The Oscars are approaching, palms are sweaty and temperatures are running high. Another week and Hollywood''s best will be carrying little, gold statuettes back to their vulgar estates. So, what do Monterey County residents think of Hollywood and which were their favorite movies and actors of the year?

Taner Bugay

Resides: Monterey

Age: Um, 25

Occupation: Student

What was the year''s best picture? Nothing to Lose.

Any films to be avoided? Yes, the one the director of Pulp Fiction did. Jackie Brown.

Which

film will win the Best Picture Oscar? Titanic.

Do you have a favorite theater? No. They''re poor quality for what they charge. The Dream is good though.

Claire Eagle

Resides: Salinas

Age: 17

Occupation: Student

What was the best picture? Titanic.

Best actor? Leonardo DiCaprio.

Best actress? Helen Hunt.

Does Hollywood pay actors too much? No. I think there''s no way to avoid paying because people want to see them. But I do think it is a little absurd when you look at what teachers are paid.

Kathleen Grover

Resides: Seaside:

Age: 42

Occupation: Realty consultant

What was the best picture of the year? Good Will Hunting. Robin Williams is excellent in it.

Best actor? Robin Williams.

Best actress? Susan Sarandon.

What do you think of Hollywood? I think Hollywood spends too much on movies. People can make movies with lower budgets. There needs to be more art in cinema too.

Corinna Keefer

Resides: Seaside

Age: 21

Occupation: Theater Manager

What was the best picture? Titanic.

Best actor? Leonardo DiCaprio.

Best actress? Minnie Driver of Good Will Hunting.

Which film should others avoid? Deep Rising. That one sucked.

What do you think of Hollywood? Do they produce good movies? Yeah, overall. Some are pretty cheesy though.

Dave Adams

Resides: Monterey

Age: 43

Occupation: Agri-business manager

What was the best picture of the year? Austin Powers. It''s pure entertainment.

What do you think of Hollywood? Movies are just big business now. A lot of good movies don''t make it, because of distribution.

What do you think of cinemas? Movie prices are so high now they''re almost prohibitive. Also, in New Jersey theaters are newer, cleaner and seem safer. That''s important for families--when you''re watching a film and your kid wants to get up and go to the bathroom, or buy candy.