THANKS FOR ALL THE COMMENTS ON EUGENIO VOLPE’S AWESOME POST; SCROLL DOWN FOR EUGENIO PLUS ORIGINAL ART BY TOM DEININGER…
CELEBRITIES IN THE RACE by Elizabeth Searle
It’s a race without much disgrace this year. While Sandra Bullock has struggled through her husband’s messy custody battle, and while best-actor nominee Morgan Freeman stars in a scandal of his own involving his alleged affair with his step-grandaughter, the main human drama gripping Hollywood this Oscar weekend is whether Kathryn Bigelow will beat out her womanizing ex-husband (James Cameron, of the Titanic-sized talent and ego) to become the first female ‘Best Director.’ Cameron himself says she deserves it.
But what of the acting races? Do you put your money on Meryl Streep or Sandra Bullock? (And will they share another awards-night kiss, whoever wins?) Jeff Bridges or George Clooney?
The New York Times attempts to take a scientific method by using ‘hunch and history‘ in its Oscar picks– but admits that the supporting catagories are always up for grabs. My bets are on Bullock, Bridges, Bigelow. Also Avatar and in those tricky supporting races: Anna Kendrick and Christoph Waltz.
What do your own hunches tell you? Who will win– and/or, who ‘should’ win…?
(photos: thewrap.com, justjared.buzznet.com, panasianbiz.com)
WILL GO WITH YOU EXCEPT
IT WILL BE CLOONEY
AND MAYBE NOT KENDRICK,
MAYBE MO’NIQUE
AVATAR RULES
Hi Antistar–
I agree with you on Mo’Nique; she may pull it off
but Kendrick stole Up in the Air and I have a feeling that
film might not get another biggie so I think it’s hers–
Yes on Avatar, no on Clooney, not this time
No one can beat Bridges– there’s this sense that he’s earned it over a lifetime of being overlooked…
The ‘should win’ here to me is Inglorious Basterds.
I hear you on that– and I hear tell that it just might happen,
if Avatar and Hurt Locker split a big block of votes–
I’m for Avatar myself but could see an upset brewing…
HEY I LIKE INGLORIOUS TOO
BUT AVATAR’S GONNA ROLL RIGHT OVER IT
INGLORIOUS IS NOT AN OSCAR KINDA PICK
THEY STILL GO FOR UPLIFT & AVATAR’S GOT THAT
PLUS THE BIG GROSS THEY LOVE BEST
IN A BEST PIC
NO BRAINER- AVATAR RULES
Hi Antistar– I’m an Avatar fan too but I don’t think this one is a no-brainer– not with the additional element of 10 films in the mix– votes might really get split–
I’d still say Avatar but Inglorious has more of a shot than it would with just five films nominated… Happy watching!
I agree that the ten films will make a difference and may in a sense
defeat the purpose. The academy wanted a popular hit to win, but with
the vote divided up, they may wind up with another cult winner instead.
Interesting theory, Jeff. We shall see; they may have another ‘Crash’ on their hands…
Just saw “The Blind Side” a few days ago. Sandra Bullock did a good job, but Meryl Streep really was superb as Julia Child. (I didn’t love either of the movies, but both of their performances were great.)
My choice is Meryl…but I’m guessing that Sandra Bullock might get it.
Bridges
Bigelow
Avatar (though, as one critic said, it really is “Dances with Aliens.” Still, the experience blew me away, even if it left me with a migraine.)
P.S. Did not know that about Morgan Freeman. I’ve had a crush on him since the Electric Company–and apparently, so has his step-granddaughter. Ick.
Hi Beth–
Always good to hear from you and great minds do think alike. I too would vote for Meryl myself (though like you, I loved her more than the movie) and I too think Bullock will win.
LOL on Dances With Aliens– though let’s remember Dances With Wolves did in fact win!
My choices are not for the ones that will win, but for the stars I wish would win. Sandra Bullock deserves to win by portraying a character unlike her and doing it convincingly. I would like to see George Clooney win for Up in the Air, and my choice for best movie would be Up in the Air….I have not seen all the others, and feel that the field is too large and too diverse. I would choose Christopher Plummer for best supporting actor, and Vera Farmiga for best supporting actress. I saw The Hurt Locker and thought it was a dreadful movie so I would not want the director to win, so I will go with Jason Reitman for Up in the Air.Whoever wins, I will enjoy this annual show honoring films and I believe the co-hosts–Steve Martin and the guy from 30 Rock will keep it lively.
Hi Barb–
Always good to hear your views– you have inspired me to speak my heart too. What I put in the post is what I think WILL win. If I could choose, I’d go with:
Streep, Clooney, Anna K. and Stanley Tucci (loved him in Julia and Julia; didn’t see Lovely Bones though)–
And– Avatar.
Thanks as always and yes, I too look forward to Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, a promising pair!
i want clooney too. and i want sandra bullock or if not her, helen m.
too many best pictures, i vote to go back to 5
Yes, Clooney was wonderful and is such a ‘movie star’–
I haven’t seen Bridges, though, and hear of course he’s great.
I agree- the ten best pic.s is too much– I don’t even know all their names and I’m someone who follows Oscar closely–
cheers- Elizabeth
Prediction: Both actresses will be PRECIOUS, picture will be Avatar, actor Bridges, supporting actor from Inglorious, Director Cameron…
I haven’t seen much this year–Just Avatar, Julie and Julia, An Education, The Blind Side–but a movie advisor I trust did not like the Hurt Locker.
Too bad. Would have been good to see a woman take director for the first time ever.
My fave Oscar moments of disgrace: Rob Lowe singing with Snow White. An out-of-it Liz Taylor blowing off the nominee names for Best Picture and having to be rescued by Dick Clark on stage before yelling “Gladiator!” into the microphone. And, last but certainly not least, when the show’s producer made certain Oscar winners accept their trophies in the freakin’ AISLE a few years ago. Remember that?!
Wow, Caitlin– as always, your memory bank is deeper than mine– I DO remember Rob Lowe– the Liz Taylor thing is fuzzy; I don’t recall Dick Clark rescuing her– and I always do wonder if somewhere in history some drunk or addled presenter hasn’t read the wrong name…
The aisle acceptance speeches: that one I seem to have blocked, though I must have seen it, having watched the Oscars since I was old enough to watch movies…
Anyway, hope to hear your thoughts on tonight’s show– let’s see if anyone crosses the disgrace line and/or if anyone transcends the whole three ring circus with an inspired line or genuine gesture– it’s those little human moments that make the shebang worth watching–
As Johnny Carson observed, the Oscars are 30 minute of sparkling entertainment packed into a 3 hour show…
Check out these YouTube clips:
** Rob Lowe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJyzrA1aR3U
** Liz Taylor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zle6_AoITMk
And here’s an article about making some people accept their Oscars in the aisle in 2005: http://www.starblogs.net/archives/2005/02/jamie_foxx_east.html
Thanks so much, Caitlin– I’m going to get these links up on my new post– great to have the Rob Lowe clip!
Wow, can someone please explain what just happened during the acceptance speech for “Best Documentary Short”? Some poor man was rudely interrupted by a crazy lady!!! I believe she said, “Isn’t it like a man not letting a woman talk.”
Do-do-do-do!!!
Yes, Caitlin– my question too– but though she acted like a stranger storming the stage, I believe she was part of the movie? A weird moment– but what’s an award show without one?
HI Caitlin:
a PS: Mary on the blog just sent me a link and I posted it on my new post–
yes indeedy, it was apparently a Kanye West Moment…