Ahead of the Oscar Nominations, A Few Predictions

[Pic: Fox Searchlight Pictures]

Ah, the Golden Globes — such fun times. From Tina Fey making jokes at George Clooney’s expense to Emma Thompson taking to the stage with heels in one hand, cocktail in the other, it’s the ceremony with the a reputation for being the most laid-back of awards season.

But now things become a little more solemn as the very serious business of the Oscar nominations is almost upon us.

The announcement will be made this Thursday by new Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs and her arm candy Chris Hemsworth. So who can we expect to see on the list of nominees for the 86th annual Academy Awards? Short of Googling Oscar predictions or reading The Hollywood Reporter, here are my favourites to win, having seen all the films in the running.

Best Film 

12 Years a Slave – Steve McQueen’s Golden Globe-winning artistic portrait of history, based on Solomon Northup’s memoir, is a masterpiece. It moves its audience with the kind of humanity that should naturally be generated by the very word slavery.

Gravity – An epic of our time, a film that leaves everyone gasping, “how exactly did they film that?” It’s a movie that gives an effervescence to life through Sandra Bullock’s loss in space.

The Wolf of Wall Street – a ride into the hedonistic lifestyles some lead at the expense of others. The filmmakers’ glamourisation of scenes of debauchery may impact the movie’s Oscar chances, as was the case with Zero Dark Thirty last year.

Her – Spike Jonze’ whimsical ode to post-21st century love is heartfelt and deeply sincere.

American Hustle – an audacious plot that’s been compared to that of last year’s Best Pic winner Argo, complete with audacious characters and costumes.

Fruitvale Station – an indie film that deserves the greater audience an Oscar nod would bring, this  movie tells the true story of Oscar Grant who was shot at Fruitvale train station in Oakland, California in 2008.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – inspired by James Thurber’s short story this movie is a feast for the eyes and the heart and a glorious frolic into the mind and imagination of director and writer Ben Stiller.

Dallas Buyers Club —The film is based on the true-life story of Ron Woodroof, an HIV-positive rodeo cowboy who devised his own way to get the meds he needed – helping other AIDS patients in the process. It’s heartfelt without being sentimental and features incredible performances by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.

Best Director

Steve McQueen,12 Years a Slave

Alfonso Cuoaron, Gravity

Spike Jonze, Her

David O Russell, American Hustle

Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Actor

Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Bruce Dern, Nebraska

Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips – for the last scene of the film alone

or

Robert Redford, All is Lost – one man, one boat, a handful of words, director JC Chandor didn’t need anything else to make this tale of survival.

I still maintain Idris Elba is superb in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and I’d like to see him on this list. However, it’s a tough year for male actors, and these names have all been almost universally lauded. I also think newcomers Michael B Jordan, from the indie film Fruitvale Station, and Oscar Isaac, our protagonist inInside Llewyn Davis, deserve nods. But, once again, it’s a tight race – even just for who makes it into the nominees category, never mind who’s going to actually win. (Chiwetel)

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Sandra Bullock, Gravity

Amy Adams, American Hustle

Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels’ The Butler

Best Supporting Actor

Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Bradley Cooper, American Hustle

Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave

Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips

Daniel Bruhl, Rush

Best Supporting Actress

Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave

June Squibb, Nebraska

Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine

Julia Roberts, August: Osage County

Octavia Spencer, Fruitvale Station

Check back late on Thursday to see if I was on the right track!

Miss Ntertainment

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