Okay film buffs out there… we want your opinion.

We’ve been watching the films throughout 2011 and now it’s time to make some wagers…

We’re going to put our (metaphorical) money down on the potential Oscar winners and we want you to join in with your picks. We will end up on Oscar night with an online score card for you to fill out. Let’s see who comes out on top… you or us!

Today we are going start our evaluation of the film categories with the nominees for screenplays.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

• The Descendants Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
• Hugo Screenplay by John Logan
• The Ides of March Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
• Moneyball Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin  Story by Stan Chervin
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Screenplay by Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan

No real surprises here. Still, other serious contenders, Steve Zaillian for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Tate Taylor for The Help, didn’t make the cut. Our bet is on The Descendants who seem to have the strongest chance with its endearing and smart screenplay. Plus, it would be pretty cool for Jim Rash (the Dean from Community) to get an Oscar.

Writing (Original Screenplay)

• The Artist Written by Michel Hazanavicius
• Bridesmaids Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
• Margin Call Written by J.C. Chandor
• Midnight in Paris Written by Woody Allen
• A Separation Written by Asghar Farhadi

This category certainly has some shocking choices. Bridesmaids was definitely was expected to make the final list but it’s still pretty surprising that the Academy would nominate the R-rated comedy whatever its merits.

While Margin Call was well-received it also flew under the radar for the most part. We liked that it is J.C Chandor’s first feature film, which he also directed.

A Separation, which is nominated for Best Foreign Film, was an unexpected finalist. Foreign films rarely get noticed in other categories but this film was highly praised.

Will Reiser’s semi-autobiographical 50/50 was surprisingly snubbed. We would have enjoyed seeing Diablo Cody’s wicked dramedy Young Adult in the list of finalists.

We predict that Woody Allen will take home his third Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Midnight in Paris which was both a critical darling and a box office success. We think he deserves it for capturing that key word in the category title: original. His concept was unique and, after winning the Golden Globe, it seems to be the favorite.

Okay… now it’s your turn. Which screenplays are in your top 5 list? Or did you fav’s get shafted?

Stay tuned for more of our nominated breakdown leading up to the Oscars on February 26.