Oscar Predictions!
Tonight is the 87th Academy Awards, the glitzy and most prestigious film awards ceremony. And yes, it is pretentious, self-indulgent, and many times a load of crap. However, this year, I believe the Academy is honoring several great films, actors, and actresses. So here are my somewhat limited and amateur opinions on the nominees and my Oscar picks and predictions for tonight.
Unfortunately there were three films I did not have the pleasure of seeing yet, which is why I call this a limited opinion, but of five films I did see, all met or surpassed my expectations. First let me tackle the three Best Picture nominees that I did not see: Selma, American Sniper, and The Imitation Game. I do not doubt that Selma, was a good film with good acting, despite the fact the I find Oprah to be particularly off-putting, but seeing that the film was snubbed in both acting and directing categories, this film about one of the Twentieth Centuries most important figures, will most likely not win.
I also do not think American Sniper will win either. Is that my antiwar bias speaking? Maybe. I am sure Bradley Cooper gave a stunning performance that showcased just how versatile an actor he is, but I almost feel that the Academy felt obligated to nominate it, just because it is a Clint Eastwood film. I love Eastwood as both a director and actor and I enjoy the occasional war movie and action movie, but I feel that the politically contentious nature of the content will prevent it from winning.
Finally, with The Imitation Game, I could not offer an accurate prediction or opinion except that I believe several of the other films will overshadow it preventing it from winning, despite Benedict Cumberbatch being a brilliant actor.
Now on to the films I have seen: Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Whiplash, and The Theory of Everything. I enjoyed all of these films and they all deserved their nominations, but in my opinion it is a toss up between Boyhood, Birdman, and The Theory of Everything. I probably enjoyed The Theory of Everything the most, but Birdman should win and will win. It was metaphysical, intense, and engaging. In a way it was a bizarre commentary on fame, yet an even deeper commentary on the needs and emotions of every human.
Right after watching Birdman, I would have said Alejandro G. Iñárritu deserved the award for directing, and I predict he will win, but upon more reflection I think Richard Linklater should win for Directing. I think Boyhood resonates with more people, because its premise is so simple, yet it still offers and engaging story with heartfelt acting and complex themes, not to mention its visionary film-making.
Without a doubt Birdman will win the award for Cinematography. Its spectacular use of a Steadicam and seemingly never ending shot was not wholly new, but certainly an awesome undertaking especially since nearly the whole film appeared to never break shot. It was truly entertaining and a wondrous viewing experience.
I also think Birdman deserves to win and will win the award for Best Original Screenplay. Iñárritu, et al expertly handled the satire and metaphysical undertones, without being boring or completely outrageous.
For Actor in a Leading Role, there are only two choices: Eddie Redmayne and Michael Keaton. I did not see Foxcatcher (Steve Carell did some awesome acting though, from what I have read), American Sniper, or The Imitation Game so, again this is a limited opinion. I think Eddie Redmayne deserves the award and will win. His portrayal of Stephen Hawking was superb. His performance was emotional, charming, and complex. The acting definitely made the already enjoyable film so much more.
For Actor in a Supporting Role, I believe J.K. Simmons should and will win. He was stunning as abusive jazz conductor Terrence Fletcher in Whiplash. I was not sure I would like the film when I first watched it, but J.K. Simmons's intense performance made the film an entertaining thrill.
I won't make prediction for Actress in a Leading Role, since I only saw one film in that category, but for Actress in a Supporting Role, I am hoping Patricia Arquette wins. I thought she outperformed her male counterpart, Ethan Hawke, in Boyhood, and offered a believable and touching performance as Mason Jr.'s mother.
Finally, I think that The LEGO Movie should win for Animated Feature Film. Alas, it was not even nominated. I think its message of creativity, individualism, and anti-authoriartianism was to much for the usually very progressive Academy.
So those are my opinions and predictions. With an unusual amount of great films to choose from, tonight's show should be interesting. Let's see if my opinions mirrored the so called great Academy, or if I am full of it.
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