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CNN predicts 'Monsieur Lazhar' will win foreign language film Oscar

The Canadian Press Published Friday, February 24, 2012 5:46PM EST

Actors Sophie Nelisse and Fellag as Monsieur Lazhar are shown in a scene from the Philippe Falardeau film. (Vero Boncompagni / E-One)

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CNN thinks "Monsieur Lazhar'' is an Oscar winner.

Flying in the face of most predictions, a commentator for the cable news network says the Canadian film is his pick for Oscar gold on Sunday.

However, Tom Charity says while he expects "Monsieur Lazhar'' to win the Oscar for best foreign-language film, he thinks "A Separation'' by Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi is more deserving of the award.

"Monsieur Lazhar,'' by director Philippe Falardeau, is a compelling tale of an Algerian immigrant who helps a class of young students cope with the shocking suicide of their teacher.

Charity predicts "The Artist'' to win for best film and says its star, Jean Dujardin, will win for best actor and Michel Hazanavicius will win for best director.

He says Viola Davis will take home best actress for "The Help.''

Federal Heritage Minister James Moore expressed his excitement on Twitter after Charity's endorsement of the Canadian film.

"Wow,'' Moore tweeted. "CNN predicting 'Monsieur Lazhar' will win an Oscar Sunday night.''