The Oscars: My View!

The Oscars are upon us again and, although i often disagree with the decisions made by the judging panel, as someone who writes about films it makes sense for me to have my say. I haven’t seen every single film in the list but i have seen the vast majority, so based on that i’ll say who i think should win. I’m pretty confident that they won’t in most cases and i’m appalled that some films (Of Gods & Men), directors (Chris Nolan) and actors (Hailee Steinfeld) have not been nominated at all or have been nominated in entirely the wrong category. Anyhow...

Best Picture
It’s a sprawling category filled with excellent films. The King’s Speech is a real contender but Oscar buzz makes The Social Network the favourite. I wouldn’t give it to either, however. Whilst i absolutely loved True Grit, my award would go to Inception. It’s an amazing film – technically amazing, brilliantly plotted, well-acted and edge-of-the-seat exciting. It’s not often an action film claims the Best Picture prize, but it’s not often action films have brains to go with their brawn. It won’t matter though, as it’s very unlikely to win.

Actor In A Lead Role
Some very strong contenders here: James Franco carried an entire film in 127 Hours and Jeff Bridges revelled in his role as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. But there can only be one winner – red hot favourite Colin Firth will surely (and deservedly) take the prize for his fabulous portrayal of the stammering Bertie in The King’s Speech.

Actress In A Lead Role
Probably the category i’m least familiar with, having seen only two of the films. As good as her performance is, i doubt that Jennifer Lawrence will claim the prize for Winter’s Bone. Instead it’s likely to go to Natalie Portman – her performance is enough to save the preposterous Black Swan from being utter garbage and for that alone she deserves recognition.

Actor In A Supporting Role
Christian Bale might sneak this, but the award ought to belong to Geoffrey Rush. I’m not convinced that he ought to be in this category at all – The King’s Speech is almost a double-header and he should share top-billing. But rather than have him compete with Colin Firth i suppose it makes sense to see them both take a statue home.

Actress In A Supporting Role
Like Geoffrey Rush, Hailee Steinfeld is nominated in entirely the wrong category. She’s the lead character in True Grit and deserves to be recognised as so. The film was made when she was just thirteen years old and she carries the movie – providing the rock around which luminaries such as Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon revolve. This award is the least she deserves.

Animated Feature Film
I wasn’t that big a fan of Toy Story 3 but i’m aware i was in a tiny minority. It’ll be a miracle if it doesn’t win this category.

Direction
It’s a disgrace that Chris Nolan isn’t nominated, but it’s still a strong category. Black Swan is stylish but lacks substance, so Aronofsky is unlikely to win but any of the others might sneak it. The likelihood is that Tom Hooper will take it but i’d prefer to see the Cohens honoured for their great work on True Grit.

Documentary Feature
I’ve only seen two of these – the extremely entertaining Exit Through The Gift Shop and Inside Job. They’re probably the main contenders but it’s unlikely that Banksy’s anonymity will be threatened by having to collect an Oscar. Inside Job is an amazing and vital piece of film which is rightfully the red hot favourite.

Other categories should see plenty of technical awards for Inception – and possibly the Original Screenplay award for Nolan. Aaron Sorkin is almost certain to claim Adapted Screenplay for The Social Network. True Grit might sneak Cinematography but it’ll be a tough fight with Black Swan and there are British hopes in the Live Action Short category where Leeds’ Ian Barnes’ Wish 143 is nominated.