Post by StevePulaski on Jan 24, 2012 14:50:49 GMT -5
The Academy Awards have always been an event I've looked forward to. They're fun, engaging, and give the film industry a worthy recognition. Though this year was the most anxious I've gotten for the nominees, it also left me shocked, shaking my head, and questioning. I decided what I'll be doing this time around, instead of just listing all the categories and bolding my prediction, I'll say a little something about some of the bigger nominees and go into what I think doesn't deserve to be on there. Just remember, when I pick who I think will win, it isn't necessarily who I think deserves it the most. My prediction is who I think is most likely to win.
The predicted winner is in bold text.
UPDATE: Out of all twenty-four picks I got twelve correct, making these predictions a modest, yet lukewarm success.
Best Picture:
* = Have seen it.
*The Artist
*The Descendants
*Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
*The Help
*Hugo
Moneyball
*Midnight in Paris
*The Tree of Life
War Horse
Despite the fact that, I believe, there are far too many choices for "Best Picture" this year, the category itself is pretty solid. There are actually four films on here (The Artist, The Descendants, Hugo, and The Tree of Life) that I wouldn't mind seeing win the big award. I believe it will be much like last year when it was The King's Speech vs. The Social Network. Many thought The Social Network, but after contemplation I followed through with The King's Speech. The Academy loves them so prestigious art, and I think The Artist will be worthy of the award this year. The only one I feel is too mediocre to be on the list is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. That could easily be replaced with Drive, Shame, or even Take Shelter.
On a side note, I was also more acquainted with this year's nominations than I was last year. I had only seen two films on last year's "Best Picture" list. This year, I've seen all but three.
Best Actor:
Demian Bichir - A Better Life
George Clooney - The Descendants
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt - Moneyball
All I can say is the Academy pulled a few successful surprises with "Best Actor" this year. I'm happy to see Demian Bichir got some much-needed recognition for his stellar work as an illegal immigrant in A Better Life. The question is, how many of you reading this have seen the film? My guess is almost no one. More people, for sure, have seen Leonardo DiCaprio's work in J. Edgar. A Better Life is a fabulously surreal film, but its win is very unlikely. I'm going with Clooney only because I believe the Academy will recognize his capable and non-exaggerated performance as a stressed father with strong satisfaction and gratitude. I'd be satisfied if Jean Dujardin won, but I believe his role in The Artist was a little too physical for the title "Best Actor."
But for those interested now that Demian Bichir is getting some buzz, my review of A Better Life, stevethemovieman.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=reviews&action=display&thread=2217
Best Actress:
Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help
Rooney Mara - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn
Best Supporting Actor:
Kenneth Branagh - My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Nick Nolte - Warrior
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Max Von Sydow - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Best Supporting Actress:
Berenice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer - The Help
Once more, like "Best Supporting Actor," this one is a pure gamble. I've seen three of the four films that included these performances, the one omitted is Albert Nobbs, but I can't see anyone else winning. Bejo, again, I don't think the Academy will give recognition to an actor or an actress whose performance was mainly physical comedy. Also, McCarthy from Bridesmaids as "Best Supporting Actress?" I liked Bridesmaids quite a bit, but I'm not sure of its worthiness as an Oscar contender. McCarthy was funny, yet she wasn't extremely funny. My question is that why did McCarthy get "Best Supporting Actress," why didn't Zach Galifianakis get "Best Supporting Actor" for The Hangover? Just doesn't seem right.
Best Director:
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Terrence Malick - The Tree of Life
Alexander Payne - The Descendants
Martin Scorsese - Hugo
Allen is one of Hollywood's most prolific, Malick is one of Hollywood's most mysterious. Payne's one of Hollywood's most serious, and Scorsese's one of Hollywood's most impressive. Hazanavicius is one of Hollywood's most... silent? That's beside the point. All of these directors seem very capable of being handed the award. I went with Allen because Midnight in Paris's Oscar buzz has shot up a lot since its recent DVD release. Although I'm siding with Allen, I'm wishing on a star Scorsese doesn't get blacklisted for not making another mobster film. He deserves it, but it's likely Allen will win it.
Best Original Screenplay:
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
JC Chandor - Margin Call
Asghar Farhadi - A Separation
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo - Bridesmaids
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash - The Descendants
John Logan - Hugo
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon - The Ides of March
Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian - Moneyball
Bridget O'Connor, Peter Straughn - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Sorkin worked wonders with The Social Network, and I believe the Academy will believe he did the same with Moneyball. Although I think Hugo deserves it, Moneyball will most likely claim it.
