Jan 10, 2008 — Instead of writing who I want to win the Golden Globes, I asked Yorkers who are involved in filmmaking for their predictions.

Kathi Lehmer - a West York Area High School graduate, independent film director and president of Trinka Five Films - and Jeff Crawford - a resident of York Springs, who works with Transdimensional Films - weighed in on who would win in seven major categories.

Best Motion Picture - Drama

Nominees: “American Gangster”; “Atonement”; “Eastern Promises”; “The Great Debaters”; “Michael Clayton”; “No Country For Old Men”; “There Will Be Blood”

Crawford's pick: “American Gangster” or “No Country For Old Men.” Both movies are extremely violent, which seems to be a theme in good dramatic movies since the '70s. (See “The Godfather”). (Washington) as the Harlem mobster really stuck out to me. But not quite as much as Javier Bardem, the bad cat in “No Country.”

Lehmer's pick: “No Country for Old Men.” The Coen brothers have reached their apex. They are masters and will be recognized.

Best Performance

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by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama

Nominees: Cate Blanchett, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”; Julie Christie, “Away From Her”; Jodie Foster, “The Brave One”; Angelina Jolie, “A Mighty Heart”; Keira Knightley, “Atonement”

Crawford's pick: Keira Knightley. “Atonement,” the great “war love movie,” was mostly carried on the performance (and looks) of Keira Knightley. She seemed to “feel” this role.

Lehmer's pick: Julie Christie is a vibrant veteran who deserves to have her brave portrayal rewarded.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama

Nominees: George Clooney, “Michael Clayton”; Daniel Day-Lewis, “There Will Be Blood”; James McAvoy, “Atonement”; Viggo Mortensen, “Eastern Promises”; Denzel Washington, “American Gangster”

Crawford's pick: George Clooney in “Michael Clayton” or Denzel Washington in “American Gangster.” I can't really make up my mind about this winner. (Washington) was superb in his role of the retelling of Frank Lucas' life. But, being the standard George Clooney was not George Clooney's incentive in “Michael Clayton.” His outstanding understanding of a corporate “fixer” seemed to pull me deeper into the story.

Lehmer's pick: George Clooney is the most underrated and will be recognized for his excellent portrayal.

Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy

Nominees: “Across The Universe”; “Charlie Wilson's War”; “Hairspray”; “Juno”; “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”

Crawford's pick: Haven't seen these films. (I've) only watched “Enchanted,” so my opinion would be biased.

Lehmer's pick: “Juno.” Young, fresh (director) Jason Reitman proves “Thank You for Smoking” was not a fluke.

Best Director - Motion Picture

Nominees: Tim Burton, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”; Ethan and Joel Coen, “No Country For Old Men”; Julian Schnabel, “The Diving Bell And The Butterfly”; Ridley Scott, “American Gangster”; Joe Wright, “Atonement”

Crawford's pick: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen. From the surreal desert imaging to the character contrasts, the Coen brothers pulled me in from the start and didn't let go until the end.

Lehmer's pick: The Coens. (I) can't argue about their genius; they will get the Globe.

Best Television Series - Drama

Nominees: “Big Love”; “Damages”; “Grey's Anatomy”; “House”; “Mad Men”; “The Tudors”

Crawford's pick: Sorry, I don't really watch television too often, as I am mostly focused on creating movies.

Lehmer's pick: “House” (has had) consistent good writing and acting over time.

Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy

Nominees: “30 Rock”; “Californication”; “Entourage”; “Extras”; “Pushing Daisies”

Crawford's pick: “Pushing Daisies.” The unique color schemes, names and feeling of this show draw me in to watching it as much as I can.

Lehmer's pick: “30 Rock” because my friend Mark says so.

Reach Erin McCracken at emccracken@ydr.com or 771-2051.