THE STUDIO REPORT

Disney / Touchstone

The studio’s magic touch is evident in the imaginative exposition of “The Prestige” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.”

Focus Features

Oscar voters pay special attention to the details of real-life stories, especially when they involve showbiz (“Hollywoodland”) and political rebellion (“Catch a Fire”).

Fox Searchlight

The critical praise and financial success of “The Last King of Scotland,” “Notes on a Scandal” and “Little Miss Sunshine” should help to cast a spotlight on the tech accomplishments of small indies. Still, they may get more votes in the acting and writing categories.

Miramax

“The Queen” has strong prospects across many categories, but perhaps most strongly for costuming.

New Line

“Little Children” has big hopes to be recognized for its cinematic touches and music score.

Paramount Vantage

The deft craftsmanship of “Babel” could help the small indie rise to the top.

Paramount /

DreamWorks

Three vast productions loom over four or more categories each: “Dreamgirls,” “Flags of Our Fathers” and “World Trade Center.” Live action fantasies such as “Charlotte’s Web” and action films such as “Mission: Impossible III” tend to do well in visual effects, sound and music.

Picturehouse

“Pan’s Labyrinth” has spellbinding cinematic and artistic effects, but it may be too offbeat for some voters.

Sony / Columbia

“The Da Vinci Code,” “Marie Antoinette” and “Running With Scissors” could chart some nominations despite poor reviews. “Pursuit of Happyness” could get strong studio support although it also has contenders in the upcoming “Stranger Than Fiction” and “The Holiday.”

Sony Pictures Classics

“Volver” and “Curse of the Golden Flower” are precious reminders of the sophisticated craftsmanship in foreign-grown films. But Hollywood voters often remain stubbornly loyal to “Made in USA.”

20th Century Fox

There is plenty of technical muscle behind “X-Men: The Last Stand” and the fantasy film “Eragon.”

Universal

“The Good Shepherd” is strong in the crafts races, while “United 93” and “Miami Vice” aim for the more technical arenas; ditto for “Children of Men,” which also could be a contender in art direction. The artsy contests are where “The Black Dahlia” could rise to the challenge.

Warner Bros.

“The Departed,” “Blood Diamond,” “The Fountain” and “The Good German” have good chances in multiple races with “Fountain” and “German” offering artsy appeal. “Superman Returns” could demonstrate its might in sound and visual effects.

Warner Independent

“The Painted Veil” and “Infamous” may rate some nods in the artsy categories, but box office could be a factor.

Weinstein Co.

Interweaving all the actors and subplots in “Bobby” requires a crackerjack crew. “Miss Potter” could make a showing in the more artistic categories.

-- Tom O’Neil