It’s the time of year when the film industry begins churning out movies with hopes and dreams of Oscar nominations. Although some contenders entered during the summer, the real heat is just around the corner, lasting until after Thanksgiving when Golden Globe nominations come out. Here’s the best picks for your movie dollar.

“Flags of our Fathers”

Starring: Jamie Bell, Jesse Bradford, Ryan Phillippe and Paul Walker

“Flags of our Fathers” tells the life stories of the six men who raised the flag at the battle of Iwo Jima, a turning point in World War II, and how the fame from this event affected the young men who become legends over night. This is at the top of the list for one reason – Clint Eastwood is the director and is a master of filmmaking who hardly ever misses the mark. Add to that a screenplay adapted by Paul Haggis, writer of last year’s Best Picture, “Crash,” and 2005’s “Million Dollar Baby,” and Steven Spielberg in the producer’s seat. If you love movies, this should be your No. 1 “must-see” of fall 2006. It has Oscar gold written all over it.

“Babel”

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt and Gael Garcia Bernal

Following the pattern of last year’s “Crash,” the film follows three stories set in Morocco, Tunisia, Mexico and Japan, that intertwine throughout the movie. It begins with a tragedy striking a married couple on vacation. Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu recently won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for his sweeping tale. The film was heralded by critics and audiences alike as a masterpiece of filmmaking. Now for the shocker – I have a soft spot for Cate Blanchett and her breathtaking talent. In my humble opinion, she does not have bad performances, so even if this movie is awful, she’ll at least make it watchable.

“The Good German”

Starring: Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Beau Bridges and Tobey Maguire

From the best-selling novel by Joseph Kanon, this film is set in post-war Berlin. An American journalist is lured into a murder mystery and government corruption while trying to find his former mistress. From Academy Award Winning Director Steven Soderbergh (“Traffic”), this could either become Oscar gold or fall into the disappointing “Black Dahlia” category. Once again, Cate Blanchett guarantees a ripping good ride.

“The History Boys”

Starring: Richard Griffith

An unruly class of gifted, charming teenage boys pursue sex, sports and higher education, all while singing and dancing their butts off. Having just swept the Tonys for Best Musical, Hollywood has wasted no time in churning out the movie, using the original Broadway cast, including Richard Griffith – you’ll know him as Harry Potter’s cruel Uncle Vernon – who himself won the Tony for Best Actor in the same play.

“Man of the Year”

Starring: Robin Williams

On a lark, the host of a late-night political talk show decides to run for president. The thing is, he never expected to win. Can we forgive Robin Williams for “RV”? Only time will tell.

“Running with Scissors”

Starring: Annette Bening, Alec Baldwin, Gwyneth Paltrow and Brian Cox

Young Augusten Burroughs absorbs experiences that could make for a shocking memoir. The son of an alcoholic father and an unstable mother, he’s handed off to his mother’s therapist, Dr. Finch, and spends his adolescent years as a member of Finch’s bizarre extended family. Always good to add an “indie film” to your cannon fodder of movie enjoyment.

“School for Scoundrels”

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Heder and Michael Clark Duncan

A young guy short on luck enrolls in a class to build up his confidence and help win the girl of his dreams. This becomes complicated when his teacher has the same agenda. Hopefully the story and dialogue appeal to humor above and beyond “Napoleon Dynamite” – which, let’s be honest, isn’t asking much.

“Zodiac”

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo

A serial killer in the San Francisco Bay area taunts police with his letters and cryptic messages. The film follows the investigators and reporters of the true 1970s case as they search for the murderer. Based on Robert Graysmith’s book and directed by David Fincher – his first serial killer movie since “Se7en” – the movie focuses on the lives and careers of the detectives and journalists following the case. Plus, it’s Jake Gyllenhaal. This man can definitely act.