The Oscars are here at last. They are the Super Bowl of movies, an event I highly anticipate each and every year. I have been passionate about the awards since the 1994 ceremony when "Schindler's List" won the very well-deserved Best Picture award. In 1995, my parents and I were in Florida and I was not able to see "Forrest Gump" win best picture (my favorite film at the time), but I made sure to find a newspaper to read this information. The following year, I was rooting for "Babe" to win best picture. My parents wouldn't allow me to stay up for the entire ceremony at my young age of 10, but I woke up in the middle of the night, and I just had to know what had won, only to find out "Braveheart" had won (I would be happy about this later). The following year was the first year I was able to watch the ceremony the entire time, so I was able to stay up late-yahoo! This was the year Lauren Bacall surprisingly lost the Best Supporting Actress award to Juliette Binoche for "The English Patient," the film which would later take the coveted Best Picture award that very evening. I have not missed an Oscars broadcast since. In fact, in the spring of 2000, when my then-favorite movie "American Beauty" was up for best picture (and would later win), my parents and I were on our first Caribbean cruise. As much fun as I was having, I was in distress at the fact that our cabin did not have ABC, which would be broadcasting the Oscars. I found out one of the clubs within the ship would be showing the awards, although there was no sound. I didn't care; I HAD to see the Oscars. So yes, I watched Robin Williams mouth "Blame Canada" and still laughed hysterically, knowing I would be able to hear it later. I was able to see Kevin Spacey pick up his second Oscar, and I witnessed the heartbreak of Annette Bening losing yet again to Hilary Swank, who in my personal opinion did not deserve the Oscar, but I digress (the biggest all-time mistake in Oscar history in my personal opinion was Tommy Lee Jones winning for "The Fugitive." Did they NOT see Leonardo Dicaprio in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" Sigh. This is a story for another time).
So today, February 22nd, 2015, the Oscars are once again upon us. I am lucky enough to have seen 7/8 Best Picture nominees (still have yet to see "Selma"), and I must say that this year's list of contenders is excellent. So let's begin with my FINAL predictions in the major categories:
Best Picture
The nominees are:
"American Sniper"
"Birdman"
"Boyhood"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"The Imitation Game"
"Selma"
"The Theory of Everything"
"Whiplash"
What will win: This is one of the most exciting Best Picture races in quite some time in my personal opinion. Throughout the entire awards season, it has been a close race between "Boyhood" and "Birdman." In fact, this category has been extremely difficult to predict, which is why it took me up to late last night to cast my final vote that "Birdman" will take the trophy.
What should win: All of the films nominated that I saw would be worthy in more ways in one to win this award, but my personal choice would be either "The imitation Game" or "Whiplash."
What should have been nominated, but wasn't: "Gone Girl," "The Lego Movie"
Best Director
The nominees are:
Alejandro G. Inarritu, "Birdman"
Richard Linklater, "Boyhood"
Bennett Miller, "Foxcatcher"
Wes Anderson, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Morten Tyldum, "The Imitation Game"
What will win: Similar to Best Picture, this is an EXTREMELY difficult race to predict and analyze. I am going to say Richard Linklater for his brilliant and unique vision with "Boyhood." He took quite a risk with a project like this, and it was worth it. I would say that Inarritu is equally worthy. "Birdman" is a brilliant look at the life of an actor attempting a comeback and is masterful filmmaking. Could there be a tie in this category, please?
Who should win: See above.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Clint Eastwood, "American Sniper"
Best Actor
The nominees are:
Steve Carell, "Foxcatcher"
Bradley Cooper, "American Sniper"
Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Imitation Game"
Michael Keaton, "Birdman"
Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything"
Who will win: Having seen 4/5 of these performances (haven't seen "Foxcatcher"), this is a great roster of performances. I will say that Bradley Cooper was excellent in "American Sniper" and is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors (his performance in "Silver Linings Playbook" is one of my personal all-time favorite performances); however, I do feel that this role most likely could have been played by a male actor similar in age and looks to Cooper, so while I highly anticipate Cooper's win someday (should have been for "Silver Linings Playbook," but I digress), I don't feel it should be for "American Sniper." Cumberbatch, Keaton, and Redmayne were all brilliant in their parts. It seems unfair to pick just one, as all three are more than deserving. The general consensus is Eddie Redmayne. Three-way tie, anyone?
Who should win: As mentioned above, Cumberbatch, Keaton, and Redmayne are all deserving of this award, although if you had to force me to choose just one, I would probably go with Redmayne due to how convincing he was as Stephen Hawking and the physical and emotional demands of the role. I will be happy with any of these three picking up the statue.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Ralph Fiennes, "The Grand Budapest Hotel," Miles Teller, "Whiplash," Ben Affleck, "Gone Girl"
Best Actress
The nominees are:
Marion Cotillard, "Two Days, One Night"
Felicity Jones, "The Theory of Everything"
Julianne Moore, "Still Alice"
Rosamund Pike, "Gone Girl"
Reese Witherspoon, "Wild"
Who will and should win: Juliannne Moore. While I have not seen "Still Alice," Julianne Moore is a phenomenal actress, one of the best in the biz. She is long overdue for a win. Any other year, and Rosamund Pike would have this. She was fantastic as Amy in "Gone Girl," and as a huge fan of the book, I now can't think of anyone else who could have played her better. We are very likely to see Pike in this category in the near future. Her time will come. Same goes for Felicity Jones. She was wonderful in "The Theory of Everything," and she has a very long career ahead of her.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Jennifer Aniston, "Cake." I haven't seen it yet, but Aniston has really proven she is a great actress, and quite honestly, I really don't care for Marion Cotillard. I still make fun of her from "Dark Knight Rises" and "Nine" (one of the worst movie musicals I have ever seen).
