Best Actress: Finally, a category with a potential for some curve balls and this is where I am going on a little whim with my prediction. I know the precursors from the critics and the SGA dictate that Julie Christie will win, but I have a feeling that the sentimental vote will not pass here. Older veterans are usually quite rare in leading categories and the Academy also likes to give a boost to rising younger actors and actresses in the leading categories (think of Adrien Brody’s first win for The Pianist in 2002 when all the other four nominees were previous winners). Christie does not deserve it here anyway and I can sense audiences wanting the truly deserved contender, Cotillard, to win for being the heart and soul of La Vie en Rose.
Since globalization has lately been quite big in the Oscars, I think this trend will continue along with Javier Bardem likely to win for Best Supporting Actor. Ellen Page may be able to sneak in for Juno but the voters will feel she is a little too young at the age of 20. Cate Blanchett will likely get her award in the supporting category and Laura Linney will gain enough respect in future years to possibly walk up to the Oscar podium another year.
- Prediction: Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose
- Preference: Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men, no contest. His character has even been compared to the best cinematic villains like Hannibal Lecter and the potential awards sweep of that film won’t leave him out (plus he is thought to be long due). There won’t even be room for a sentimental vote for a senior veteran like Hal Holbrook from Into the Wild (I’m trying really hard to contain my urge to make an ironic pun here) and the other nominees are non-contenders.
- Prediction: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
- Preference: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Best Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett seemed like the solid favorite here for a long time for I’m Not There until Ruby Dee nabbed a surprising win at the SAG awards for American Gangster. But the SAG awards are even more privy to sentimental votes than the Oscars and, again, considering that the Kodak Theater may be empty this year, Dee’s win is less likely. Amy Ryan from Gone Baby Gone, I think, is the biggest potential spoiler here, as she has swept most of the critics’ awards but Blanchett has two nods this year and the Academy loves her too much.
- Prediction: Cate Blanchett, I’m Not There
- Preference: Cate Blanchett, I’m Not There, with a slight nudge towards Amy Ryan in Gone Baby Gone
Article comments
1 - Tan The Man
My preference would also be for Nancy Oliver to win best original screenplay for Lars and the Real Girl. But all signs point to Juno.
2 - El Bicho
While I thought Daniel gave an amazing performance, I would not be surprised to see Jones win it. He is older and gave two great performances with Elah and No Country. Certainly better than his work in The Fugitive, which saw him win an Oscar.
I thought Ratatouille was the usual Brad Bird excellence. Plus, it's about being creative, so it will surely hit close to home for Oscar voters, but I am rooting for Persepolis, which was fantastic in its own right.
You left off a number of categories and nominees, including my all-time favorite Oscar nominee Kevin O'Connell, who is up for Best Achievement in Sound for: Transformers (2007). It's his 20th nomination without a win. Susan Lucci thinks the guy has had it rough.
3 - Maureen McCole
My predictions are as follows:
Daniel Day-Lewis, plain and simply brillant.
Julie Christie, Best Actress
Javier Bardem
Amy Ryan
No Country for Old Men, directing
No Country for Old Men, picture (although Atonement might creep in)
4 - Ann
Atonement for Best Picture.
But Julie Christie for Best Actress of
and George Clooney for Best Actor
5 - joe harris
no country for bp, Daniel day lewis gave great performance, ruby dee will finally win sa, director its hard to say. Most bp wins don't include bd the last one was scoresse but he was well overdue and it wasn't his best work. I still would like to see cohen bros win. They didn't get it with Fargo, maybe its their due.
6 - The Grayheck
Well, the ratings may be low but it looks as if the international Islam press is paying attention. Here is a story written by a Pakistani journalist who was apparently reporting live from the red-carpet and giving opinion on the night's winners!
7 - jeffrey
i hate the oscors cloverfield was a bad movie