In their first submissions, they offer their hopes and predictions for this year's nominations.

Richard Brophy Ypsilanti, USA "This year is shaping up to be a really interesting battle" Laura Forrest Ealing, London "Little Miss Sunshine is likely to lose out to 'heavier' films" Dieter Rogiers Dilsen-Stokkem, Belgium "Best actress is the most predictable"

Aileesa Lim Manila, Philippines "No complaints about Scorsese bagging his long-overdue Oscar" Scott Williams Melbourne, Australia "The two best films happened to be the most restrained" Sarah Griffin Donard, Republic of Ireland "Best actor should offer no surprises"

The readers' panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider public opinion.