SEE THE MARKET 

AND YOU THOUGHT the holiday shopping season came earlier every year. Yep folks, we’re already launching our first Oscar market because – well, it’s fun. And this year promises to be more interesting than ever, as new rules changes will allow for ten nominees for Best Picture, instead of the usual five. By expanding the number surely The Academy wanted to reach out to commercial hits that so often get snubbed in February. The broader category, for example, might have allowed “The Dark Knight” to snag a nomination last year – and “Up” may well be the beneficiary this year. All that said, our first Oscar guinea pig would probably have snagged a nomination in any year, as it looks the part to a tee. Starring multiple-winner Hillary Swank, this historical biography (with stunning airborne visuals) is tailor-made for hardware, so much so that the main risk seems to be backlash from voters who feel like they’re being bullied into a nod. That factor actually may keep “Amelia” from winning the top prize, but as far as nominations go, we’ll definitely recommend a buy. Stay tuned as the real beneficiaries of the new rules – journalists and betting parlors worldwide – follow the nomination process down to the wire.