opening Jan. 11 in Utah) at Sundance '07, and part of the marketing strategy is an Oscar campaign for John Cusack. Cusack shares room on the long-shot Best Actor list with Frank Langella, for his portrayal of an aging author in "Starting Out in the Evening."

Then there's everyone's sentimental favorite, the Irish musical drama "Once." If nothing else, a Best Song nomination for "Falling Slowly" would be a treat - and let Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova wow the Kodak Theatre audience with their plaintive voices.