In the past, I would always make sure I was available the night of the Oscars ceremony, even when I hate that certain films/actors/directors didn’t get nominated. To be honest, it’s usually one of the most boring ceremonies to watch. People receive an award; thank their family; thank God; and they exit stage right. The host and presenters make jokes, which can be hit or miss – most are a miss. It's a celebration of film, but watching people receive awards while they flaunt fancy outfits is not entertaining.
But, as a film critic, it is my job to report on it and to give our thoughts on it. This year, I made another commitment, so I have to skip the ceremony, and I won’t find out who the winners are until after the show is over. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be making predictions.
Like I said in my reaction to the nominations, this year felt like the academy left a lot of people out. Ben Affleck’s been winning multiple awards for directing “Argo,” but he wasn’t nominated for an Oscar. Kathryn Bigelow’s received a lot of praise for “Zero Dark Thirty,” but the academy didn’t nominate her, either.
I could go on, but I’ve already vented once, and I don’t feel the need to again. Here are my predictions for who I think will in all 24 categories.
Best Cinematography:
“Life of Pi”
Best Costume Design:
“Lincoln”
Best Documentary (Feature):
“Searching for Sugar Man”
Best Documentary (Short):
“Open Heart”
Best Film Editing:
“Zero Dark Thirty”
Best Foreign Language Film:
“Amour”
Best Makeup:
“Les Miserables”
Best Original Score:
“Life of Pi”
Best Original Song:
“Skyfall” by Adele
Best Production Design:
“Lincoln”
Best Short Film (Animated):
“Paperman”
Best Short Film (Live Action):
“Asad”
Best Sound Editing:
“Zero Dark Thirty”
Best Sound Mixing:
“Argo”
Best Visual Effects:
“Life of Pi”
Best Adapted Screenplay:
“Argo”
Best Original Screenplay:
“Zero Dark Thirty”
Best Animated Feature:
“ParaNorman”
Best Supporting Actor:
Robert De Niro for “Silver Linings Playbook”
Best Supporting Actress:
Anne Hathaway for “Les Miserables”
Best Actor:
Daniel Day-Lewis for “Lincoln”
Best Actress:
Jessica Chastain for “Zero Dark Thirty”
Best Director:
Steven Spielberg for “Lincoln”
Best Picture:
“Argo”
Short analysis:
This will be the first time in seven years when the Best Director winner’s film doesn’t take home the Best Picture award. Of course, the academy screwed up on that part by not nominating Ben Affleck. However, if “Argo” wins, Affleck will receive an award, since he served as producer of the film.
The last time a Best Picture winner didn’t have its director nominated for an Oscar was 1989, when “Driving Miss Daisy” took home the coveted prize. Oliver Stone (“Born on the Fourth of July”) won for director that year. This year, the big shocker would be if “Lincoln” wins over “Argo,” which could happen if the academy decides to play it safe.
The Best Supporting Actor category is a tough one – they are all prior winners. But De Niro and Tommy Lee Jones seem to be the favorites, even if Jones was not impressed with the Golden Globes ceremony. Best bet would be De Niro.
Best Actor is an easy category, seeing as how Day-Lewis has won every other award for his performance as Abraham Lincoln.
Best Actress is another tough one, but I have a feeling Chastain will win. She’s had a solid year, and her performance in “Zero Dark Thirty” was fascinating. My upset pick would be Jennifer Lawrence, who was incredible in “Silver Linings Playbook.”
Anne Hathaway is considered the favorite for Best Supporting Actor, but my personal pick would be Amy Adams in “The Master.” I doubt Adams will win, since the buzz behind that movie has faded. The upset pick would most likely go to Sally Field for her performance as Mary Todd in “Lincoln.”
“Moonrise Kingdom” will most likely not win its one and only nomination (Best Original Screenplay), and that’s a real shame, since it was one of the most unique films of last year. “Zero Dark Thirty” has a solid chance due to just winning at the WGA Awards.
The Best Adapted Screenplay could go to either “Argo” or “Lincoln,” both of which were incredible. But I’m going with “Argo,” since it also just won at the WGA Awards.
How do you feel about my predictions? Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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