Oscarwatch! (V 2.0)

It may seem too early, but the Oscar Season is ever approaching, and it is of increased urgency that I bring you this months Oscarwatch! Now, we have had a bit of a surprise with the Academys suprise move to add five more slots into the Best Film category, and that should allow for some wiggling room. Normally one or two movies jump from obscurity and relatively unknown hype into the Oscar pool, but we are not taking them into account at the moment. Before you is a tentative prediction of what films will be awarded the honor of a nomination. Purchase your tickets accordingly.

Best Film:
Nine
Precious
Invictus
Amelia
Up
The Hurt Locker
An Education
Avatar
Biutiful
Funny People

Best Actor:
Morgan Freeman (Invictus)
Daniel Day Lewis (Nine)
Javier Bardem (Biutiful)
Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker)
Matt Damon (The Informant)

Best Actress:
Hillary Swank (Amelia)
Gabourey Sidibe (Precious)
Abbie Cornish (A Bright Star)
Penelope Cruz (Broken Embraces)
Carey Mulligan (An Education)

Best Director:
Rob Marshall (Nine)
James Cameron (Avatar)
Clint Eastwood (Invictus)
Lee Daniels (Precious)
Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)

Although there is alot of buzz about the women from Nine (Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, and Kate Hudson) stealing most (or all) of the Best Supporting Actress nominees, not much has been uttered about any good Best Supporting Actor performances, so I will keep them to myself for the time being.

I had a deep personal problem with removing Inglorious Basterds from my best film list, and excluding Quentin from the Best Director list. I have not had the pleasure of seeing it yet, but it appears to be geared toward Quentins hardcore fanbase instead of the Oscar panel. This is fine, and he may even garner a Best Original Screenplay or Best Supporting Actor (Eli Roth) nom, but these may be the only awards (aside from the technicals) that Inglorious Basterds may see.

Also, some may scoff at my inclusion of Funny People in the Oscar race. If the movie turns out to be anything like what the critics are saying about it (some are anxious to hand Sandler an Oscar for it...which I am just not sure about) it will make people question whether or not a college-student aimed comedy could possibly show up in the Best Picture race.

It appears that after last year's yawnfest of predictable Oscars (Oh, they gave another one to Slumdog Millionaire? What a surprise...) we may have some friendly (and fierce) competition in the ring. First up...

Precious VS Nine
Although there are many films that will jump headfirst into this race, the real race will be between the million dollar star studded musical, and the soul crushing reality based Cannes baby. In these times of economic struggle, I can see people voting the "take your mind off of your problems" musical about a film director and his many lovers over the heart woven tale of struggle, but then again, the same circumstances could help Precious to the top. It is a nailbiter, but as the date grows closer, we may be able to narrow it down to a clear cut option.

Morgan Freeman VS Daniel Day Lewis
Poor Morgan has yet to sweep a Best Actor win, and although some argue that he recieved his dues with his Million Dollar Baby win, some will want to see the old man take the prize with a role that he was created for. In case you haven't heard, Morgan Freeman will be playing Nelson Freaking Mandela. It is a pity however, that he has to be going up against a man who is arguably one of the best actors of this generation in a role that has swept awards from everywhere in the world. Day-Lewis will be the lead in what will arguably be the biggest movie of the Oscar season, and he will refuse to go unnoticed. then again, he has recieved two already, and Oscar voters may have a sympathy card or two in their wallet.

Rob Marshall VS James Cameron
This one is a toughy. Rob Marshall kicked the competition to dust in 2002 with Chicago and James "Titanic" Cameron is returning from his long slumber with what he claims will "revolutionize the way people watch films". Yes it is an edgy Sci-Fi adventure film, and the academy often doesn't glance at that, but this is "James Cameron and The Most Expensive Movie Ever Made". Be prepared for it to turn some heads.

Well friends, this marks the end of Version 2 of Oscarwatch. Tune in next time with mosre exciting Oscar news!