These multi-functional phones are called feature phones—or even smartphones in the case of the Spriiing and Nokia. They all have 2MP cameras, MSN chat and work with social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. They also offer email, MP3, and FM radio.

Nokia X2 Qwerty (BK PICK)

B3,190
2.4-inch TFT screen (320x240 pixels) with QWERTY keyboard / VGA camera / 55MB internal storage + up to 8MB Micro SD
The new X2 with keyboard can be a cool, affordable phone for those who can live without a full-on smartphone. The camera isn’t its forte either but with its social network applications and Ovi features, you’ve got the basics covered except the GPS and Maps.

Spriiing Smile (RUNNER UP)

B5,990
2.6-inch resistive touch screen (320x240 pixels) with QWERTY keyboard / 3MP camera with flash / WiFi / 512MB internal storage + 2GB MicroSD (up to 16GB) / GPS
Released here before the Western markets (for once), Spriiing Smile is a genuine smartphone with a slightly antiquated Android OS and a sluggish processor. Everything else, from the QWERTY keyboard and Spriiing Chat (think BB chat for all three people who have a Spriiing), to the touchscreen and Wi-Fi router, goes beyond a combined iPhone and Blackberry offering.

Samsung Punch Wifi

B4,390
2.4-inch TFT screen (320x240 pixels) with QWERTY keyboard / 2MP camera / WiFi / 60MB internal storage + up to 8GB MicroSD
No longer dual sim, the latest version of the Punch comes with Wi-Fi so you don’t have to rely on EDGE alone to update your Facebook status or chat on MSN.

LG Wink Slide

B3,990
2.4-inch TFT screen (320x240 pixels) with slide-out QWERTY keyboard / 2MP camera / 141MB internal storage + up to 32MB Micro SD
The square shape of the Wink Slide was obviously not designed with human hands in mind but it sure looks cute—and with the keyboard out, it is much easier to handle. Targeting teens, you can expect plenty of fun camera features like color balance, color effects and a night mode.

iMobile S350

B3,290
2.8-inch touchscreen (240x320 pixels) / 2MP camera with flash / dual sim cards / TV tuner
Another consistent local response to the iPhone has been to upstage Apple where the iPhone is too cool to venture: dual-sim capacity and television. A smartphone ‘tis not, but at this price, you’re also saving some B25,000. No keyboard, though.

Sony Ericsson Yendo

B4,790
2.6-inch TFT touch screen (240x320 pixels) / 2MP camera / 5MB internal storage + up to 16GB micro SD card
Sony Ericsson really needs to fire the design team. Here’s another Sony phone that’s just too thick and boring, despite the choice of colors. But if you just need an FM radio and MP3 player that also makes phone calls, go for it. Typing on the touch screen can be tricky though.

OPPO Funtacy

B4,990
Clamshell with 2.4-inch screen (240x320 pixels) / 2MP camera / 60MB internal storage
This is a basic feature phone, but some people are actually addicted to the clamshell—not to mention those addicted to the phone’s presenters, Nichkhun and 2PM. Unfortunately, you’ll be typing on a phone keyboard, so keep the love notes short.

UNDER B10,000

1. BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300. B8,600-8,900 (MBK price)
Qwerty keyboard / BlackBerry OS5.0 / BBM / 2MP camera

2. Nokia C5. B6,650
Touch screen / Symbian OS / Ovi Maps / 5MP camera

3. LG Optimus One. B9,990
Touch screen / Android 2.2 / 3MP camera

4. Samsung Wave 723. B7,990
Touch screen / Bada OS / 5MP camera with flash

Clad in a pink and carmine blocked top, navy patterned running shorts on dark grey leggings and Technicolor running sneakers, he stood out like hydrangea in a sea of drab white and grey.

Curious onlookers and those who’d just completed their run did a double take as creative consultant Hideki Akiyoshi crossed the finish line.

Sporting colorful but functional outdoor clothes, individuals like Akiyoshi, PR executive Yashiro Ken and copywriter Li Chan are prime examples of the resurgence of outdoor sportswear.

"Basically people’s lifestyles have become much more active and people are more conscious about nature, says Akiyoshi, who cites Aigle, Keen, Haglofs, Merrell, Lafuma and Millet as some of his favorite outdoor labels. ”Outdoor fashion is the biggest trend in the world now whereas high fashion has not been creating as much news compared to the past decades.”

