It's hard to talk about how fierce Ewan McGregor is in the flawed Angels & Demons. His role as the right-hand holy man to the just-dead Pope is tied into plot details that lead to spoilers. But in a movie in which most of the actors, led by Tom Hanks, hold back — McGregor lets it rip. The Scottish actor has a reputation for taking risks. And yet McGregor, 38, is traditionally the forgotten man when it comes to winning Oscar nominations. He was the romantic soul of 2001's Moulin Rouge, but Nicole Kidman got the acting nomination. Nothing for Ewan. I'm not saying that anyone connected with the deadly Star Wars prequels deserves credit. But McGregor, as the young version of Alec Guinness's Obi-Wan Kenobi, was the only one to emerge from the Jar-Jar trilogy with his dignity intact. It's time to make up for past insults. So let's look at the roles for which McGregor deserved his share of award glory:

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The Oscars are almost here, and Peter Travers is nearly done making his picks. Today, the Rolling Stone film critic weighs the Best Actress category. Will the Academy err on the side of Hollywood newcomers Ellen Page or Marion Cotillard, or will the experience of Julie Christie, Laura Linney or Cate Blanchett win out? Click above to hear Travers' complete argument, and tune in tomorrow for his pick for Best Picture.

Watch every episode of our weekly Peter Travers video podcast by subscribing via iTunes (when prompted, click “Launch application”). Every Friday, a new episode will be delivered to your iTunes. [If you don’t have iTunes, download it here.]

[Video: Jennifer Hsu]

Peter Travers' Oscar picks continues today with the contest for Best Actor. Daniel Day-Lewis seems like a lock for his stunning performance in There Will Be Blood, but will George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Tommy Lee Jones or Viggo Mortensen pull off the upset? Click above to hear the Rolling Stone film critic's take, and be sure to tune in tomorrow for his thoughts on the race for Best Actress.

Watch every episode of our weekly Peter Travers video podcast by subscribing via iTunes (when prompted, click “Launch application”). Every Friday, a new episode will be delivered to your iTunes. [If you don’t have iTunes, download it here.]

[Video: Jennifer Hsu]

We're one day closer to this Sunday's Oscars, which means Peter Travers is engaging another close race. Today, he looks at the Best Supporting Actress category. Will it be Cate Blanchett in I'm Not There, Ruby Dee in American Gangster, Saoirse Ronan in Atonement or Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton? Click about to hear the Rolling Stone film critic's arguments, and be sure to tune in later today for his thoughts on who should win the Oscar for Best Actor.

Watch every episode of our weekly Peter Travers video podcast by subscribing via iTunes (when prompted, click “Launch application”). Every Friday, a new episode will be delivered to your iTunes. [If you don’t have iTunes, download it here.]

[Video: Jennifer Hsu]

All this week, Peter Travers will be discussing this year's biggest Oscar races, making his picks and probably starting some arguments along the way. First up is the contest for Best Supporting Actor. Who will walk away with the little gold man? Click above to check out Travers' thoughts, and be sure to check back tomorrow for his pick for Best Supporting Actress.

Watch every episode of our weekly Peter Travers video podcast by subscribing via iTunes (when prompted, click “Launch application”). Every Friday, a new episode will be delivered to your iTunes. [If you don’t have iTunes, download it here.]

[Video: Jennifer Hsu]