ReZoom

From World War II to the turbulent events that shaped the 1960s, the monumental events that shaped ReZoomer values shine through this year's Oscar-contending films and their performers.

The Directors: Eastwood and Scorsese Battle Again

It wasn't enough to make one Oscar-worthy WWII picture ("Flags of our Fathers") in 2006. Clint Eastwood made a second, the all-Japanese "Letters From Iwo Jima," that's even better than the first. Was it that long ago that Clint's Dirty Harry dared us to "Make my day?" Now he's Hollywood's premiere auteur on violence and its consequences. Already an Oscar-winner for "Million Dollar Baby" (2004), he's never been hotter.

Buzz rating: 10
"Between "Flags" and "Iwo Jima," it seems all but impossible Eastwood won't take home his second directing statue in three years.

Martin Scorsese, the greatest living director never to hoist an Oscar, finds himself in Eastwood's shadow once again – he lost in 2004 with "The Aviator." "The Departed" was his most passionate film since "Goodfellas," even if it wasn't quite up to the level of that mob masterpiece. Still, it was a vibrant piece of filmmaking that managed to pull a strong, manly performance out of Leonardo DiCaprio.

Buzz rating: 8.
If feeling sentimental, the Academy might give Scorsese a make-up award. But if a guy can't win for "Raging Bull" or "Goodfellas," well…

The Actors: Pitt Emotes, Mirren Stews

If you felt like you were actually watching the real Queen Elizabeth II trying to cope with the aftermath of Princess Diana's death in "The Queen," you weren't alone. Dame Helen Mirren's performance was that spot-on.

Buzz rating: 10
Sure, Annette Bening and Judi Dench chewed up and spat out the scenery in their respective films, but the ageless Mirren (OK, she's 61) should walk away with Best Actress.

It's easy to forget that Brad Pitt, the model-handsome, globe-trotting activist-partner of Angelina Jolie is also a fine actor. Playing a distraught husband whose wife is critically wounded in "Babel," the 43-year-old Pitt elevates the film dubbed as this year's "Crash" with an emotionally honest performance that makes you forget the preternaturally handsome face. Well, almost.

Buzz rating: 9
A Best Supporting Actor award is within reach for Pitt, who may benefit from all the split votes for the cast of "The Departed."

The Films: The '60s via "Bobby" and "Dreamgirls"

While this may not be the definitive RFK biopic ReZoomers have waited for, Emilio Estevez's take was sweeping enough to catch Oscar's attention. In "Grand Hotel" style, Estevez explored the 24 hours leading up to the assassination through the eyes of archetypal characters embodying the ideals of a generation.

Buzz rating: 6
The movie only comes alive in its heart-wrenching last act; and while its intentions are noble, its vision is eclipsed by a host of bigger movies. Still, when it comes to the Oscars, never count out producer Harvey Weinstein.

"Dreamgirls"
Will a musical ever win another Oscar? Even with the potent mix of Motown, racism and a ‘60s civil-rights setting, this one probably won't – but it sure is fun. "Dreamgirls" is also steeped in ReZoomer nostalgia: The original Broadway show was one of the seminal theater experiences of the '80s.

Buzz rating: 7
Jennifer Hudson's screen-stopping debut should earn her Best Supporting Actress Oscar. If only Simon Cowell could present.