Seen on the runways of New York and Milan are no longer male models in slim black suits and skinny ties but rather naval pea coats, fisherman-style gilets, argyle sweaters, khakis (loads of them) and alpine boots. Fashion brands are digging through their archives and taking a leaf out of iconic outdoor apparel companies to create looks that are more rough-and-tumble, as opposed to the ubiquitous tailored look favored by the Pradas and Guccis. Some brands are even tapping the expertise of the outdoor labels and injecting a modern and polished take by bringing in new blood.

Take Japanese label Comme des Garçons for example. Its designer Junya Watanabe has collaborated over the past few years with outdoor clothing stalwarts such as Nike, Brooks Brothers and Woolrich Woolen Mills. Other labels roughing it out include Jil Sander, Levi’s, Rag and Bone, and Band of Outsiders.

In Singapore, men (and some women) are bringing the outdoor look onto the streets. Copywriter Li Chan is one hipster who has embraced it. He flips through the pages of GQ as well as Japanese style rags Go Out and Men’s No No for style ideas, and looks up to Japanese stylist Fumihiko Okabe, known for his quirky takes on outdoor style.

“It’s ludicrous to wear down-jackets and fleece here in Singapore, so I pick ‘lighter’ styles like fishing jackets to go with khaki shorts and hiking boots, or just throw on a canvas gilet to complete the look. Simple style pairings like these are versatile enough for the office,” he says.

Akiyoshi agrees: “Outdoor style is all about mixing and matching. It is quite an apt look to consider for a climate such as Singapore. The functions and technologies featured in some of the clothing will be perfect.”

The 30-year fashion industry veteran has gone one step further to promote the outdoor style, through the Nature Athletic Style group he created. Through this initiative, Akiyoshi organizes activities like hikes, runs and sea-sports on top of sharing outdoor fashion tips.

“For me, the outdoor style is more than just fashion. It’s great that it is getting traction on the fashion front but the aim of the group is to let people to think about and spend their time with nature,” he says.

“I also hope to organize big outdoor/nature-themed events such as Glastonbury or Fuji Rock in Singapore in the near future where people will rough it out, camp … and still look good!” 

Look fashionably rough in these labels

Engineered Garments
The brainchild of Japanese designer Daiki Suzuki, Engineered Garments is one of the many labels that helped bring the classic American outdoor sportswear look into high fashion. The designs from Suzuki’s line were inspired by Woolrich Woolen Mills and his collection puts a modern spin on sportswear such as chambray and flannel shirts, safari jackets in technical materials and classic footwear. Engineered Garments won the CFDA/GQ Menswear Designer of the Year Award in 2008.
Available from Know It Nothing, 51 Haji Lane, 6392-5475.

Moncler
This longstanding French mountaineering outfitter brings its functional streamlined jackets, boots and bags from the slopes of the Swiss Alps to the runways and streets. The brand has roped in designer-of-the-moment Thom Browne to create a diffusion label, Gamme Bleu—injecting a refined, tailored look into the brand’s extreme sport origins (it outfitted the 1954 Italian K2 expedition). The brand will feature in the Club 21 Pop-Up boutique (01-28/29 Forum Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6304-3557) from mid February.
Also available from Club 21, #01-02 / #01-09 Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Blvd., 6304-3557/6304-3557.

Uniqlo
The king of Japanese casuals boasts a fine collection of sportswear that’s as runway ready as it is all set for the hills. Its Fall/Winter offerings feature classic sportswear silhouettes, some designed by labels such as Opening Ceremony, A Gilded Age and Japanese designer Kiminori Morishita, known for his military and outdoor style using vintage-inspired materials in modern shapes and cuts. The latest +J Spring/Summer 2011 collection features classic sportswear silhouettes in cutting edge fabrics. Noteworthy pieces include military-style parkas in cotton twill, down vests and light cotton jackets.
Available at #03-27/34, 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6834-4073.

