The 53rd Berlin Intl. Film Festival is shaping up, as usual, as a platform for the Euro launch of several Oscar contenders. "Chicago" has been confirmed as the opening-night film on Feb. 6, to be followed later in the fest by "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind," "Adaptation" and "The Hours." By February, that lineup might seem old hat to Anglo-American attendees -- although the fact that the Oscar noms are announced Feb. 11, right in the middle of the fest, always adds some spice. But there will be at least one genuine world premiere of a Hollywood movie -- Alan Parker's "The Life of David Gale" is set to unspool Feb. 7.