Best Animated Feature:
A Cat In Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango
Animation was poor in 2011, according to reviews and box office numbers. No animated film made over, I believe, three hundred million dollars (the standard for animated films today). This is another crap-shoot. I simply don't know. I've seen Rango, but am unsure of its worthiness to win. Kung Fu Panda 2 doesn't seem very likely, and the same goes for Puss in Boots. My only guess is Chico and Rita - which I've heard a great deal about. I'm surprised the Academy dumped Winnie the Pooh in favor of two films that aren't even widely available in North America. In fact, both films are available on DVD overseas, yet don't even have a predicted release date for North America.
Also, no love for Spielberg's Adventures of Tintin?
Best Foreign Language Film:
Bullhead (Belgium)
Footnote (Israel)
In Darkness (Poland)
Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)
A Separation (Iran)
Original Score:
The Adventures of Tintin
The Artist
Hugo
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
War Horse
Being that The Artist is 90% music, it should be recognized as the choice for "Best Original Score." It doesn't seem likely anyone else in the category, except for maybe Hugo, will take home the award.
Best Original Song:
"Man or Muppet," The Muppets
"Real in Rio," Rio
I guess everyone preferred to say it not sing it in 2011.
Best Achievement in Art Direction:
The Artist
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
War Horse
I'll be damned if Scorsese's gem doesn't get its time in the sun for the masterpiece on film, Hugo. Even in 3D, the film was enhancing and all around enchanting. That's quite an accomplishment.
Best Achievement in Cinematography:
The Artist
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
The Tree of Life
War Horse
Again, how can you not commend Hugo's amazing cinematography?
Best Achievement in Costume Design:
Anonymous
The Artist
Hugo
Jane Eyre
W.E.
The recreation of the 1930's in costume was present in both The Artist and Hugo, but I think Hugo was a bit more obvious. But why W.E. over Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2?
Best Documentary Feature:
Hell and Back Again
If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
Pina
Undefeated
Best Documentary Short Subject:
The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement?
God Is the Bigger Elvis
Incident in New Baghdad
Saving Face
The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom
Best Achievement in Film Editing:
The Artist
The Descendants
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Moneyball
Another thing Scorsese's film should be commended for.
Best Achievement in Makeup:
Albert Nobbs
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Iron Lady
Best Live Action Short Film:
Pentecost
Raju
The Shore
Time Freak
Tuba Atlantic
Best Animated Short Film:
Dimanche
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
La Luna
A Morning Stroll
Wild Life
Best Achievement in Sound Editing:
Drive
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing:
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Moneyball
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse
Best Achievement in Visual Effects:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Real Steel
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Film with the most wins (predicted): Hugo (7).
Film with the most wins (official): The Artist (5) and Hugo (5).
The predicted winner is in bold text.
UPDATE: Out of all twenty-four picks I got twelve correct, making these predictions a modest, yet lukewarm success.
Best Picture:
* = Have seen it.
*The Artist
*The Descendants
*Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
*The Help
*Hugo
Moneyball
*Midnight in Paris
*The Tree of Life
War Horse
Despite the fact that, I believe, there are far too many choices for "Best Picture" this year, the category itself is pretty solid. There are actually four films on here (The Artist, The Descendants, Hugo, and The Tree of Life) that I wouldn't mind seeing win the big award. I believe it will be much like last year when it was The King's Speech vs. The Social Network. Many thought The Social Network, but after contemplation I followed through with The King's Speech. The Academy loves them so prestigious art, and I think The Artist will be worthy of the award this year. The only one I feel is too mediocre to be on the list is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. That could easily be replaced with Drive, Shame, or even Take Shelter.
On a side note, I was also more acquainted with this year's nominations than I was last year. I had only seen two films on last year's "Best Picture" list. This year, I've seen all but three.
Best Actor:
Demian Bichir - A Better Life
George Clooney - The Descendants
Jean Dujardin - The Artist
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt - Moneyball
All I can say is the Academy pulled a few successful surprises with "Best Actor" this year. I'm happy to see Demian Bichir got some much-needed recognition for his stellar work as an illegal immigrant in A Better Life. The question is, how many of you reading this have seen the film? My guess is almost no one. More people, for sure, have seen Leonardo DiCaprio's work in J. Edgar. A Better Life is a fabulously surreal film, but its win is very unlikely. I'm going with Clooney only because I believe the Academy will recognize his capable and non-exaggerated performance as a stressed father with strong satisfaction and gratitude. I'd be satisfied if Jean Dujardin won, but I believe his role in The Artist was a little too physical for the title "Best Actor."
