A likely story...Who's Nicole bringing? Who's Russell going to slug? Our predictions for the class of 2002

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We've already talked about who's Most Likely to Succeed, and it's too early to say who's Best Dressed, but here are a few pre-show glimpses at Oscar's Class of 2002:

Most likely to wear a dress so perfect that knockoffs of it will be available at discount department stores within a week of the Oscars: Halle Berry, nominated for "Monster's Ball."

Most likely to be an impeccably gracious nonwinner: Judi Dench, nominated for her little-seen (but splendid) work in "Iris."

Most likely to be somewhat less than gracious to the press: Best-actor nominees Russell Crowe and Sean Penn, both notoriously surly fellows who may or may not be on their best behavior.

Most prestigious Oscar date: Sam Mendes, 1999 Oscar winner for directing "American Beauty," will likely attend in the capacity of escort to his girlfriend, nominee Kate Winslet.

Most eligible bachelorette: Best-actress nominee Nicole Kidman, who said at last week's academy luncheon that she's still looking for an Oscar date. Gentlemen, get in line.

Most likely to be slurping down the free champagne, secure in the knowledge that they won't have to make an acceptance speech: The makers of "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius," up against "Shrek" and "Monsters, Inc." for best animated feature film.

Most likely to get extremely emotional if she wins: Supporting-actress nominee Marisa Tomei, whose previous Oscar win was tainted by cruel rumors that her name was read by mistake (and who tends to get a bit giggly at gala events anyway).

Most likely successors to Joel and Ethan Coen (who weren't nominated this year) as the Cutest Nominated Brothers: Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, nominated for the screenplay and story of "Memento."

Most likely nominees to go home together, win or lose: Married couples Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh (producers and screenwriters of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring") and Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin (producer and art director/costume designer of "Moulin Rouge").

Presenter most likely to call his peers "dude": Josh Hartnett, making his first appearance on the academy stage this year.

Five-time Oscar nominee (and one-time winner) most likely to be asked for ID at the door: Freida Lee Mock, nominated this year in the documentary short subject category for her film "Sing!"

Most — or possibly least — anxious nominee: Perpetual bridesmaid Randy Newman, nominated in both music categories — for the 15th and 16th time. He has never won.

Most likely to buy each other a drink: David Lynch and Ridley Scott, both of whom were nominated in the best-director category, only to have their films ignored in the best-picture category. (Nobody has won best director without a best-picture nomination since 1928.)

Least likely to be missed: The traditional Debbie Allen dance numbers.

Rookie of the year: The gorgeous Jennifer Connelly, a first-time nominee (in the supporting-actress category) who's sure to be the belle of the Governor's Ball.

Least likely to employ a stylist: Best-actress nominee Sissy Spacek, who showed up at the Golden Globes in an ill-fitting tuxedo, with jewelry borrowed not from Harry Winston, but from her teenage daughter. (She was gorgeous anyway.)

Presenter most likely to ad-lib: Julia Roberts, who probably has a few more things she'd like to add to last year's acceptance speech.

Nominee most likely to smile good-naturedly when ribbed by the press: "A Beautiful Mind" director Ron Howard, who you just know is going to get called "Opie" by somebody.