Odds Are on 'Beauty'

10/26/1998 at 12:00 AM EST

The Las Vegas oddsmakers have assessed the Oscar field and come up with their predictions: It will be a beautiful year for "American Beauty." The dark comedy has been given a 5-2 chance to win the best picture award at the Academy Awards on March 26, reports Stardust Hotel oddsmaker Joe Lupo. Kevin Spacey of "Beauty" (9-5) faces solid competition from Denzel Washington (4-1) for the best actor gold. For best actress, critics' darling and Golden Globe winner Hilary Swank ("Boys Don't Cry") is considered a shoo-in (3-1) over Annette Bening (4-1).

• For more on the Oscars, click here.