Visvim
Founded in 2004 and helmed by Hiroki Nakamura, Visvim is a small label out of Japan producing some of the wittiest apparel and shoes in the market. Known for products that are understated yet aesthetically distinctive and displaying fine craftsmanship, Visvim began as a reaction to mass marketed fashion. The label’s nod towards craftsmanship and artisanal skills has won fans the world over. Besides sneakers, Visvim has its hand in womenswear, outerwear, accessories and travel goods, candles and perfumes, clothing and denim, and has collaborated with labels such as Moncler and Comme des Garçons.
Available from Surrender, #02-31, Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd.,
6733-2130.
 

This young gallery showcases the cultural and historical significance of contemporary art through works from some of the most reputable and talented artists in Asia. One of the gallery’s strengths lies in Indonesian artworks, especially rare and vintage textiles. Given that one of the two founders, Vera Wijaya, was born and raised in Indonesia, it's no surprise to find works from there prominently showcased. Together with partner Michelle Loh, Wijaya aims to provide further insight into the world of Asian art.

“Young artists’ sheer talent, passion and their willingness to experiment with new ideas, methods and media,” she says, “inspires me to want to learn more about art, culture, history, future and techniques.”

Founded in 2010, Galerie Sogan & Art has worked with highly regarded artistic institutions like the Institute Seni Yogyakarta, The National Art Gallery Singapore and Singapore Sculpture Square. Wijaya's love for traditional pieces led to the gallery’s work with the Museum Batik Pekalongan, as well as with traditional batik art masters and contemporary textile artists—all with the purpose of using traditional methods to address contemporary topics and to instill a sense of identity and historical appreciation in textile collectors.

Its recent exhibition, 7/24: Sins “n” the City, presented a fresh take on traditional and contemporary art. Delving into perceptions of the human condition, renowned Indonesian photo artists Artli Ali, Davy Linggar, Marsio Juwono, Sinartus Sosrodjojo and Nico Dharmajungen used various techniques and genres to develop their images. Conventional photographs were designed in five markedly different styles: Political sloth, surrealist mixed media photography, romantic abstraction, conceptual and realist. That's typical of what to expect from this fascinating new space.

“For 2011, the gallery will focus on contemporary Indonesian art presented in alternative media forms,” says Wijaya. With a list of exciting exhibitions coming up in the future, including works from emerging artists like Davy Linggar, Paul Kadarisman and Eng Siak Loy, Galerie Sogan & Art is a must-go gallery for any Asian art enthusiast.

Galerie Sogan & Art, 33B Mosque St., 6225-7686. Open Mon–Sat noon–7.30pm; Sun 2pm–5pm. Free.

The Toucan Irish Pub
This one’s a favorite among expats and locals for both its authentic Irish delicacies and its locality. Situated away from bustling city life, the pub evokes a folksy charm similar to actual watering-holes in Ireland. With its cozy indoor area fitted with wooden panels and furnished with faux-teak tables and chairs, the pub looks as quaintly Irish as it can get. But the real draw is in its beer garden. Here, the lush lawn, bench seating, wooden barrows and a wishing well provide that laidback vibe ideal for large gatherings with friends and family. A perfect alternative to sweaty and suffocating confined spaces.
15 Duxton Hill, 6223-5950.

Red Dot Brewhouse at Dempsey
In the heart of Dempsey Hill sits Red Dot Brewhouse, famed for its flavorful self-brewed beers. Housed in century-old former military barracks, the building’s rich history, coupled with the lush greenery of the adjoining beer garden, is sure to keep you comfortably rooted. Select from the microbrewery’s long list of freshly brewed ice cold beers to start off your garden booze session on a perfect note.
25A Dempsey Rd., 6475-0500.

Rabbit Hole
The sprawling whimsical garden of Alice in Wonderland comes to mind when you set foot in Rabbit Hole, a bar behind the much-loved White Rabbit restaurant. With rustic swings, quirky ornaments and wooden benches plotted across the spacious garden, you and your partner can enjoy classy drinks in a charming environment. Let DJ Has and his merrymakers complement your night with sexy and soothing house music while you sip on their signature martinis, margaritas and mojitos.
White Rabbit, 39C Harding Rd., 6473-9965.

