First Oscar Predictions: Best Supporting Actor

The race in the supporting categories is always hard to predict early on. As a result these are very premature predictions of who I think could be nominated after the festivals

These are in no particular order
1.Christopher Plummer-Beginners-This is probably the most certain if not a lock in this category. Plummer easily stole the show from Eewan McGregor. The film may have done poorly in the box office but Focus will most likely pull for Plummer especially after the amazing reviews he received in the summer.

2. Viggo Mortensen-A Dangerous Method-Reviews out Venice and Toronto hailed him for his great acting. Although the film received mixed reception I think Sony will pull for him as he is a great actor and if his performance is convincing voters won't care about critics and how the rest of the film is.




3. George Clooney-The Ides of March-This is probably completely wrong because he'll most likely be nominated for The Descendants and because Phillip Seymour Hoffman may get the nomination for his work However critics hailed him for his performance.


4.Kenneth Branagh-My Week Marilyn-Again this film has not been seen so it is hard to tell if Branagh's portrayal is really as captivating as thesps are expecting.




5.Colin Firth-Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy-Here is another wishful thought. Firth has had a great run and it would be great to see him earn his third nomination for this compelling role.





Heavy Contenders
John Hawkes-Martha Marcy May Marlene-Reviews out of Sundance, Cannes and Toronto said he was chilling. That is a good sign for awards




Phillip Seymour Hoffman-The Ides of March-Its hard to take him out of any race especially because Hoffman is one of the most diverse actors working today.






Albert Brooks-Drive-The film received raves and Brooks was one of the standouts.








Brad Pitt-The Tree of Life-This is definitely wishful thinking but Pitt was phenomenal in a non conventional acting form.

First Oscar Predictions: Best Art Direction

This category is always a difficult one to predict because the Academy has different taste every year. The last two years the academy has gone for fantasy films. However the period film is always a popular choice with them.

The following are in no particular order
1. Dante Ferretti-Hugo-From the trailer the film looks like a showy piece in terms of sets. As a result this film seems like a lock and even a front runner in the category.




2. Laurence Bennett- The Artist-Recreating the 1920s is always a challenge but this films looks like the perfect eye candy that Acadmey voters will vote for.








3. Stuart Craig-Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2-The Harry Potter series has been nominated for art direction several times. Craig deserves a cumulative recognition as this film is thus far the showiest of all the films that have been released.




4. Rick Henrichs-Captain America:The First Avenger-A showy superhero piece with beautiful sets can sometimes translate into a nomination. I think this is wishful thinking but the film looks superb and it could easily end up in the list.




5. James McAteer-A Dangerous Method-I'm putting this film in again regardless of all the mixed reviews because the Academy surprises with Period films like The Duchess and The Young Victoria. I don't think it has a great chance but the film looks immaculate and most importantly very elegant.




Other Heavy Considerations
Sarah Greenwood-Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows- The first film was nominated so this one may have an easy time getting into the top 5






James J. Murakami-J. Edgar-He was nominated for Changeling unexpectedly so his extensive work may lead him to his second nomination

Jack Fisk-The Tree of Life-This probably a long shot but there are some beautiful sets that were created. However there isn't anything showy enough that will catch the eye of the voters.








Maria Djurkovic-Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy-The trailer shows perfection in every department and with the attention the film is getting it may show up in many categories.
   

First Oscar Predictions: Best Actress

This year the Actress branch is one of the most competitive in years. The Oscars usually pick the best actress based on accents or makeup transformations and sometimes even if the actress is playing a real life person.

The following are in particular order

1. Meryl Streep-The Iron Lady-Its hard to ignore Streep as she has been nominated 16 times and only won twice. In recent years she has been close to winning but somehow the Academy does not vote for her. However things bode well as she is playing a real life character and well its Meryl Streep. The only bad sign is no one has even seen the film and well Phillipa Lloyd is the director. Her last film Mama Mia was an utter disaster. We'll see how critics receive the film.


2. Glen Close-Albert Nobbs-Critics were divided on this film as Glen Close's turn is very quiet and calm. Its not as showy as many expected but Close is loved by many and she plays a man making it even harder to ignore this performance.

3.Keira Knightley-A Dangerous Method-Knightley's performance as Sabina Spielrein has divided critics as they have complained about her accent and about her over the top mannerisms. However many have stated that she is the best thing about the film and that she is a committed actress. Once again this is another real person turn so the Academy may vote for her.





4. Viola Davis-The Help-Davis who was last nominated for Doubt, steals every scene in this film. Whether she is a supporting or a lead Davis seems like a lock in one of the categories but I am rooting for her in the lead category.




5. Michelle Williams-My Week with Marilyn-I ultimately chose her over Elizabeth Olsen because Williams is an actress who the Academy knows and from the pictures it looks like Williams' transformation was complete. However we won't know what critics think until the film premieres at the New York Film Festival.




