1. ‘Atonement’ leads

Go online for Contender Countdown, a click-through look at the top films heating up the awards race, ranked weekly by TheEnvelope.com staff and contributors, along with each film’s potential nominations. Disagree with the pros? Post your own comments. This week: No one is claiming “Atonement” is a slam dunk for best picture but it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t believe the adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel won’t be among the final five. The heat around this period drama is expected to grow as it draws closer to its Dec. 7 opening.

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10. “The Great Debaters”

9. “Michael Clayton”

8. “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”

7. “3:10 to Yuma”

6. “No Country for Old Men”

5. “American Gangster”

4. “There Will Be Blood”

3. “Charlie Wilson’s War”

2. “Sweeney Todd”