IndoChine Singlet’s Party
11 Feb. #01-02 The Forbidden City, 3A Merchant’s Court, River Valley Rd., 6557-6272. Open Mon-Fri 12-3pm, 6:30-11pm; Sat 6:30-11pm. $35 includes a glass of champagne.
For singles out looking for a partner, come dressed in a white singlet and head down to IndoChine’s Singlet’s Party for a night of unadulterated fun. Door gifts for the first 500 guests and $100,000 worth of prizes await the luckiest among you.

TAB
11 Feb. #02-29 Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Rd., 6493-6952. Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am. Free.
Take your date out for some music and laughter at TAB as they play host to a series of quality acts. Starting with The Comedy Club, catch British comedians Markus Birdman and Stephen Grant together with American Jonathan Powley as they pull out non-stop funnies and smart one-liners. Then stay on for American singer-songwriter Rachel Platten’s raw and husky vocal sweetness.

Mismatch Valentine’s Pre-Cum
12 Feb. Butter Factory, #02-02/03/04 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6423-9804. Open Wed 10pm-3am; Fri-Sat 10pm-4am; Sat 8pm-4am. $21-26 includes two drinks.
Gear up for a night of raunchy madness as Taiwan’s DJ T.T takes you on a trip of electro cuts in this Valentine’s Day special targeted at gay hipsters, drag queens and sexy divas. Leave your broken heart at the door.

Morton’s Atrium Bar
Feb 11-14. L/4 Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Ave., 6339-3740. Open Mon-Sat 5-11pm; Sun 5-10pm. Free.
Setting the scene for a romantic V-Day celebration, the bar will be serving a potent love potion called the Red Velvet, available for a limited time only. For $26 you’ll get a special concoction of Lindemans Raspberry Lambic mixed with Prosecco and Chambord, and garnished with fresh raspberries for that delicious toast with your partner.

A word of caution: always call the local TAT office before making your travel plans. A flower expected to blossom in October could just as easily bloom in November on a particular year, due to climactic variations, inconvenient truths or just the fact that flowers are notoriously fickle. Also, do not pick the flowers!

Jan-Feb

Nang Phaya Sua Krong

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan
Cherry blossoms are stunningly beautiful but a trip to Japan is extremely pricey, you never know exactly when they’re going to bloom, and they last only a week. So head to Northern Thailand instead, where you can witness a myriad soft pink flowers bloom after the nang phaya sua krong trees shed their leaves. Also called Thai sakura, the flowers appear mid-winter, in the high hills 1,000-2,000 meters above sea level. The top spots are Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, Khun Mae Ya near Pai in Mae Hong Son and Khun Sathan in Nan. The flowers bloom at different times at different locations so you can actually follow the Thai sakura trail for two to four weeks—and then they’re gone!
Doi Inthanon National Park, 053-286-728/9; Khun Mae Ya Office, 053-217-453; Khun Sathan National Park, 054-701-121, 054-731-585

Feb

Chomphu Phuka

Nan
When the month of love arrives, this indigenous pink flower blossoms at Doi Phuka National Park in Nan Province. Originally found in Southern China and Northern Vietnam as well, it has all but disappeared there due to destruction of its natural habitat. The Department of National Parks has been trying to breed chumphu phuka at Khun Sathan National Park but so far, the original site is still second to none. The flowers will last for around a month.
Doi Phuka National Park, 054-701-111, 054-731-362

Dok Siew

Lampang
Roughly during the same period as phaya sua khrong, delicate white flowers named dok siew also flower on several hills in Northern provinces. The most popular spot to catch them is at Pah Mieng Village, Pan District, Lampang, where the Dok Siew Blossom Festival is organized every year in Feb. For the ninth year, the 2011 event allows you to roam among these white flowers until Feb 21.
054-265-027, www.lampang.go.th

May-Jun

Euang Bussarakham

Petchabun
Despite the rain, there’s still a good reason to head to Nam Nao National Park. Orchid lovers will have a chance to see the delicate euang bussarakham wild orchids, whose stem can reach lengths of up to two meters.
TAT Phitsanulok, 055-252-742/3, 055-259-907.

Jun-AuG

Dok Krajiew

Chaiyaphum
Isaan is at its most beautiful after a few months of rain, when the rice fields turn bright green. And the rainy season is also a good time to to see krajiew flowers in full bloom in Chaiyaphum. You’re most likely to find the Siamese tulip (as it’s also known) during Jun-Aug, in an area of roughly one sq kilometer in Pah Hin Ngam National Park, where the pink and purple flowers grow atop lush, green grass.
Pah Hin Ngam National Park, 044-890-105.