Best Supporting Actor
The nominees are:
Robert Duvall, "The Judge"
Ethan Hawke, "Boyhood"
Edward Norton, "Birdman"
Mark Ruffalo, "Foxcatcher"
J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash"
Who will and should win: J.K. Simmons. He was incredible in "Whiplash"-you really hated him! He has been around forever, and it's fantastic to see him in such a meaty role that has garnered him so much attention. If there is anyone who comes close, it is Edward Norton, who basically dominates the first half of "Birdman." He, like Julianne Moore, is long overdue for an Oscar, but he just can't compete with Simmons. Your time will come, Mr. Norton.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Tony Revolori, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Best Supporting Actress
The nominees are:
Patricia Arquette, "Boyhood"
Laura Dern, "Wild"
Keira Knightley, "The imitation Game
Emma Stone, "Birdman
Meryl Streep, "Into the Woods"
Who will and should win: Anyone who knows me well knows that I worship the ground Meryl Streep walks on. She truly is the greatest living actress. Heck, she could read a phone book for two hours, and I would pay full price (I like to pretend "Mamma Mia" doesn't exist). She had a ball in "Into the Woods," and you can really tell. As much as I would love to see her win a 4th Oscar, this year truly belongs to Patricia Arquette. She is truly amazing in "Boyhood" and really paints a vivid picture of what it is like to be a single mom. She becomes the character, and you feel as if you are watching the true pains and struggles that she feels. She is an excellent actress who is long overdue for this kind of recognition. This is her time. I must say, however, that Keira Knightly, who I generally don't care for, was exquisite in "The Imitation Game," and Emma Stone, who I always love, really did a great job going against type in "Birdman."
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Carrie Coon, "Gone Girl"-Anyone who has seen "Gone Girl" and is a fan of the book will know just how perfect she was as Margo.
Best Original Screenplay
The nominees are:
"Birdman"
"Boyhood"
"Foxcatcher"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"Nightcrawler"
What will and should win: "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is masterful storytelling. Wes Anderson is a genius for creating this piece. "Birdman" is a very, VERY close second.
What should have been nominated, but wasn't: "The Lego Movie"
Best Adapted Screenplay
The nominees are:
"American Sniper"
"The Imitation Game"
"Inherent Vice"
"The Theory of Everything"
"Whiplash"
What will and should win: "The Imitation Game" is one of my two very favorite movies from the Best Picture contenders, with "Whiplash" being the other one. Honestly, I would be happy with either of those winning; however, it seems that this is the only award "The Imitation Game" has a real shot of winning, so it has my vote, and it is very well-deserved.
So there you have it, folks-my final predictions for this evening's festivities. I cannot wait to watch the show, especially with one of my faves Neil Patrick Harris hosting. Happy Oscars!!!
So today, February 22nd, 2015, the Oscars are once again upon us. I am lucky enough to have seen 7/8 Best Picture nominees (still have yet to see "Selma"), and I must say that this year's list of contenders is excellent. So let's begin with my FINAL predictions in the major categories:
Best Picture
The nominees are:
"American Sniper"
"Birdman"
"Boyhood"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"The Imitation Game"
"Selma"
"The Theory of Everything"
"Whiplash"
What will win: This is one of the most exciting Best Picture races in quite some time in my personal opinion. Throughout the entire awards season, it has been a close race between "Boyhood" and "Birdman." In fact, this category has been extremely difficult to predict, which is why it took me up to late last night to cast my final vote that "Birdman" will take the trophy.
What should win: All of the films nominated that I saw would be worthy in more ways in one to win this award, but my personal choice would be either "The imitation Game" or "Whiplash."
What should have been nominated, but wasn't: "Gone Girl," "The Lego Movie"
Best Director
The nominees are:
Alejandro G. Inarritu, "Birdman"
Richard Linklater, "Boyhood"
Bennett Miller, "Foxcatcher"
Wes Anderson, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Morten Tyldum, "The Imitation Game"
What will win: Similar to Best Picture, this is an EXTREMELY difficult race to predict and analyze. I am going to say Richard Linklater for his brilliant and unique vision with "Boyhood." He took quite a risk with a project like this, and it was worth it. I would say that Inarritu is equally worthy. "Birdman" is a brilliant look at the life of an actor attempting a comeback and is masterful filmmaking. Could there be a tie in this category, please?
