The 78th Annual Academy Awards takes place Sunday at the Kodak Theatre to honor Hollywood’s finest film performances of the past year. Winners receive a gold statuette that weighs 8.5 pounds, stands 13.5 inch tall and is cast in 24-carat gold.

To honor the finest in NIU athletic performance over the past year, athletes won’t get an Oscar, but rather the prestigious first-ever “Jimbo Award.”

And the nominees are …

DIRECTOR: And the Jimbo goes to … Steve Simmons — men’s soccer coach.

Simmons put up an 11-5-2 overall record and a 4-1-1 record in the MAC. Add that to a visit to the National rankings, big wins over Bradley, Buffalo and a 1-0 victory at perennial powerhouse St. Louis and you have to give the award to the fifth-year coach.

FEMALE ATHLETE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: And the Jimbo goes to … Jenny Dziubla — volleyball.

A newcomer to Division I, the freshman setter earned All-MAC freshman honors and tallied a robust 1,492 assists; fourth all time in school history.

FEMALE ATHLETE IN A LEADING ROLE: And the Jimbo goes to … Stephanie Raymond — women’s basketball.

Raymond faced stiff competition from volleyball player Kate McCullagh, but took home the Jimbo on the strength of 15.8 points per game, 4.3 assists per game and overall floor generalship.

MALE ATHLETE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: And the Jimbo goes to … Justin McGrane — men’s soccer.

Another hotly contested field that saw emerging stars Dan Nicholson of the football team and golfer Nick Schenk. McGrane had a balanced three goals and four assists on the season. Second on the team in scoring to Kevin Woerner, McGrane will be back to lead a deep 2006 soccer squad.

MALE ATHLETE IN A LEADING ROLE: And the Jimbo goes to … Garret Wolfe — football.

The mesmerizing running style, and Pac-Man-esque zig-zagging running ability of Wolfe has dropped opponents’ jaws from Michigan to Toledo. Wolfe returns as the lead returning rusher in the nation.

BEST PICTURE: And the Jimbo goes to … NIU Men’s soccer.

With the heartbreak of the Akron game fresh in tow, men’s soccer takes the “Jimbo” for its break into the national rankings.

The best part of the Jimbo’s … the lack of rambling acceptance speeches.