23 Gold Derby pundits are now declaring that The Social Network is ahead in the race for Best Picture over The King’s Speech, and that one of the Networkers — this is fairly significant, I think — is former (and very recent) King’s Speech supporter Pete Hammond.

Twelve pundits are now supporting The Social Network while only nine now foresee The King’s Speech pulling ahead in the end.

This really needs to be repeated. Pete Hammond of Deadline.com has abandoned Best Picture support of The King’s Speech! Pete Hammond of Deadline.com has abandoned Best Picture support The King’s Speech! How big of an omen is this? Is it just a matter of time before Dave Karger bails, and then Anne Thompson, etc.? You tell me, but I’m sensing a underground tumble in the Gurus of Gold alignment.

Twenty-one Gold Derby pundits are predicting The Social Network‘s David Fincher to snag the Best Director Oscar. An even greater majority is pushing King’s Speech star Colin Firth for Best Actor, and Black Swan‘s Natalie Portman to edge out Annette Bening for Best Actress. The Fighter‘s Christian Bale is favored for Best Supporting Actor, of course, and Melissa Leo for Best Supporting Actress, etc.