Coming up empty on Oscar night hurts — especially when it’s you losing Best Performance in an Office Pool. Awards-show guru Tom O’Neil and pro gambler Big Al McMordie reveal how to take home the gold.

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===Time your vote===
Studios craft their hype campaigns to peak in January and early February, when most Academy members cast their ballots. Whoever’s hot then will win.

===Halve the odds===
Of the 10 nominees for Best Picture, eliminate the five (or more) not also up for Best Director. The same movie has won both awards in 25 of the past 30 years.

===Follow the pros===
For more obscure awards like Best Animated Short, defer to industry insider sites (like Variety.com), which tend to be savvy about low-profile categories.

===Spot the upset===
Now separate yourself from the pack with a bold pick. The Supporting Actor categories are the place for upsets. Put your money on a promising long shot.

”Contributed by Mario Aguilar”