I believe the Oscar rule is that it has to be shown in LA during the year under review. Thats why so many movies in January are announced as "open now nation wide"

Sweet Meat nad I saw "Sideways" together over the Christmas holiday, so my vote goes to that one. I mean, why spoil our perfect track record of predicting the Oscar winner through our own moviegoing selections? ("Deuce Biggolo" and "The Animal" were both winners, right?)