I know it's July. But with the critical praise and audience reaction largely living up to the huge hype, writer/director Christopher Nolan's "Inception" is already generating Oscar buzz. So let's see if it really has a shot. 

Nominations in technical categories -- cinematography, art direction, sound, editing -- should be no-brainers. Even those who have issues with the movie do not question the production values, which created a grounded, as-realistic-as-possible look and feel to the dream-filled world. And depending on the strength of their categories by year's end, Leonardo DiCaprio and Marion Cotillard (both Academy darlings) could earn actor and supporting actress noms. 

But it's the other elite (best picture & director) categories that have eluded Nolan in the past. His only prior nomination was for his "Memento" screenplay; he was wrongfully snubbed for picture and director nods for "The Dark Knight," and Oscar voters know he would've been a worthy nominee -- so there will be a "make good" factor working in his favor.

But does he deserve it? Love or hate the movie, no one disputes that it's a bold, original idea. The biggest contention to the film's success seems to be it's clarity, and I suspect those who didn't fully grasp the story lines the first time will find it easier to follow in a second viewing. And with a DVD/Blu-Ray release likely to come in November/December (you know, awards season), there's no doubt the movie will weigh heavy on the minds of Oscar voters.

That is, as long as it doesn't peak too soon. In 2006 "Dreamgirls" was a no-brainer best picture nominee, but was snubbed. This past year, everyone and their grandmother was convinced in December and January that "Up In The Air" would win best picture. Oops. 

In truth, the best thing that could happen to "Inception" is for it to continue to perform well at the box office (it opened with a strong $62.8 million), disappear for a few months, then reappear on Top Ten lists and DVD/Blu-Ray in December as a strong contender.