Hooray for Hollywood: Upcoming Oscar

Oscar Buzz

Who will win? Lots of good choices actually and very few “sure things”. Don your evening gown on March 2^nd, pop the bubbly, and say hooray for Hollywood.  

Best Picture –

American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, Her, Nebraska, Philomena, 12 Years a Slave, The Wolf of Wall Street

Who should win? 12 Years a Slave was a brutal picture but excellent. The subject matter could be too harsh.

American Hustle is popular but since Silver Lining’s Playbook won last year, I don’t think director Russell gets it again. 

I think the tiebreaker is Gravity – it was super popular at the box office and with critics and audiences alike. It’s a space story – always cool. And the special effects were considered groundbreaking.  

Best Actor –

Christian Bale, Bruce Dern, Leo DeCaprio, Chiwetel Eijofor, Matthew McConaughey

Chiwetel gave the performance of his life, BUT Matthew had an awesome year and his role in Dallas Buyer’s Club was transformational. He’s won a bunch of the early predictors. He is worthy.  

Best Actress –

Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Judi Dench, Meryl Streep

Cate Blanchett held the screen in Blue Jasmine. She was mesmerizing. I think she clinches. The only other thought  is Judi Dench – always so good, so classy 

Best Supporting Actor

Barkhad Abdi, Bradley Cooper, Michael Fassbender, Jonah Hill, Jared Leto

Abdi is new to acting and held his own against Tom Hanks. He was excellent. BUT Jared Leto as Rayon in Dallas Buyer’s Club was heartbreaking. His soulful eyes acted and he took the part to a new level.  

Best Supporting Actress

Sally Harkins, Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong’o, Julia Roberts, June Squibb

Jennifer has been Hollywood’s new darling, but newcomer Lupita in 12 Years a Slave gave a wrenching performance. She was pivotal and bared her soul. Very deserving 

Those are the key categories. Place your bets now and go see these Oscar worthy movies and performances. Cinema is life, dreams, and magic.