ST. CHARLES – Classic Cinemas recently announced the winners of its annual “Predict the Oscars” contest. Local resident Don Brandt takes home the prize, and will receive a year's worth of free movies along with a pair of tickets to Brookfield Zoo. Brandt entered the contest at Charlestowne 18 Theatre, located at 3740 E. Main St., St. Charles.

According to a news release, Brandt saw all the Oscar nominated films except "Beasts of the Southern Wild."

“My favorite Oscar film is a tie between Amour and Silver Linings’ Playbook,” Brandt said in the release.

This year, a record high 8,360 ballots were cast in predicting the Oscar winners in seven categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Animated Film, according to the release.

Each Classic Cinemas theatre selected one first-place winner from the correct ballots entered at that location.

About Classic Cinemas
Classic Cinemas, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a family-owned company operated by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. Established in 1978, Classic Cinemas operates 13 theaters with 100 screens in the northern Illinois area. For more information on Classic Cinemas, visit www.classiccinemas.com.