Vertigo

Vertigo
Vertigo

Monday, February 21, 2005

OSCAR PREDICTIONS 2004

Here is my annual Oscar picks (2004) and they are earlier than usual because I am going from the gut and seeing how I fare. I have not had the pleasure of seeing some of the acting and writing and tech categories. Apologies for missing out on Vera Drake, Lemony Snicket, Being Julia, Closer, and a couple others. I did see what I think will cop most of the major awards. Here are my picks in BOLD for the major categories. Enjoy the show on Sunday!

PICTURE-MILLION DOLLAR BABY is my heartfelt pick. The Aviator is the prestige pick but I feel momentum swing emotionally.
DIRECTOR-CLINT EASTWOOD should win for moving our souls. Martin Scorsese is deserving for The Aviator but I don' t think this will be his year.
ACTRESS-HILLARY SWANK in Million Dollar Baby proves she is no fluke. I understand Annette Bening for Being Julia and Imelda Staunton for Vera Drake are great but they get edged out.
ACTOR-JAMIE FOXX for Ray, period.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS- CATE BLANCHETT in The Aviator was a key factor in that movie. Virginia Madsen in Sideways was also crucial for that film. There could be a surprise category winner.
SUPPORTING ACTOR-MORGAN FREEMAN gets his due. Thomas Haden Church in Sideways doesn't quite make it.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY-ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND was bold and daring. Hotel Rwanda and The Aviator are strong contenders too.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY-SIDEWAYS was a model of excellence. No competition here.
FOREIGN -THE SEA INSIDE should beat out The Chorus. Where the heck is House of Flying Daggers and Bad Education?
ANIMATED-THE INCREDIBLES, period.
CINEMATOGRAPHY-A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT was breath taking although The Aviator has a good shot.
EDITING-AVIATOR may nudge Million Dollar Baby out.
COSTUME DESIGN-LEMONY SNICKET could win but The Aviator is a distinct possibility.
VISUAL EFFECTS-SPIDERMAN 2 was so good, it ought to win.
ORIGINAL SCORE-FINDING NEVERLAND may get its only award here.
DOCUMENTARY-BORN INTO BROTHELS has been getting kudos but Super Size Me could be the popular upset.
(MOST AWARDS COULD BE MILLION DOLLAR BABY WITH FOUR OSCARS with The Aviator trialing or tying with one major award and the rest technical ones.)

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