In a nutshell: An uneducated Mumbai street kid wins big on an Indian trivia game show. When he’s suspected of cheating, a series of flashbacks tells his life story and reveals how he knew each answer.

Why it could win: It’s become the little film that could: one that almost didn’t get released before rising to become a buzzworthy fan favorite and snagging Best Picture at the Golden Globes. An underdog film with a no name cast and feel-good ending makes it impossible not to root for, and the wave of audience support could carry it through to Oscar glory.

Why it could lose: Because almost everyone wants it to win.

More Slumdog Millionaire:

• Movie review
• Image gallery
• Interview with director Danny Boyle

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