Yeah, it's that time of year again. The time of year when Hollywood gets one huge ass kiss from all sides. Did you really think the writer's would want to prevent something like this? Despite the denial, these actors love to get dressed up and covered with butter for the American public to salivate over. Never mind that 90% general public will never even watch the films that are nominated, it's all about the red carpet!!
Anyway, here are my picks on who will win, and what I think should win. Of course, I haven't seen 90% of the films nominated, but this is strictly based on all that famous Oscar Buzz being jizzed about. Really the majority of the awards will be a close race between "No Country" and "Blood", but I'm sure you already knew that.
Best Picture
What will win:
"No Country for Old Men" - This was a pretty amazing movie, with a rather drawn out ending. However the critics love this new twist on the old fashioned western.
What should win:
"There Will Be Blood" - Really, out of all the films I saw this year (5 or 6?) this one was the most memorable, and will be for years to come. Unlike "Old Men", I found the ending extremely powerful and intense. It was probably the boldest movie I've seen in years.
Actor - "Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood - No Contest, if Day-Lewis doesn't win there is no hope for Hollywood.
Actress - Ellen Page, "Juno" A lot of folks think Julie Christie will win this. My bet is on Ellen Page. The stereotypical "up an coming actress" award that Oscar throws out year after year.
Supporting Actor -Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men - Just like Lewis, Bardem is sitting on an extremely high pedestal for his performance as a serial killer.
Supporting Actress - Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There" - I'm going with the chick that dresses as a dude and a folk rock legend. Seems like a fair bet.
Director -
Will: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men" - Hollywood loves comeback stories. If you are a good director and want an Oscar consider making 2 or 3 boring films, and then come back and knock everyone's expectations out of the water, that should stun them. Really though, they'll win because "Old Men" takes a lot of chances, something rare for a duo that's been in the business for so long.
Should: Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood" - the new blood is still a little too fresh for Anderson, but he'll make it back here eventually. Maybe he should make a bunch of boring films for awhile.
Adapted Screenplay - Joel Coen & Ethan Coen, "No Country for Old Men" will edge blood on this one.
Original Screenplay - "Michael Clayton" or maybe "Juno" would be my guess.
Animated Feature Film "Ratatouille" - always bet on Pixar, even if more artistic films like "Persepolis" are nominated.
Art Direction - "Atonement" Only because I think most people are tired of the Burton Scissor hands look.
Cinematography "There Will Be Blood" - While Old Men had it's moments, it's hard to compete with the visual splendor of Blood's Oil rigs.
Sound Mixing" No Country for Old Men"
Sound Editing ""There Will Be Blood"
Original Score Lack of There Will Be Blood nomination has forced me to boycott this category all together.
Original Song "Falling Slowly" from "Once,"
Costume "Atonement"
Film Editing "No Country for Old Men"
Visual Effects "Transformers"
Well there you have it, I left out a few categories I have no clue about. Enjoy the show.
Your predictions/Comments?