Here are the early returns from our unscientific, non-binding reader poll of the “Big Six” Academy Award categories (with almost 1,400 votes cast.):
Best Picture: “The Departed” holds a narrow lead over “Little Miss Sunshine.”
Best Actor: Forest Whitaker holds a commanding lead, with Will Smith and Leonardo DiCaprio in a tight race for runner-up.
Best Actress: Helen Mirren gets the royal treatment, with Meryl Streep running second.
Best Supporting Actor: A close race is shaping up with Eddie Murphy holding a short lead over Alan Arkin, while Mark Wahlberg remains within striking distance.
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson looks like she’s got things wrapped up with our voters, but Abigail Breslin is making a late run.
Best Director: If the Academy listens to our voters, Martin Scorsese will finally strike Oscar gold. Clint Eastwood is hanging in second as the best of the rest.
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Visit chicagotribune.com/movies online (look under Oscar coverage) to cast your vote.
