Overall, this years nominations are kind of expected. A few surprises : Javier Bardem! I haven’t seen this movie,”Biutiful’”, but I like him in the pictures, so that’s neat. Ton’s of love for “True Grit”, and it didn’t get any love at the Golden Globes. Not shocking, as the Academy has a long standing love affair with the Coen brothers. “The King’s Speech” leads the race with 12 nominations, “True Grit” got 10. I am a little surprised that Mila Kunis isn’t nominated for best supporting in “Black Swan” but my guess is that they wanted to nominate Hailee Stanfield, but didn’t want to put her up for Best Actress, she’s got a better shot at supporting. But it doesn’t really matter because I think it’s going to Melissa Leo anyways. She already won at the Critics Choice and GG’s, so… that’s my guess. If not, than I’m hoping for Helena Bonham Carter because she is awesome in all ways.
As for the Best Actor category, Javier! Javier! He wasn’t expected at all to be in this category. He was, at best, a longshot. And he’s in there! No Andrew Garfield, no Ryan Gosling (weep! How was he not nominated but Michelle WAS?!), but, Javier. I still don’t think he has much of a chance. I think this is Colin Firth’s year. And he deserves it. He’s such a cool guy, great actor, and is just truly great. I’m rooting for him. If not him, James Franco, because he is batshit crazy and he is already hosting the damn thing, so why not? And he had to pretend to cut off his own arm with a tiny knife.
Best Supporting Actor nominees have a pretty good race ahead of them. Christian Bale is in there, and he won at the GG’s, and his hair looks magnificent. So- I think it’s going to him this year. It would be neat if Mark Ruffalo won, but that is not going to happen. John Hawkes is in there as well for “Winter’s Bone”. Okay. I’m going to say something that it seems no one is going to agree with. I watched this movie and I don’t get what all the hype is about. Do I need to sit through this again? I just thought it was incredibly depressing, and dismal and dark. Is that how it’s supposed to be? Even if it is, I just didn’t come away from it very well…entertained? I don’t know, I have seen dark and dismal movies before, some of them are even my favorites. But this, there wasn’t anything to it. I don’t know, but good for John Hawkes. Good for “Winter’s Bone”, its nice there are indies getting more recognition. At least Justin Timberlake wasn’t nominated. (HA!)
Best Actress category, in my mind is a lock for Natalie. “Black Swan” was so badass in so many ways. It messed with your brains and left you terrified and sad. It was awesome. Annette Bening, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence (“Winter’s Bone”) and Michelle Williams are also in this category. A lot of people are rooting for Annette, because she has been robbed of this award many times in the past, by a younger actress. Hilary Swank. Has she done anything bankable since “Million Dollar Baby”? I don’t know that she has.. It’s sad. Nicole’s a bit of a longshot, as is Michelle. Jennifer Lawrence is another longshot, but a lot of people are rooting for her performance.. but again. Why?
Nolan was robbed of a nomination for Best Director this year. I said it. “Inception” was such a layered, complicated but not confusing, piece largely thanks to Nolan. He presented it in such a clear, gorgeous way. He made you believe that this could actually happen. Sure, why can’t we have adventures in our dreams that will totally change the outcome of our waking lives? Why not? It was gorgeous. The whole film. I also wonder why no actors got put up for this.. Leo? Marion? Even Tom Hardy. I just am a huge fan of this film. It’s great. I think he was snubbed in favor of those Coen Bro’s, who always seem to get nominated by the Academy. Anyways Fincher’s in there for “Social Network” and Aronofsky (Black Swan), O’Russell (Fighter) and Hooper (Kings Speech). My money’s on Fincher.
Best Animated Feature : Toy Story 3. End of Story.
Best Picture, as you know, has 10 nominees. (which is personally think is insane.. but anyways).. Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The Kids are Alright, Kings Speech, 127 Hours, Social Network, Toy Story 3, True Grit, Winter’s Bone.. It’s hard to say with this one, my GUESS not prediction would be “True Grit”. The Coen’s seem to have this one on lockdown each time.. but it could also go to “Social Network”.. that movie has been like a steam train. So.. we shall see. As the date (Feb 27th) gets closer, the campaigns will tighten.. things will happen. Anything could happen, and I can’t wait to print out my ballots and watch and hopefully gloat to my family that I was right.
“Unstoppable” was nominated for sound editing.. heehee. “Wolfman” for makeup! Was I the only one who liked that movie? It had Benicio so…I had too. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” is nominated for Best Art Direction! It’s something! Give those kids some credit where it’s due. That movie was bad ass. Also.. “Exit Through the Gift Shop” is up for best Documentary feature. Banksy! This could be amazing. Academy, make this happen! As we get closer to the big day, I will post my solidified predictions, but for now, this is it!
