Oscar Predictions - And the rest...

The Academy Awards are on in a few hours. I’ve been a bit lazy with my analysis, as this week has been quite hectic. It’s my birthday soon you see, and I have to say I’ve been a bit wrapped up in it all. Don’t birthdays always make you feel like a kid again? Needless to say, I get a bit excited this time of year and am very pleased that the Oscars usually fall on or around my special day. I can get excited about both, you see.

I thought I’d better do a full wrap-up of my predictions before the awards are actually handed out. You can see a full list of Nominees here at imdb.com.

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

Ratatouille will most likely take this one away, especially if it doesn’t win the animated feature category. I’d love to see Diablo Cody win for Juno, as it would make for the fines stripper-to-riches tale but I doubt this first accomplishment will garner her the award.

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published

I’m hoping Atonement wins this one and I’m still quite angry that it didn’t get nominated for more awards. I think it has a good chance to win for the film’s score as well. However, if No Country for Old Men sweeps these awards like I expect it might, you could see that winning the category even though I hear rumours it wasn’t an accurate adaptation.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

I’m always quite good at predicting the Academy’s choices but this category has me stumped. Will they give it to Cate Blanchett who will probably miss out in the lead category, or will they go with a nod to Ruby Dee who grabbed the SAG award for this category? I am still stumped and looking forward to seeing who takes it home. Tilda Swinton could be a surprise winner here with her role in Michael Clayton.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

I’m surprised they only nominated Javier Bardem in this category as he was clearly the lead in No Country for Old Men. All eyes were glued to him each time he came on screen. I’m also surprised that Casey Affleck is the only nominee from The Assassination of Jesse James as the movie was brilliant. I’d like this award to go to either gent but am predicting Hal Holbrook may win it. The Academy loves the old fellas.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role

This is also a tough category to pick. All of the nominees are just so strong. However, there can be only one and I’d say it’s between the lovely Marion Cotillard for La Mome or the infallible Julie Christie for Away from Her, a film which, according to popular thought, should have also attracted a nod for best director. I love Ellen Page in Juno and she was so real and right for that part, but I think she has a way to go before she earns her stripes in the Academy’s eyes.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role

I have to say this one is hands-down for Daniel Day Lewis. I’d really like to see Tommy Lee Jones win for his raw and honest performance from In the Valley of Elah, but I just know the Academy already loves DDL and this year not just his left foot will win the award…it’ll be the right foot, both arms and that fabulous turn of the century oil magnate moustache.

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

I’m going with Persepolis in this category. Thinking about this one as best overall film, Persepolis might be a heavier and therefore less enjoyable film, but as far as accomplishments go, this will most likely win the best overall animated film. Surf’s Up was my favourite but I think the Academy will go for something a tad more artsy.

Best Motion Picture of the Year

Here you have four gritty, hard to watch films and one quirky comedy about a teen pregnancy. Diablo Cody, writer of Juno, has said herself she can’t believe this is real. She starts writing a blog about her exploits at a Kitty Kat club and the next thing you know she’s wearing million dollar diamond studded designer shoes to the Academy Freakin’ Awards! I love that girl, and can’t wait to see what she writes next, but I think they’ve nominated Juno more as an appreciation of low-budget Indie style film rather than as a serious contender. I’m thinking No Country for Old Men will grab Best Picture but my hear is screaming for Atonement, just as it did when both Keira Knightley and James McAvoy were snubbed for nominations. The film is the best overall film in the category, in my very humble yet totally honest opinion. The music, acting, cinematography, costumes, direction and overall presence of the film forced emotion and hope from its audience. What a rich and wonderful film to win the category.

Those are my predictions. I wonder how it will all turn out. That’s the best part about the Academy Awards. It’s not the winners, presenters or gowns, it’s the experience. It’s the anticipation that we love. Who really cares about the winner, it truly is just an honour to be nominated and recognized in your field. I say bravo to everyone because each and every nominee is deserving, as they almost always are. Don’t forget to pack some tissues for the dedication to the dead, which will likely highlight Heath Ledger and Roy Scheider’s incredible careers.