Other heavy contenders-  
Elizabeth Olsen- Martha Marcy May Marlene-The film premiered at Sundance and Olsen has been getting praised ever since that. While I did not put her in my top 5 predictions I think I will have to change my decision as the fall season moves on.






Kirsten Dunst-Melancholia-Lars Von Triers' films never get nominated but Emily Watson did get nominated for Breaking the Waves. In addition Dunst won at Cannes which is always a good sign. Last year Javier Bardem surprised everyone when he was nominated for Biutiful, a performance everyone had ignored. 

First Oscar Predictions: Best Cinematography

Visuals are important in telling a story and this award usually goes to visually inventive films. The last few years the award has gone to big blockbusters Inception and Avatar. However I think this year, an art film has the best of chances.

These are in no particular order
1. Janusz Kaminski-From the trailer this film has potential in getting the nomination for its visual poetry. Kaminski has already won for a Spielberg film, so it would be no surprise that this film is nominated. Of course there are never locks as "Munich" a film that was visually beautiful missed the nomination.


2. Emanuel Lubezki-The Tree of Life-Malick's film has to be a lock for this category as it is poetic in every way and visually inventive. In addition, Lubezki and Malick used no lighting to create each and every shot. Lubezki who has been nominated for previous work with Malick's for "The New World" in 2005 deserves the Oscar this year for the beautiful and radiant work that he does in "The Tree of Life".


3. Eduardo Serra-Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2-Serra was ignored last year for his work in Part 1. However I have a feeling with all the amazing reviews and the attention this film is getting, Serra may get more attention. In addition the film looks incredible.



4. Tom Stern-J. Edgar-This is a long shot but Stern surprised all when he was nominated for Changeling. Edgar is another period film that has a stellar cast and with luck Mr. Eastwood could bring the same visual style that he brought to Changeling.




5. Guillame Schiffman-The Artist-The most important thing in film is the visual especially when the film is silent. Because The Artist is a silent film, Schiffman has the duty of telling a story through visuals and not through dialogue. I think this may be a lock in the category.




Other Considerations
The cinematography branch seems weak this year and as a result there are not many films I can think of that deserve a nomination in this category.



Hoyt Van Hoytema-Tnker Tailer Soldier Spy-From the Trailer the film looks visually stunning. However sometimes the most visually appealing films are never looked at by the Academy.






Peter Sushitzky-A Dangerous Method-Reviews out Venice said that the films cinematography was astounding and that it was elegant. Cronenberg has never been the most poetic of filmmakers and from the clips the film does not look promising in this category.

First Oscar Predictions:Best Original Score

The Original score category is probably one of the hardest categories to predict as the Academy never goes for the same types of scores. Sometimes they pick the melodic, the atmospheric or the electronic. But it really all depends on what film is getting attention and what score is unique.

These are in no particular order
1. John Williams-War Horse-John Williams is one of the prolific cinema composers of all time. This year with two scores he's bound to get nominated for at least one. Williams who has won 5 oscars is known for lush and melodic scores.




2. John Williams-The Adventures of Tintin-In 2005 Williams was nominated for two Oscars for two very different scores. This year he takes on a drama and an adventure movie which require very different temperaments. When working with Speilberg, Williams never really goes wrong plus he hasn't been nominated in 6 years.



3. Howard Shore-A Dangerous Method-This is probably a long shot but Shore's score was acclaimed and Variety said it was unforgettable. In addition Shore and Cronenberg have collaborated for years and have never been recognized. With lots of attention, Shore may finally get his next nomination.



4. Dario Marianelli-Jane Eyre-Marianelli has been nominated for two Oscars and won for Atonement. This score while lush and passionate is subtle. The academy likes subtlety and scores with solo instruments. Marianelli offers a violin solo that creates the atmosphere of the film. The only problem is will the Academy remember the film after so many months.


5. Alberto Iglesias-Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy-Igelsias has already been nominated for two Oscars, both for work that is textured and atmospheric. This year he takes on the task of scoring a thriller and from Venice reviews they say the score is thrilling and exciting.





Other considerations
Like every other category this year the score category is probably one of the most crowded this year.
Here are other strong contenders

Alexandre Desplat-The Ides of March-The Academy has nominated his work for the past two years. Each film he approaches in a different way and this looks like the Michael Clayton type score.





W.E.-Abel Korzeniowski-After a momentous score for A Single Man its hard to ignore Korzeniowski's music. His music is full of passion and even though this film may have bad reviews, the music can still be recognized.



Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross-The Gril with the Dragon Tattoo- Its hard to ignore last years Oscar winners. With The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo they'll come up with something unique and special.