Who should win: See above.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Clint Eastwood, "American Sniper"
Best Actor
The nominees are:
Steve Carell, "Foxcatcher"
Bradley Cooper, "American Sniper"
Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Imitation Game"
Michael Keaton, "Birdman"
Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything"
Who will win: Having seen 4/5 of these performances (haven't seen "Foxcatcher"), this is a great roster of performances. I will say that Bradley Cooper was excellent in "American Sniper" and is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors (his performance in "Silver Linings Playbook" is one of my personal all-time favorite performances); however, I do feel that this role most likely could have been played by a male actor similar in age and looks to Cooper, so while I highly anticipate Cooper's win someday (should have been for "Silver Linings Playbook," but I digress), I don't feel it should be for "American Sniper." Cumberbatch, Keaton, and Redmayne were all brilliant in their parts. It seems unfair to pick just one, as all three are more than deserving. The general consensus is Eddie Redmayne. Three-way tie, anyone?
Who should win: As mentioned above, Cumberbatch, Keaton, and Redmayne are all deserving of this award, although if you had to force me to choose just one, I would probably go with Redmayne due to how convincing he was as Stephen Hawking and the physical and emotional demands of the role. I will be happy with any of these three picking up the statue.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Ralph Fiennes, "The Grand Budapest Hotel," Miles Teller, "Whiplash," Ben Affleck, "Gone Girl"
Best Actress
The nominees are:
Marion Cotillard, "Two Days, One Night"
Felicity Jones, "The Theory of Everything"
Julianne Moore, "Still Alice"
Rosamund Pike, "Gone Girl"
Reese Witherspoon, "Wild"
Who will and should win: Juliannne Moore. While I have not seen "Still Alice," Julianne Moore is a phenomenal actress, one of the best in the biz. She is long overdue for a win. Any other year, and Rosamund Pike would have this. She was fantastic as Amy in "Gone Girl," and as a huge fan of the book, I now can't think of anyone else who could have played her better. We are very likely to see Pike in this category in the near future. Her time will come. Same goes for Felicity Jones. She was wonderful in "The Theory of Everything," and she has a very long career ahead of her.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Jennifer Aniston, "Cake." I haven't seen it yet, but Aniston has really proven she is a great actress, and quite honestly, I really don't care for Marion Cotillard. I still make fun of her from "Dark Knight Rises" and "Nine" (one of the worst movie musicals I have ever seen).
Best Supporting Actor
The nominees are:
Robert Duvall, "The Judge"
Ethan Hawke, "Boyhood"
Edward Norton, "Birdman"
Mark Ruffalo, "Foxcatcher"
J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash"
Who will and should win: J.K. Simmons. He was incredible in "Whiplash"-you really hated him! He has been around forever, and it's fantastic to see him in such a meaty role that has garnered him so much attention. If there is anyone who comes close, it is Edward Norton, who basically dominates the first half of "Birdman." He, like Julianne Moore, is long overdue for an Oscar, but he just can't compete with Simmons. Your time will come, Mr. Norton.
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Tony Revolori, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Best Supporting Actress
The nominees are:
Patricia Arquette, "Boyhood"
Laura Dern, "Wild"
Keira Knightley, "The imitation Game
Emma Stone, "Birdman
Meryl Streep, "Into the Woods"
Who will and should win: Anyone who knows me well knows that I worship the ground Meryl Streep walks on. She truly is the greatest living actress. Heck, she could read a phone book for two hours, and I would pay full price (I like to pretend "Mamma Mia" doesn't exist). She had a ball in "Into the Woods," and you can really tell. As much as I would love to see her win a 4th Oscar, this year truly belongs to Patricia Arquette. She is truly amazing in "Boyhood" and really paints a vivid picture of what it is like to be a single mom. She becomes the character, and you feel as if you are watching the true pains and struggles that she feels. She is an excellent actress who is long overdue for this kind of recognition. This is her time. I must say, however, that Keira Knightly, who I generally don't care for, was exquisite in "The Imitation Game," and Emma Stone, who I always love, really did a great job going against type in "Birdman."
Who should have been nominated, but wasn't: Carrie Coon, "Gone Girl"-Anyone who has seen "Gone Girl" and is a fan of the book will know just how perfect she was as Margo.
Best Original Screenplay
The nominees are:
"Birdman"
"Boyhood"
"Foxcatcher"
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
"Nightcrawler"
What will and should win: "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is masterful storytelling. Wes Anderson is a genius for creating this piece. "Birdman" is a very, VERY close second.
What should have been nominated, but wasn't: "The Lego Movie"
Best Adapted Screenplay
The nominees are:
"American Sniper"
"The Imitation Game"
"Inherent Vice"
"The Theory of Everything"
"Whiplash"
What will and should win: "The Imitation Game" is one of my two very favorite movies from the Best Picture contenders, with "Whiplash" being the other one. Honestly, I would be happy with either of those winning; however, it seems that this is the only award "The Imitation Game" has a real shot of winning, so it has my vote, and it is very well-deserved.
So there you have it, folks-my final predictions for this evening's festivities. I cannot wait to watch the show, especially with one of my faves Neil Patrick Harris hosting. Happy Oscars!!!