Oct

Wild Flowers

Ubon Ratchathani
The hot, desert area at the Pha Taem cliff offers Thailand’s easternmost view, making it where the sun first rises on the kingdom. Every year, at the end of the rainy season, its slightly lunar landscape is briefly overrun by a carnival of wild flowers, ranging from soi suwan and thip kesorn to dusita and nok noi. To actually make it to Pha Taem, you need to drive the last 10km off-road, on a rock plateau, so make sure you go by 4x4. If you don’t, you may have to go back to the village and beg the village chief for a ride—there is no shuttle service where the road ends. That being said, the flowers are all over the place, not just on the cliff.
TAT Ubon Ratchathani, 045-437-770, 045-250-714, www.tatubon.org.

Nov-Dec

Sunflowers

Lopburi, Saraburi
This one of the most popular flower spots for Bangkokians, as it’s only a two-hour drive from Bangkok. From late Oct until Dec, fields of bright yellow sunflowers carpet Lopburi’s countryside. The most popular route is along Road No. 3017 and 2089 (map available at www.tat7.com). Too lazy to drive? Just take a special train trip organized by State Railway of Thailand every year during sunflower season (prices TBA). If not taking a regular train, prices start from B44.
TAT Lopburi 036-422-768/9, ww.tat7.com

Bua Tong (Mexican Sunflowers)

Mae Hong Son
Its Thai name may translate to “lotus flower,” but bua tong looks more like a sunflower to us. Every winter, around Nov-Dec, the fields of Thung Bua Tong Forest Park at Doi Mar Ou Kor will be covered with these yellow flowers. Originally from Mexico, they only blossom in cool-weather, at altitudes of 800 meters and higher.
Thung Bua Tong Forest Park, 053-612-078.

RETRO-CHIC

Blue Velvet

105/2 Thong Lor Soi 5, 02-392-1769. Open daily 6pm-1am
The décor of the faux Medieval-style castle, with moat and drawbridge, was inspired by Romeo and Juliet. If that doesn’t get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day, there’s always their private-feeling second floor or their black-wicker furnished back porch.

In the Mood for Love

9/9 Sukhumvit Soi 36, 02-661-5076. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-12:30am
Fans of the eponymous film by Wong Kar-wai will feel transported, thanks to the floral, silky upholstery and mood lighting. Solid sushi and cocktails. They’re doing a special B3,000 per couple menu for the happy day, too.

MAGIC CARPET

Al Majlis

83/8 Ekamai Soi 12 (Charoen Chai), 02-392-2345. Open daily 12:30pm-12:30am
Tucked way in the back of Ekkamai Soi 12, this Moroccan themed restaurant has got potential for some outdoor sheikh-inspired scenarios. Kick back with your squeeze on their outdoor bean bags, or head inside, to be half-obscured by their harem-like white flowing curtains.

Hazara

29 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-713-6049. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-11pm
The price tag means you won’t be dining here except on very special occasions, but in a city where many Indian restaurants look alike, this one is pretty stunning, with loads of hardwood carpentry and exotic crafts, perfect if your partner is into traditional food and traditional vibes.

IRONIC

La Monita

Mahatun Plaza Arcade, 888/26 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-650-9581. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm
Go here if you’re trying to get out of saying I love you for the first time on V- Day. The fiesta atmosphere, bright colors and delicious and messy food will totally take the pressure off. And the margaritas help if you do want some Dutch courage.

Phuket Town

160/8 Thong Lor Soi 6, 02-714-9402. Open daily 10:30am-10pm
If you’re a middle-aged couple looking to get away from the hype, have a solid, unromantic but certainly tasty meal of Southern Thai food here.

MODERN

Gaggan

68/1 Soi Lang Suan, 02-652-1700. Open daily 6-11pm
A delight for the palate as well as the eyes, Gaggan is far from the usual Mughal-themed, red-everything Indian restaurant. Set in a distressed white Thai house, it has lots of cozy little nooks and a blow-your-mind modern gastronomy menu like you’ve never seen before. Try and get a table upstairs, or in their cool, Greek island-style terrace. Special B,2000 per person menu on Feb 14.