But for those interested now that Demian Bichir is getting some buzz, my review of A Better Life, stevethemovieman.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=reviews&action=display&thread=2217
Best Actress:
Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help
Rooney Mara - The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn
Best Supporting Actor:
Kenneth Branagh - My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Nick Nolte - Warrior
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Max Von Sydow - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Best Supporting Actress:
Berenice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer - The Help
Once more, like "Best Supporting Actor," this one is a pure gamble. I've seen three of the four films that included these performances, the one omitted is Albert Nobbs, but I can't see anyone else winning. Bejo, again, I don't think the Academy will give recognition to an actor or an actress whose performance was mainly physical comedy. Also, McCarthy from Bridesmaids as "Best Supporting Actress?" I liked Bridesmaids quite a bit, but I'm not sure of its worthiness as an Oscar contender. McCarthy was funny, yet she wasn't extremely funny. My question is that why did McCarthy get "Best Supporting Actress," why didn't Zach Galifianakis get "Best Supporting Actor" for The Hangover? Just doesn't seem right.
Best Director:
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Terrence Malick - The Tree of Life
Alexander Payne - The Descendants
Martin Scorsese - Hugo
Allen is one of Hollywood's most prolific, Malick is one of Hollywood's most mysterious. Payne's one of Hollywood's most serious, and Scorsese's one of Hollywood's most impressive. Hazanavicius is one of Hollywood's most... silent? That's beside the point. All of these directors seem very capable of being handed the award. I went with Allen because Midnight in Paris's Oscar buzz has shot up a lot since its recent DVD release. Although I'm siding with Allen, I'm wishing on a star Scorsese doesn't get blacklisted for not making another mobster film. He deserves it, but it's likely Allen will win it.
Best Original Screenplay:
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris
JC Chandor - Margin Call
Asghar Farhadi - A Separation
Michel Hazanavicius - The Artist
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo - Bridesmaids
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash - The Descendants
John Logan - Hugo
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon - The Ides of March
Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian - Moneyball
Bridget O'Connor, Peter Straughn - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Sorkin worked wonders with The Social Network, and I believe the Academy will believe he did the same with Moneyball. Although I think Hugo deserves it, Moneyball will most likely claim it.
Best Animated Feature:
A Cat In Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango
Animation was poor in 2011, according to reviews and box office numbers. No animated film made over, I believe, three hundred million dollars (the standard for animated films today). This is another crap-shoot. I simply don't know. I've seen Rango, but am unsure of its worthiness to win. Kung Fu Panda 2 doesn't seem very likely, and the same goes for Puss in Boots. My only guess is Chico and Rita - which I've heard a great deal about. I'm surprised the Academy dumped Winnie the Pooh in favor of two films that aren't even widely available in North America. In fact, both films are available on DVD overseas, yet don't even have a predicted release date for North America.
Also, no love for Spielberg's Adventures of Tintin?
Best Foreign Language Film:
Bullhead (Belgium)
Footnote (Israel)
In Darkness (Poland)
Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)
A Separation (Iran)
Original Score:
The Adventures of Tintin
The Artist
Hugo
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
War Horse
Being that The Artist is 90% music, it should be recognized as the choice for "Best Original Score." It doesn't seem likely anyone else in the category, except for maybe Hugo, will take home the award.
Best Original Song:
"Man or Muppet," The Muppets
"Real in Rio," Rio
I guess everyone preferred to say it not sing it in 2011.
Best Achievement in Art Direction:
The Artist
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
War Horse
I'll be damned if Scorsese's gem doesn't get its time in the sun for the masterpiece on film, Hugo. Even in 3D, the film was enhancing and all around enchanting. That's quite an accomplishment.
Best Achievement in Cinematography:
The Artist
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
The Tree of Life
War Horse
Again, how can you not commend Hugo's amazing cinematography?
Best Achievement in Costume Design:
Anonymous
The Artist
Hugo
Jane Eyre
W.E.
The recreation of the 1930's in costume was present in both The Artist and Hugo, but I think Hugo was a bit more obvious. But why W.E. over Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2?
Best Documentary Feature:
Hell and Back Again
If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
Pina
Undefeated
Best Documentary Short Subject:
The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement?
God Is the Bigger Elvis
Incident in New Baghdad
Saving Face
The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom
Best Achievement in Film Editing:
The Artist
The Descendants
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Moneyball
Another thing Scorsese's film should be commended for.
Best Achievement in Makeup:
Albert Nobbs
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Iron Lady
Best Live Action Short Film:
Pentecost
Raju
The Shore
Time Freak
Tuba Atlantic
Best Animated Short Film:
Dimanche
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
La Luna
A Morning Stroll
Wild Life
Best Achievement in Sound Editing:
Drive
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing:
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Moneyball
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse
Best Achievement in Visual Effects:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Real Steel
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
FINAL CONSENSUS:
Film with the most wins (predicted): Hugo (7).
Film with the most wins (official): The Artist (5) and Hugo (5).