My Oscar Predictions

Okay, so I have a bitter/sweet relationship with the Oscars. In the past I have had little faith in the celebrated awards show that is ridden with inner politics. There have been disappointing years, like when Crash won Best Picture. There have been great years, like when the Cohen Brothers won their first award for directing No Country for Old Men.

It is sad to see so few films nominated this year, but it is amazing to see such great films nominated. Out of the 80% that I have seen, I have loved them all. Despite my love, I, as always, feel very strongly about who I think should win and who shouldn't. Here are my thoughts:

Best Picture

• Who should win: Slumdog Millionaire. I thought all the hype for this film was possibly just frivolous. Then I saw the movie. I could go on forever about the both political, romantic, and charismatic themes that make this multifaceted movie a hit.
  
• Who shoudn't win: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This film, while excellent, didn't carry enough of a message. It was delightful and heartwarming, but could have said something more and didn't.
  
• Who will win: Slumdog Millionaire
  

Male Actor in a Lead Role

• Who should win: Mickey Rourke. He did an amazing job in The Wrestler and helped make the film the power-house it is. Dominating the screen-time the responsibility for the emotional drive of this film fell on Rourke's shoulders.
  
• Who shouldn't win: None. Each of these actors did a great job.
  
• Who will win: Sean Penn - Milk

Female Actor in a Lead Role

• Who should win: Meryl Streep. Performing the challenging role of this strong female in Doubt is something only Meryl Streep could do.
• Who shouldn't win: Anne Hathaway. She did a formidable job at playing the post-suicidal, post-drug addict dealing with a family's constant judgement in Rachel Getting Married. However, while this was an impressive performance from what we've seen before, the performance was more brooding and less contemplative than deserving an award.
• Who will win: Meryl Streep - Doubt.

Male Actor in a Supporting Role

• Who should win: Heath Ledger. Not only did Heath go beyond anyone's expectations, he made the Joker more real and in-depth than what we could have asked for in The Dark Knight.
• Who shouldn't win: Robert Downey Jr. I can only think his nomination if more of a joke than Tropic Thunder.
• Who will win: Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight.

Female Actor in a Supporting Role

• I can't respond but I didn't want anyone to think I forgot this category.

Animated Feature Film

• Who should/will win: WALL-E. There isn't enough I can say about this film. An amazing feet that has heart and a truly motivating message.

I could say my thoughts for the other categories, but the cumbersome debate on their technicality would probably come across as verbose and protracted. Look for my remarks after Sunday night.