Google uses search trends to predict Oscars 2012 winners

New Delhi: The names of Academy Awards winners are a closely guarded secret until the envelope is opened during the Oscar night. But Google, armed with its search statistics takes a go at predicting the winners at the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

The search engine giant has closely analysed the search trends over the last three years to identify indications that point towards the actual winners who took the gold statues home.

In a post its official blog, Google has revealed who according to what people search for in the run up to the Oscar ceremony may emerge as the winner. Here's a list of Google's picks for Oscars 2012:

Best Picture

Data from the last to years showed that the one with the the lowest search volume throughout the year was the winner. By that logic Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close could be the surprise winner.

However, by search popularity The Artist or Midnight in Paris have the best chances.

Best Actor

According to Google, the pattern emerging over the past few years is that the winner is generally in the middle of the pack in terms of searches and first-time nominee Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) fits that bill, but so does George Clooney (The Descendants). Google places its cursor on George Clooney.

Best Actress

For the past three years, the eventual Best Actress winner witnessed a spike of interest in the preceding December. And therefore Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) is the clear breakout star.

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