'Crash' or 'Brokeback'?

Like millions of others around the world, I'll be pulling up a seat Sunday night to watch the 78th annual Academy Awards. (I'll miss Jack Valenti, who likely won't be a part of the festivities.)

To me, it's a contest between "Crash" and "Brokeback Mountain." None of the other three nominees comes close -- "Good Night, and Good Luck" was terrific, riveting and atmospheric, but didn't have the emotional connection that "Crash" and "Brokeback" had. "Munich" and "Capote" were worthy efforts as well, though not in the same league as the other three.

Crash was absolutely mesmerizing -- not a treatise on racism in urban America, as some suggest, but a story about the greys inside each of us. Brokeback Mountain was simply beautiful, with small moments that will stay with me for years. Amazing acting in both films.

One of them will, and must, win.