My Fearless 2012 Oscar Predictions
Independent Films, Talk Shows, Movie Reviews, Film Profiles
The 84th Academy Awards will pay homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The perceived Oscar frontrunner, “The Artist,” is a black-and-white silent movie, while one of the Oscar Best Picture contenders, “Hugo,” touches upon the life of Georges Méliès and his magical “Trip to the Moon” (1902). Even Marilyn Monroe is being honored via a Best Actress nomination for Michelle Williams who played the icon in “My Week with Marilyn.”
Amidst the glamour and the spectacle, this is one of the most unpredictable Oscars in recent memory. There is no clear-cut favorite. Even the awards darling “The Artist” may lose its voice on Oscar night. But I am marching forward to reveal my fearless 2012 Oscar predictions.
Transcripts / Production notes / Scripts
Best Picture
*** "The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"
Will Win: “The Artist”
For being a silent film, “The Artist” has a lot to say. It evokes an important historical aspect of Hollywood by way of romance and drama. The film has already won much kudos from various award-giving bodies. If there’s one surefire category, this is it. “The Artist” will be heard loudly come Oscar night.
Best Director
*** "The Artist" Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants" Alexander Payne
"Hugo" Martin Scorsese
"Midnight in Paris" Woody Allen
"The Tree of Life" Terrence Malick
Will Win: “The Artist” Michel Hazanavicius
My heart says Martin Scorsese gave his all in “Hugo.” The director defied gravity and created a 3D film for the very first time. Yet, defying gravity is also Michel Hazanavicius’ forte. By creating a powerful silent film, Hazanavicius, a French auteur, distances himself from his fellow nominees and brilliantly embraces Hollywood. Moreover, he already won a Directors Guild Award so that’s a good sign.
Best Actor
Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"
George Clooney in "The Descendants"
*** Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"
Will Win: Jean Dujardin in “The Artist”
My heart yearns for George Clooney’s powerfully understated performance in “The Descendants” but my mind tells me that it’s going to be Dujardin’s moment. In “The Artist,” he screams, yells, cries in silence, yet we feel every word. It’s quite miraculous!
Best Actress
Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"
*** Viola Davis in "The Help"
Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"
Will Win: Viola Davis in “The Help”
I am rooting for Michelle Williams to win in “My Week with Marilyn,” but the Academy is in Davis’ favor. She already won a Screen Actors Guild award, not to mention a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress, so it’s safe to say, Davis will receive Oscar gold. And she’s a brilliant actress who always comes out memorable in any movie she’s in.
Best Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
*** Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
Will Win: Christopher Plummer in “Beginners”
With Albert Brooks failing to receive a nomination for “Drive,” this category pretty much belongs to Plummer. His performance as an aging father who finally comes out of the closet at age 78 is simply brilliant. It’s also time for the revered actor to finally receive his first Oscar award.
Best Supporting Actress
Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
*** Octavia Spencer in "The Help"
Will Win: Octavia Spencer in “The Help”
Who doesn’t love Spencer’s performance as Minny in “The Help?” Sure, she’s sassy, but she’s also sweet-natured and she made Bryce Dallas Howard’s character eat a very special pie! That alone deserves an award!
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
*** "The Descendants" Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
"Hugo" Screenplay by John Logan
"The Ides of March" Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
"Moneyball" Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Story by Stan Chervin
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan
Will Win: “The Descendants”
It’s really a toss-up between “The Descendants” and “Moneyball” for me. I think both movies have brilliantly adapted each of their own material. But, “The Descendants” reaches far deeper into the human psyche better than “Moneyball.” And, because of its great script, the film is saved from meandering into the melodramatic category.
Writing (Original Screenplay)
"The Artist" Written by Michel Hazanavicius
"Bridesmaids" Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
"Margin Call" Written by J.C. Chandor
*** "Midnight in Paris" Written by Woody Allen
"A Separation" Written by Asghar Farhadi
Will Win: “Midnight in Paris”
The Academy loves Woody Allen and “Midnight in Paris” is the strongest movie from the director in recent years. The film takes us back to a magical time in Paris with Owen Wilson acting as our tour guide. This film is truly original!
Tags
Details
Language: English
Year of production: 2012
Length: 3:00
Country: United States
