Wynn sports book guru Johnny Avello posts ‘The Artist,’ George Clooney as Oscar favorites

By John Katsilometes

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 | 12:25 p.m.

Fresh off predicting the odds-on favorite to win the Miss America Pageant on Jan. 14 at Planet Hollywood, Wynn Director of Race and Sports Operations Johnny Avello has posted “The Artist” as his favorite to claim the Academy Award for Best Picture, with odds set at 2-to-5. That means you would need to place a $5 bet just to make a $2 profit.

However, these odds are for entertainment purposes only. Side wagers with friends and loved ones are your own business.

Favorites in the other major categories are:

Best Actor: George Clooney, “The Descendants, 5-to-6.

Best Actress: Viola Davis, “The Help,” even money.

Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners,” 1-to-9 (remarkably short odds; the closest thing to a sure thing in the field).

Best Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, “The Help,” 1-to-5.

Best Director: Michael Hazanavicius, “The Artist,” 6-to-5.

Best Animated Feature Film: “Rango,” 9-to-5.

Earlier this month, Avello listed Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler at a field-best 6-to-1 favorite to win the pageant at Planet Hollywood's Theater for the Performing Arts, and she did make off with the crown and $50,000 in scholarship money. Avello’s favorite also won the 2011 Miss USA Pageant. Eventual winner Alyssa Campanella of California was listed at 8-to-1 the week before the pageant.

The 84th Academy Awards air Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. live on ABC, with Billy Crystal returning as host.

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWithTheDish.