The 82nd Academy Awards are Sunday, March 7th. With less than a week to go, I figured it was about time I officially stuck my neck out there and placed my bets on who I think will be walking away with the tiny, little golden man.
Best Motion Picture: The Hurt Locker
In the Oscar contest between Avatar and The Hurt Locker, I choose to believe that a body of film industry folk would know what truly makes a good movie – story over CGI. The masses may have voted with their wallets, but I think the Academy will vote with an Oscar.
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart
Bridges’ portrayal of Bad Blake is heart-breakingly excellent. There’s been a fair amount of buzz around this nomination, and combined with Bridges’ previous four Oscar nods without wins, I think the Academy will finally grant him gold.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds
Equal parts chilling and hilarious, Waltz’s rendition of Col. Hans Landa is nothing short of brilliant. I knew this performance was something special by the opening scene of Inglourious Basterds alone.
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Carey Mulligan in An Education
Coming fresh off a win for Leading Actress at the British Academy Fim Awards, I think momentum will carry Mulligan through to an Oscar win. This category is a bit of a toss up, however. Many assert that Streep will be strong competition in anything she’s nominated in. Others say that even Sandra Bullock stands a good chance considering that despite the many films she’s been in, she’s never been a part of anything that has been Oscar-nomination worthy (I say she still hasn’t). The Academy may take this opportunity to recognize her contribution to film – I mean, we all liked Speed 2, right?
Personally, I think Gabourey Sidibe’s performance in Precious should win, but I don’t think a newcomer like Sidibe will topple such strong competition on all fronts.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Mo’Nique in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Another nomination with a fair amount of debate. All performances in this category were strong, but Mo’Nique’s portrayal of an abusive mother in Precious should absolutely take the gold. Much of the debate here involves Mo’Nique’s refusal to campaign to “earn†her win, but I have to believe that performance alone will ensure her a win. More on that tomorrow though.
Best Animated Feature Film: Up
Arguably the best film Pixar has to date, Up was a beautiful film, showing more of a grown up take on a child’s movie. Up is a lock to win simply by logic alone: no other animated feature was nominated for Best Picture, therefore Up has to be the best of the bunch.
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker
The temptation to make history will be too much for the Academy to resist, and they will grant the first win of a female director to Bigelow. Besides, it’s atypical for Best Picture and Best Director to go to different movies anyway.
Best in Visual Effects: Avatar
Well this one is a no-brainer. Clearly the best special effects out of anything seen in 2009, Avatar became the all time highest grossing film for this reason alone. I liked Star Trek, but I know a winner when I see one.
Best in Adapted Screenplay: Up in the Air
Because this film will be beat out in pretty much every other category, the sharp writing and overall awesomeness of Up in the Air will be recognized for Best in Adapted Screenplay.
Best in Original Screenplay: A Serious Man
The Coen brothers are almost always a sure thing come award season, and this year will be no exception. While they will not be taking top honours like they did two years ago for No Country For Old Men, they won’t go empty handed for their efforts in A Serious Man.
What are your thoughts for this year’s winners? Leave some love in the comments section.
