Predictions: 'Dreamgirls,' 'Babel' Headed For Globe Glory

With the most nods going to the international drama "Babel," there's no question that this year's Golden Globes has an international flavor.

It only makes sense, since the honors are voted on by the membership of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association -- but that doesn't necessarily mean the Globes will always spin "Babel's" way.

Here are my predictions.

Actor, Drama -- The Nominees: Leonardo DiCaprio, "Blood Diamond"; Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Departed"; Peter O'Toole, "Venus"; Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness"; Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland"

While it's a tremendous feat to receive two leading actor nods, DiCaprio will be hurt by split voting for his dual nominations. If he does pull off a win, it will be for "Blood Diamond," clearly the superior performance of the two roles. At least he won't face the same dilemma come Oscar time, since two acting nods in the same category aren't allowed.

If O'Toole wins, it will be for sentimental reasons. Smith is strong, but Whitaker has the most momentum going in with multiple wins this awards season for his dead-on portrayal of infamous Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

The Winner: Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland"

Actress, Drama -- The Nominees: Penelope Cruz, "Volver"; Judi Dench, "Notes on a Scandal"; Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Sherrybaby"; Helen Mirren, "The Queen"; Kate Winslet, "Little Children"

This is the only sure thing of the night. Mirren has taken virtually every major actress award for her role as the frosty Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen," and it would be a travesty if the Globes pulled rank.

The only performer close to dethroning Mirren would be Dench, who is chilling as an obsessive teacher who holds sway over her vulnerable colleague (Cate Blanchett) in "Notes on a Scandal."

The Winner: Helen Mirren, "The Queen"

Actor, Musical or Comedy -- The Nominees: Sacha Baron Cohen, "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"; Johnny Depp, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"; Aaron Eckhart, "Thank You for Smoking"; Chiwetel Ejiofor, "Kinky Boots"; Will Ferrell, "Stranger than Fiction"

Turning in a terrific performance again in the "Pirates" sequel, it's no surprise that Depp is nominated for his second Globe for the role, but he'll unfortunately fall short again. Cohen's turn as the culturally misinformed Kazakh is just too funny to deny, and after all, who wouldn't want Borat to accept an award? It's the guaranteed best speech of the night.

Ferrell stands the only chance of an upset with his first turn in a straight-man role in the vastly under-appreciated "Stranger Than Fiction."

The Winner: Sacha Baron Cohen, "Borat"

Actress, Musical or Comedy -- The Nominees: Annette Bening, "Running With Scissors"; Toni Collette, "Little Miss Sunshine"; Beyonce Knowles, "Dreamgirls"; Meryl Streep, "The Devil Wears Prada"; Renee Zellweger, "Miss Potter"

Sure, Bening and Zellweger are perennial nominees, but since she's the only actress in the category with a serious chance at an Oscar, Streep is clearly the frontrunner in the category for her delicious turn as a wicked fashion magazine editor in "Prada."

Coupled with her delightful supporting turn in "A Prairie Home Companion," there's no denying that Streep was one of the best actresses of the year, if not cinematic history, period. A loss would be a travesty.

The Winner: Meryl Streep, "The Devil Wears Prada"

Motion Picture, Drama -- The Nominees: "Babel," "Bobby," "The Departed," "Little Children," "The Queen"

This is one of the toughest races to call. "The Queen" is a remarkable film, but this race is coming down to "Babel" or "The Departed." "Babel" has the benefit of having the most nominations going in, which suggests that the HFPA is apt to show it more love come ceremony time. Plus, it's an film that takes place worldwide with an international cast, and the voters, after all, are from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. "The Departed" will get its recognition with a Best Director win for Martin Scorsese.

The Winner: "Babel"

Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy -- The Nominees: "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Dreamgirls," "Little Miss Sunshine," "Thank You for Smoking"

Any one of these nominees is worthy of a win. "Borat" is easily the funniest of the crop, but you have to remember, this category honors comedies or musicals, and "Dreamgirls" has everything an award winner is made of: great performances, memorable music and a flashy production -- and unlike "Borat," it hasn't attracted any controversy. At least the HFPA had the guts to nominate it.

"Little Miss Sunshine" is the dark horse, considering its smattering of critical and industry notices running up the ceremony, but "Dreamgirls" has earned just as many kudos.

The Winner: "Dreamgirls"

Other Predictions: Jack Nicholson will take the Globe for his vicious supporting role in "The Departed," while "American Idol" cast-off Jennifer Hudson will prove that voters made a mistake with her gold for her supporting nomination for "Dreamgirls."

While she'll be aced out as a best actress nominee in the musical or comedy category, Beyonce Knowles will walk away with a Best Original Song Globe as a co-writer of "Listen" from "Dreamgirls." The globally conscious "Happy Feet" will dance away with the first ever Best Animated Feature Globe, although "Cars" may give it a run for its money.