Oscars predictions

Thur 16 Feb:  It’s that time of the year when the theatres are filled and the red carpet is rolled out as Hollywood’s most glamorous come together to celebrate the victories 2011 brought to film. The 84th Academy Awards will be held on February 26 and Burwood Scene’s Jack Books has made his predictions.

The Artist leads as a clear favourite, with 11 nominations. A rare silent film that really did make me laugh and truly feel for the drama that was unfolding. The Artist follows the life of silent film star George Valentin, who struggles to hold on to his fame with the arrival of the talkies. Jean Dujardin’s performance is a treasure to the industry as his comedic excellence contrasts his stellar drama to leave audiences in no doubt of the story despite the lack of dialogue. With great support from John Goodman, James Cromwell and the nominated beauty Berenice Bejo as the charming Peppy Miller, capturing the true identity of celebrity. A true artist, French director Michel Hazanavicius, directs the film in such authenticity that the film can only be classed as a masterpiece. The Artist is a must see and clear favourite for best picture.

 

 

 

 

 

Image:  Best  Actor nominees  at the 84th Academy Awards lunch on February 6. (left to right): Gary Oldman, Jean Dujardin, Demian Bichir, Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Photo:  Todd Wawrychuk/©A.M.P.A.S.

George Clooney proves his remarkable talent in The Descendants, surpassing his title as world’s sexiest man (according to my mother and various other middle-aged women). The film follows Matt King as he is forced to reconnect with his two daughters when his wife is put into a coma, then discovering that she was cheating on him. The film is a family drama, intertwined with comedy, which has the audience laughing in one line and dissolving to tears with the next. Shailene Woodley equals Clooney for charm and humour but it is Clooney’s  emotional performance that triumphs. He is the front runner for Best Actor.

The Meryl Streep vs. Viola Davis Best Actress statue is possibly the competition this year with both giving unforgettable performances in The Iron Lady and The Help. Streep, once again, morphs into her character – this time as Margaret Thatcher.  Viola Davis gives the heart-felt performance of Abilene Clark. In my opinion, Streep, a 17-time academy award nominee only winning two, is the true victor as she transcends into a character that is such a stretch. In the past decade Streep has been nominated five times, and 2012 is her time. My only hope is that Viola Davis isn’t a thief, merely just a good sport.

 

17-time nominee, Meryl Streep

Brad Pitt gives a moving performance as Baseball coach Billy Beane in Moneyball. He won’t take the prize this year but the drama and desolation of his character shows us he is a silver screen great. Rooney Mara gives a hard-hitting performance as Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher’s The Girl with Dragon Tattoo. Her aggression and strong screen presence augurs well for a long career in tinsel town.

This year various categories are completely unpredictable. Best director, Best supporting actor and best screenplay both original and adapted could really go to anyone. It has been such an excellent year that Nick Nolte’s struggle in Warrior or Christopher Plummer’s flamboyant yet incredible performance in Beginners. Any of the nominated directors could win and I would be more than happy.

My predictions:

Best Picture – The Artist

Best Actor- George Clooney (The Descendants)

Best Actress- Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Best Actor Supporting- Nick Nolte (Warrior)

Best Actress Supporting- Octavia Spencer (The Help)

Best Director- Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist)

Best Original Screenplay- Midnight in Paris

Best Adapted Screenplay- The Descendants

by Jack Brooks