AND THE WINNER IS... LOCAL MOVIE FANS PICK OSCAR FAVORITES

The shipwreck saga "Titanic," favored by the Hollywood establishment to win big at tonight's Academy Awards, also got the nod from Southeast Missouri movie fans.

SEMissourian.com, the official Web site of the Southeast Missourian, asked online visitors to pick their favorites in the top five Oscar categories. More than 1,000 votes were cast.

Movie fans will learn tonight if "Titanic" steams off with best movie honors and how local opinions compare to those of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Oscarcast starts at 7 p.m. on ABC.

Kevin Dillon, general manager of Cape West 14 Cine, said the Academy Awards show will be good for the movie business.

"Once a movie wins, and it doesn't matter what category it's in, people want to go and see them again," Dillon said. "Or for those who have been hesitant, this gives them that extra push."

All of the best movie nominees have been to Cape Girardeau, and three of the five are still playing in town.

While "Titanic" was the walk-away favorite in the local survey, "As Good As It Gets," about a hateful novelist who learns to love, placed a respectable second for best movie honors.

"Good Will Hunting," about a blue-collar genius trying to confront personal demons, collected fewer than 100 votes. "L.A. Confidential," the film noir tale of police corruption in 1950s Los Angeles, and "The Full Monty," a British comedy about working class men turned strippers, never had a chance in the local poll.

If local fans are right, Jack Nicholson will collect his third Oscar for "As Good As It Gets." Nicholson trampled the competition for best actor. Robert Duvall, "The Apostle," came in second, but nearly 200 votes behind.

Helen Hunt, "As Good As It Gets," easily defeated the four English nominees for best actress. But Kate Winslet, "Titanic," made a good showing as first runner-up.

Local fans predict that Robin Williams will finally take home an Oscar for his role in "Good Will Hunting." He is nominated for best supporting actor. Williams, nominated for an academy award three times, has yet to win.

Kim Basinger's work in "L.A. Confidential" brought her top honors locally for best supporting actress.

Gloria Stuart, the 87-year-old nominee for best supporting actress, ranked second for her role in "Titanic."

"Titanic" is currently playing on three screens at the Cape West 14 Cine, and attendance remains strong.

"The way it looks not, this is going to be one of our summer products," said Dillon.

Lots of people are seeing the movie, and lots of people are seeing it again.

"People tell me their family members must own chairs out here by now," Dillon said. "People are seeing it for the third, four, eight and ninth times."

Among the "Titanic" frequent viewers is Jennifer Freeze, who says the movie should win the Oscar without any trouble.

"It really is good," she said. "I've seen it twice because it is so good. And I think Leonardo DiCaprio is hot."

Freeze added that Robin Williams deserves an award for his work in "Good Will Hunting."

"I've never seen him in that kind of serious role," she said. "I thought he did a good job. The movie was good, too. I could see it again."

Stephanie Schaffner is also among repeat "Titanic" viewers. She has seen the movie three times and is convinced it's the best of the year.

"I like the music. I like the acting and the performances. I like the graphics and the special effects," said Schaffner, who is 12. "There is just something about this movie."

The fact that heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio stars doesn't hurt either, she said.

Her mother, Linda Schaffner, has seen the movie twice and agreed with her daughter that "Titanic" should win the Oscar.

"It has a really good story. And I liked the fact that it was historically accurate," she said.

But Schaffner said award nominations don't dictate her movie viewing. "I probably decide more by word of mouth," she said. "Everyone is talking about `Titanic.'"