Oscar Predictions…

Tonight is the Academy Awards, and usually for a movie nut for myself it’s a fun time to be had by all. This year the Oscars is trying to change things and make the show more exciting, and while I’m all for a little sprucing up… a shorter run time would make people happier. Seeing Best Picture get handed out before midnight would in itself be a true accomplishment. Will that happen, I doubt it but we’ll see.

Hugh Jackman (X-Men) has been asked to host the show and considering his extensive broadway history before going big on the silver screen, I have a feeling we’ll see the host pump out a show like tune for the audience watching. While that might be different, I’m not sure how well received that’s going to be. If this show goes more in the direction of the Tony awards, which is one of the most boring award shows you’ll ever watch… then this night could be a real disaster.

I’m hoping for the best, but preparing myself for the worst. If it gets really bad, I might flip on the DVR and go to bed and watch the rest in the morning when I have the option to fast forward through stuff that I don’t like. But what would an entry about the Oscars be without a little prediction on who I think is going to take home the statues?

So without further delay, here are my picks:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

It will be a huge shocker if this film does’t win. Upsets do happen but not that often… and right now the other nominees don’t look like they have what it takes to pull off the big surprise.

Best Actor in a leading role: Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”

I’ve seen this movie, and believe me… Rourke was amazing. If any actor has a chance to pull of an upset it might be Sean Penn but I doubt it. I think this one is going to Rourke.

Actor in a supporting role: Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight”

This one is pretty much the lock of the Oscar season, which is a shame because I don’t think he should win it. I think Hoffman’s performance in Doubt and even Robert Downey Jr’s showing in Tropic Thunder are far superior… but Ledger is going to win a sympathy vote.

Actress in a leading role: Kate Winslet, “The Reader”

I haven’t had a chance to see this one, but she’s gotten a lot of nominations, and I think it’s her time. The fact that she won’t cancel herself out with her other big role from ‘Revelution Road’ that didn’t get nominated improves her chances here too.

Actress in a supporting role: Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

I see this years Oscars going out of their way to spread the love. Don’t be surprised if this year’s big winner gets no more than 3 or 4 awards. This one will be the love shown for Woody Allen’s latest film.

Directing: Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire”

This one will be well deserved, and I hope Danny takes the hit: make more movies like this and less like 28 Days Later.

Animated Feature Film: Wall-E

This one is a no brainer, the film was just that good.

Art Direction: The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight will get some love from the Academy too. Gotta appease those nutcases who are still pissed off this film didn’t get nominated in every major category.

Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

Writing (Original): In Bruges

Writing (Adapted): The Reader

Costume Design: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Documentary feature: Man on Wire

Documentary short: The Conscience of Nhem En

Short Animated Film: Presto

Short Live Film: Auf Der Strecke (On The Line)

Film editing: Milk

Foreign language film: Departures

Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Music Score: Defiance

Music Song: Down to Earth (“Wall-E”)

Sound editing: Wall-E

Sound mixing: The Dark Knight

Visual effects: Iron Man