The Oscars are nominated

Gentle reader,

I haven't been to the cinema as much as I'd like, but I'm going to throw my predictions in to the Oscars just like everyone else...

Actor in a leading role

Johnny Depp - Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl
Ben Kingsley - House Of Sand And Fog
Jude Law - Cold Mountain
Bill Murray - Lost In Translation
Sean Penn - Mystic River

Jude Law has been nominated a few times over the years, as has Sean Penn. I soft of remember Ben Kingsley winning. Looking at the Golden Globes (tm) the winners were Penn and Murray. However the two most talked about were Depp's and Murray's roles. I think Bill Murray will win this one.


Actress in a leading role

Keisha Castle-Hughes - Whale Rider
Diane Keaton - Something's Gotta Give
Samantha Morton - In America
Charlize Theron - Monster
Naomi Watts - 21 Grams

I have seen none of these. However my money would be on Charlize Theron. She won the globe. Her character in Monster is a feat of acting (and quite a bit of make-up, but mostly acting). She has proven that she's more than a pretty face (which is an important thing to prove).

Actor in a supporting role

Alec Baldwin - The Cooler
Benicio Del Toro - 21 Grams
Djimon Hounsou - In America
Tim Robbins - Mystic River
Ken Watanabe - The Last Samurai

Seen none of these either. Heard little about any of these except for "In America". So I hope Djimon Hounsou wins this one.


Actress in a supporting role

Shohreh Aghdashloo - House Of Sand And Fog
Patricia Clarkson - Pieces Of April
Marcia Gay Harden - Mystic River
Holly Hunter - Thirteen
Renée Zellweger - Cold Mountain

Seen none of these, but based on the politics from last year...Renée Zellweger.

Best picture

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
Lost In Translation
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World
Mystic River
Seabiscuit

This is the third and final blockbuster which is LOTR. Lost in Translation however has caught a lot of attention. Also the Golden Globes (tm whatever) awarded them (Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical). I'm split, but based on the money... The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King.


Foreign language film
I can't say a thing here... so I'm skipping it!


Directing
City Of God
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
Lost In Translation
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World
Mystic River

And the winner is Peter Jackson for that thing with Hobbits.


Animated feature film
Brother Bear
Finding Nemo
The Triplets Of Belleville

Bear won't win. Belleville didn't make that big a splash. Nemo wins.

Music (score)
Big Fish
Cold Mountain
Finding Nemo
House Of Sand And Fog
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

And the winner is that thing with the elf nancy boy.

Music (song)
Into The West - The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
A Kiss At The End Of The Rainbow - A Mighty Wind
Scarlet Tide - Cold Mountain
The Triplets Of Belleville - The Triplets Of Belleville
You Will Be My Ain True Love - Cold Mountain

And the winner is that thing with the ring.

Writing (adapted screenplay)
American Splendor
City Of God
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
Mystic River
Seabiscuit

Let's face it, it is going to be Peter Jackson's night.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King

Writing (original screenplay)
The Barbarian Invasions
Dirty Pretty Things
Finding Nemo
In America
Lost In Translation

Here is where things get interesting.
Nemo won't.
I know nothing of the Invasions.
Lost, is very well written.
Dirty and America had the critics in bits!
It's one of these. One is a thriller and the other, closer to a standard drama about the same subject... immigrations.

I'm hoping the Sheridan Family will collect this one for In America.

take care,
Will