Friday 18 February 2011

Oscar 2011 Predictions

On sibling site Movie Meanings we, the contributors, have decided to share our opinions and predictions on who will go home happy, and who will be falsely grinning as they applaud someone else’s acceptance come February 27th at the Oscars. So without further ado...
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 BEST PICTURE 
Very tough category with the likes of Inception, Black Swan, True Grit, The Social Network and Toy Story 3 all competing, it is difficult to say where the award will go. Professionally speaking, it's most likely heading towards Colin Firth based; The King's Speech or Fincher's The Social Network. It would be nice to see Nolan pick up the Oscar for Inception, but would require a massive change in tradition from the committee to hand it to a summer blockbuster; it's the type of film they tend to stay clear from. Personally I would like to see True Grit walk away with the spoils. The Coen's produce something perfect in its genre, with such an authentic feel, not to mention excellent acting, but wait, that's for another story...

MY WINNER : True Grit
PROBABLE WINNER : The King's Speech/The Social Network
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BEST ACTOR 
…I'll jump straight in and follow on from my True Grit appraisal and go for Jeff Bridges. His portrayal of Rooster Cogburn is truly his own. He bases the character on Portis’s novel and not on John Wayne's 1969 Oscar winning performance. Having said that, the academy will more than likely go for Colin Firth as seems the trend at the BAFTAs, but don't rule out the outside bet of Javier Bardem for his gripping portrayal in Biutiful

MY WINNER : Jeff Bridges
PROBABLE WINNER : Colin Firth
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 BEST ACTRESS
Considering Natalie Portman scooped the prize at the BAFTAs it would be no shock to see her succeed at the Oscars. I was half expecting Annette Benning to snatch it for The Kids Are Alright if I’m being honest, but there you go. Again the competition is fierce, with gut wrenching performances from Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine) and Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole). I would bet my money on Portman who thoroughly deserves such acclaim for her role as ballerina Nina, shame she went on to star in No Strings Attached (the term ‘a hit and a miss’ springs to mind).

MY WINNER : Natalie Portman
PROBABLE WINNER : Natalie Portman
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