I just gave Nathaniel Rogers's Oscar updates a look, and I'm happy to see someone else is finally talking about Kevin Kline's potential bait performance in "Trade." Kline also has a nice supporting turn in "A Prairie Home Companion" to give him some steam this year.

Next week's Pre-Oscar articles will feature Kline's "Trade" performance, in Wednesday's "Under the Radar" column...performances most seem to be overlooking which could prove to be serious contenders. But that all starts Monday with the studio assessment (and concludes Friday with a look at the infamous "lone director" slot).

Be sure to check back in tomorrow as we kick it off.