As we get closer to nominations, we'll see what the Academy is looking for this year

First Oscar predictions: Best Costume Design

From here out Oscar season begins. Here are my first predictions in the category of costume design

This is probably one of the easiest categories to predict as Academy always goes for the period costume or the fantasy element.

The following are no specific order


1. Sandy Powell-Hugo-The Academy Awards seem to always love nominating Powell. Her work is detailed and beautiful. She has won 3 Oscars and has been nominated for 9. This film is showy and has magical elements which should prove a plus for Powell for Academy voters.



2. Ariane Phillips-W.E.-Though the film was poorly reviewed out of Venice, Phillips' costumes were complimented for the detail. Period dramas are usually given recognition for their costumes even if the film isn't great. Phillips whose been nominated for 1 Oscar may be on track for her second.


3. Michael O'Connor-Jane Eyre-This may be a lock as his costumes are sumptuous and lavish but also subtle. They are striking but they don't distract from the drama. However this may be a problem as the academy is always looking for eye candy. O'Connor may have an uphill battle this year as the film came out in March and the costumes are not distracting but I feel confident that the Academy will keep him in the run this year. O'Connor was last nominated for the Duchess and won.

4. Denise Cronenberg-A Dangerous Method-After its Venice premiere Cronenberg's film was acclaimed for its elegant style. Denise Cronenberg has never been nominated for an Oscar but this may be her chance. As I've stated period films get most of the attention and this film is already getting a lot of attention.



5. Mark Bridges-The Artist-The film received raves at Cannes and now it is getting a lot of attention. Mark Bridges' costumes recreate the 1920s dress, a task that is very difficult especially when the film is also trying to recreate the silent film. These costumes may not be locks but they definitely have a chance.

OTHER CONTENDERS

These are other films that have chances but I find them to be less likely to make the top five.

Sharon Davis-The Help-Colorful costumes are eye candy for voters. Plus Sharon Davis was already nominated twice for similar work.






Anna B. Sheppard-Captain America:The First Avenger-Beautiful superhero costumes combined with war and period costumes equals a likely chance of a nomination.





The list is endless but at the moment these are my top 7 picks that I think have the best possibilities of getting nominated.

Crazy, Stupid Love Review

Just got back from finally seeing "Crazy, Stupid Love." I will provide the disclaimer that I do not like Romantic Comedies. I find them formulaic, redundant, and usually lacking in the charm and wit you would expect from the comedy genre. More and more, they have come to rely on safe toilet jokes that are funny the first time because of their shock value, but will undoubtedly be unable to provide a repeat performance and effect. Finally, they are generally littered with actors who while able to provide the comic thrills, are unable to really provide further depth to the characters they are portraying, rendering the story without much depth. When I first saw the trailer to "Crazy, Stupid Love," I was actually left with the desire to watch the film.A diverse cast of characters engaged in different stages of love seemed like it could provide a deep perspective on love in all its forms. The fact that the film contained top-flight actors such as Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Marisa Tomei who's body of work usually fails to disappoint, and you are left with great hope. The rest of the cast, which includes the ever hilarious Steve Carrell, the promising Emma Stone, and even Kevin Bacon, is just the icing on the cake.

And I must say that it surely did not disappoint. The performances were top notch led by the scene-stealing Ryan Gosling at his most charismatic. Marisa Tomei, whose role seems prepped up to be bigger in the trailer, maintains that level of quality that one comes to expect from her with the limited screen time she gets. The rest of the cast provides sufficient depth and personality to the clever script by Dan Fogelman. The script never ceases to run out of new ways to surprise with the unexpected and takes sufficient risks to jolt in new directions without any anticipation. I also appreciated the fact that Fogelman has no quams at poking fun, not only at its own story's absurdities/cliches, but the genre's conventions as well. That isn't to say that the story does not unfold like your typical romantic comedy. It still follows the conventions, particularly later in the film, but Fogelman and directors John Requa and Glen Ficarra are careful to maintain the focus on the characters in order to pay off the audience's investment properly. We know where the story is headed (and even the ending is slightly open-ended that we are almost allowed our own conclusion), but the actual journey makes the it all worthwhile.

The film is not without its own flaws however. Without revealing too much, some of the characters do not get the sufficient amount of attention that one would expect. When the stories converge unexpectedly and then charge to their conclusion, you still get the sense that one particular story, which proves to be more important than anticipated, gets the short end in comparison with the rest and ultimately feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped. This is particularly noticeable when it is placed in the thematic context that the film seeks to express. The film seems interested in exploring the complex nature of love and relationships, and this particular story (because of its being rushed into the film in the final third) seems a bit generic when compared with other relationships that are explored.

Nonetheless, the script's honest attempt at true depth coupled with a brilliant cast and energetic direction provide for one of the finest films (thus far) of 2011 and surely the best romantic comedy of the year.