Isao

5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-0645. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10pm
American-style sushi. A good place for those who got together just recently, and it feels too soon for something over the top. Cozy, great food, zero intimidation. Though they do have a salmon dish in the shape of a rose.

TWINKLING

Fat Fish

Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-261-2056. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm
All the elements for atmosphere are here: enormous exposed brick walls, black leather couches, a semi-glasshouse feel, a central location and aphrodisiac seafood. They also do some inexpensive wines by the bottle.

Wine 33

Crystal Design Center, 02-102-2233. Open daily 4:30pm-midnight
For those living over on Lad Phrao, this is an excellent choice. Though located within the CDC, Wine 33 is a standalone, beautiful glass house with mismatched vintage furniture and a prominent sushi bar. A partnership between Singha (who own PB Valley) and Pla Dib, they do wines and raw fish.

OUTDOORSY

The Lake House

18 Sukhumvit 39 Soi Phrom Mitr, 02-662-6349. Open daily 5:30pm-1am
A breezy, unique outdoor dining experience provided you do these three things: get a table outdoors, put on the provided mosquito repellant and ask for a little electric fan. The wine bottles are pricey, but we say splurge on a nice one and just order several affordable appetizers.

Powder Room

4/F, Grass, 264/1 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thong Lor), 02-715-9482. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-1am
The rooftop restaurant at Grass, Powder Room belongs in Sex and the City, with its black furniture, blue lights and house music. The outdoor deck, with many tables, including some sunken ones, offers breezy views over Thong Lor. Try their signature cocktails, which include variations on saketinis and mojitos.

Nothing catches your fancy? Check out our roundup of Valentine's deals.

With the Oscars right around the corner, there are plenty of buzz and excitement, of course, for the nominees. This year's batch of Oscar nominations has been full of surprises with its expected and some unexpected Oscar nominees such as the British monarchy saga The King's Speech which leads the awards race with a whopping 12 nominations, including best picture and acting honors for its cast of luminaries.

Also in the running for Best Picture are cinematic gems like ballet thriller Black Swan; Coen Brother's True Grit, boxing drama The Fighter; Chris Nolan's mind-numbing Inception; Toy Story 3, the lesbian-family comedy The Kids Are All Right, 127 Hours, Winter's Bone and The Social Network.

For the longest time, we thought nothing can stop The Social Network (for showing us how Mark Zuckerberg became the youngest billionaire in history or Black Swan (for the awesome scene of Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis locking lips ... and more). But in comes The King's Speech which has won a bevy of prizes from the other awards show.

So did your favorite movie get picked or did they let the wrong one in?

Here are the trailers for the nominees for Best Picture:

Black Swan

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Stars: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel

Why it should win: For showing us Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis getting down to business.

The Fighter 

Director: David O. Russell
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams

Why it should win: It's the greatest boxing movie next to the original Rocky and we get to see Amy Adams as a badass for once.

Inception

Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page

Why it should win: Because so many people are still freaked out after downloading the Inception app.

The Kids Are All Right 

Director: Lisa Cholodenko
Stars: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo

Why it should win: Who doesn't like to watch a movie about a dysfunctional family and one with a lesbian couple at that?

The King's Speech 

Director: Tom Hooper
Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter

Why it should win: Who would have thought that a movie about a man with a speech impediment will be so good? And seeing Colin Firth talking like he's got balls in his mouth is hilarious.

127 Hours 

Director: Danny Boyle
Stars: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara

Why it should win: The scene where Franco's character cut his arm off in the movie is both intense and brilliant.

The Social Network 

Director: David Fincher
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake

Why it should win: Because you and 599,999,999 other people are on FaceBook.

Toy Story 3 

Director: Lee Unkrich
Stars: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack

Why it should win: Because you watched the first one as a kid and loved it.

True Grit 

Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Stars: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld

Why it should win: It's by the Coen Brothers! O Brother, Where Art Thou?, A Serious Man, Burn After Reading ... Come on!

Winter's Bone 

Director: Debra Granik
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes and Garret Dillahunt

Why it should win: The underdog in this list, this 2010 Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize winner and indie offering packs some serious punch.