BUZZMETER

In the supporting actor race, it pays to take risks. Witness the current front-runner, the late Heath Ledger, who, in “The Dark Knight,” managed to turn his portrayal of a comic book villain in off-kilter clown face into one of the most-buzzed-about performances of the year. Check back often at TheEnvelope.com /buzzmeter for updates on this and other Academy Award categories.

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THE FEINBERG FILES

“What’s the difference between a character actor and a leading man?”

“Two things: One is money and two is your face.”

So says “The Visitor” star Richard Jenkins in conversation with Feinberg Files blogger Scott Feinberg during an Envelope screening at Brandeis University. Watch the complete video of their conversation at the Feinberg Files blog.

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HOT HITS

DOWN UNDER BUT STILL ON TOP

Baz Luhrmann’s epic “Australia” is an Oscar hopeful this year. While this may be the first time the country itself has gotten such big-screen attention, its people have held sway on the big screen for some time now. Check out some of the Hollywood bigwigs from Australia and New Zealand who have won an Oscar, including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, Peter Jackson and some youngsters as well -- remember 11-year-old Anna Paquin’s breathless acceptance speech?

CRITICAL MASS

The year-end critics groups’ lists lead the way in forming the advance Oscar buzz. The momentum builds with the New York Film Critics Circle, which announces its best in film picks today. Go online for all the winners, and check back on Thursday for the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.’s list of Golden Globe nominees.

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THE POLL

Which critics group do you most trust to predict the Oscars?

A. New York Film Critics Circle

B. Los Angeles Film Critics Assn.

C. National Society of Film Critics

D. Broadcast Film Critics Assn.

Go online to TheEnvelope.com

to cast your vote.