Oscar 2013 Predictions - Editing: 'Argo' Is Clear-Cut Front-Runner After BAFTA Win

The Best Editing category is one of the most crucial awards at the Academy Awards. No film in recent history has ever won the Best Picture without getting nominated for the category; however, the Best Picture is not necessarily always the winner. Therefore the five films nominated this year are most likely the ones with the biggest chances to win the ultimate prize. Recent winners include "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "The Social Network," "The Hurt Locker" and "Slumdog Millionaire."

Argo-William Goldenberg received his fourth nomination this year for "Argo." Goldenberg was previously nominated for "The Insider," and "Seabiscuit." He is also currently nominated for "Zero Dark Thirty." "Argo" has received four precursor awards for Editing including the coveted BAFTA award and was nominated for the American Cinema Editor Association (EDDIE). The BAFTA win is a major boost for the film and could signal its victory on Oscar night. 

Life of Pi-Tim Squyre obtained his second nomination for "Life of Pi;" he was previously recognized in 2000 for "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon." Ang Lee's epic has not won precursor awards for editing but is nominated for the BAFTA and the EDDIE award. The film is also nominated for 11 categories and scored mentions in every major technical award.

Lincoln-Michael Kahn is up for his eighth Academy Award for "Lincoln." He previously won thee other Steven Spielberg collaborations, "Saving Private Ryan," "Schindler's List" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." "Lincoln" received editing nominations for the EDDIE and Critics' Choice but has failed to win a single precursor. The film is currently the most nominated at the Oscars and that alone can help Kahn win the award. However, with no BAFTA nomination, Lincoln's case for editing seems lost.

Silver Linings Playbook-Jay Cassidy received his second nomination for editing, while Crispin Struthers obtained his first in the category. Cassidy was previously recognized for his work on 2007's "Into the Wild." "Silver Linings'" nomination came as a surprise as many expected another film to take the spot. However, its mention in the category seems to show the Oscars' preference for the film. The film is nominated for the EDDIE and won the Satellite award for editing. If the Academy continues to vote for the movie, it may win the editing award and ultimately the Best Picture.

Zero Dark Thirty-William Goldenberg received his fourth nomination this year while Dylan Tichenor obtained his second. As aforementioned Goldenberg is also competing for his work in "Argo," while Tichenor was previously nominated in 2007 for "There Will Be Blood." "Zero Dark Thirty" has scored eight editing precursor awards including the Critics' Choice and is currently nominated for the BAFTA and EDDIE awards. "Zero" is not expected to win the Best Picture award due to the controversy surrounding the film but it is the front-runner for this category after doing so well in the precursors.

Predictions- "Argo's" momentum and BAFTA win in this category seals the deal for Goldenberg on Oscar night.