Due to early forecasts of cold and rainy weather for today, February 27, 2011, I canceled the Ghetto and Gowns Gala - our annual celebration of all things Oscar.
That is the first call I got right in the 2011 Academy Awards race. If the temperature were to dip any lower outside we would be in the middle of a blizzard.
Below are my thoughts and predictions on some of the actual awards to be handed out tonight at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood:
BEST PICTURE
Black Swan - I found this movie difficult to sit through. How good is a movie you watch through your fingers?
The Fighter - Although not my top pick, it is right up there. I walked out of this movie completely satisfied with what I had just watched and was blown away by the four lead performances: Mark Wahlberg, Amy Adams, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo. All four were superb.
Inception - I did not see this movie and have to admit I don't think I am smart enough to see it.
The Kids Are Alright - I know some people raved about this movie, I, on the other hand thought it was a snoozefest - and rather pointless. While I believe female sexuality is more fluid then males, I thought the affair between Julianna Moore and Mark Ruffalo was unrealistic and a way for Hollywood to make a "gay themed" movie that was somewhat palatable for straight audiences.
The King's Speech - WINNER - While I enjoyed this movie I do not feel it should win.
127 Hours - This movie was good, perhaps long, but the only reason to see it was because of James Franco's performance.
The Social Network - This was the best movie of this past year and I think it should win. I walked out of the theater completely satisfied, like I had just pushed my chair away from a delicious 7 course meal. I loved this movie.
Toy Story 3 - I cried like a baby the last 10 minutes of this movie. Very good movie but it will win in the animated category.
True Grit - I didn't see this movie but it doesn't have a chance.
Winter's Bone - This is one of the best movies of this past year and I am happy to see that it got nominated as I doubt many people saw it.
BEST DIRECTOR
Black Swan Darren Aronofsky - I found this movie difficult to follow and watch at times. So sorry Darren!
The Fighter David O. Russell - Good job and thanks for showing up but you can stay in your seat.
The King's Speech Tom Hooper - If it is a "King's Speech Sweep" then Tom has a chance - and that will be his only reason for winning.
The Social Network David Fincher - WINNER - Great movie, great direction!
True Grit Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - Is it only me that finds it strange when the Coen brothers are co-nominated for things? Shouldn't only ONE be able to be the best?
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Javier Bardem in “Biutiful” - I am sure he is good in this and I meant to see it (and didn't) but he doesn't have a chance.
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit” - Although I didn't see this movie, I don't think it matters as he won last year.
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network” - Jesse was very good in this movie but I'm not sure he isn't this nerdy and awkward in real life.
Colin Firth in “The King's Speech” - WINNER - Solid performance
James Franco in “127 Hours” - Possibly the best performance of this past year and if Colin Firth hadn't perfected his stutter, James would be going home with Oscar. The entire film is him and he carries it well.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right” - WINNER - In recognition of her body of work, Annette will walk away with Oscar.
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole” - I saw the trailer of Nicole being great actress Nicole. I am rarely impressed with her and do not think she should have won for The Hours.
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter's Bone” - This was a spot on performance by a relatively unknown actress and she should be very proud of the work she did on this movie. While her performance is definitely worthy of a Best Actress win, she doesn't have a chance.
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” - Most likely to upset Annette Benning and I would not be unhappy in the least. While the movie is too strange for my tastes, her performance is amazing and I would be happy to see her walk to the podium.
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine” - If I was able to officially cast my vote it would have been between Jennifer Lawrence and Michelle Williams. This girl nails it every time, and in the movie, although I thought her character was the problem in the film (as opposed her Ryan Gosling's), Michelle's performance was SPOT ON!
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Christian Bale in “The Fighter” - WINNER - One of the few cases that I think I will agree with the Academy voters. His performance was transformative and sublime.
John Hawkes in “Winter's Bone” - I don't think the Oscar should go to anyone who looks dirty (or toothless) on screen. Good performance though.
Jeremy Renner in “The Town” - The Town is tied with The Social Network as my favorite movie of the year (and it just arrived from Netlix). Jeremy Renner's performance was fantastic and any year he wasn't competing against this year's Christian Bale performance might have nabbed him the gold.
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right” - Nice to look at but anyone could have played this role.
Geoffrey Rush in “The King's Speech” - Geoffrey's performance is the heart of this movie and definitely Oscar worthy but against Christian Bale's performance this year, he doesn't stand a chance.
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams in “The Fighter” - Definitely Oscar worthy and if Melissa Leo screwed herself out of an Oscar with her "For Your Consideration" advertisements, Amy Adams will be the winner
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King's Speech” - Her first normal person role in recent memory, but this performance was not the best of the year.
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter” -WINNER - This is my choice of the year (along with Amy Adams). Melissa Leo was outstanding as the rough around the edges mother to Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale in The Fighter. With more screen time she could have qualified as Best Actress as possibly won.
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit” - Sorry I didn't see your movie Hailee, but I don't think you have a chance. Plus, with a name so close to Seinfield, I probably would not have voted for you anyway.
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom” - I Netflixed this movie and then didn't even watch it. I hope you were good Jackie.
BEST ANIMATED FILM
How to Train Your Dragon - Sorry, stay in your seat!
The Illusionist - I haven't seen it yet but plan to see it.
Toy Story 3 - We have a WINNER
Those are a few of my picks.....and the Oscar goes to.................
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