"My victory this year is bittersweet. Bitter because diluted--a three-way tie. But sweet because I do admire my co-winners. Tim is both personable and talented; and I detected politesse in him as well. Christopher edits and writes for a best-in-class magazine, and is also a well-known expert on movies. Both have done well in previous years.

"As for my detractors--who are legion--those who insist that anyone who wins four times in a row must retire. Well, I'll think about it."