On Sunday February 22, the 81st Academy Awards will air live from Los Angeles. Below is a list of nominees as well as my predictions as to who will win. I have seen some of the nominated films, and have paid close attention to awards previously handed out earlier this year.
Actor in a Leading Role:
Richard Jenkins, “The Visitor”
Frank Langella, “Frost/Nixon”
Sean Penn, “Milk”
Brad Pitt, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler.”
My prediction here will be Mickey Rourke for the Wrestler. Rourke previously won the golden globe for his performance in the film. Most industries love comebacks, and this was certainly his.
Actress in a Leading Role:
Anne Hathaway, “Rachel Getting Married”
Angelina Jolie, “Changeling”
Melissa Leo, “Frozen River”
Meryl Streep, “Doubt”
Kate Winslet, “The Reader.”
This was a tough one. I thought Angelina Jolie was great in Changling, both Kate Winslet and Anne Hathaway have won awards this year for those performances, and Meryl is an Oscar Favourite. My prediction is Kate Winslet. I think winning 2 major Golden Globes this year will give her the added strength for the win.
Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin, “Milk”
Robert Downey Jr., “Tropic Thunder”
Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Doubt”
Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight”
Michael Shannon, “Revolutionary Road.”
I think this would be a major upset if Heath is not named best supporting actor.
Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, “Doubt”
Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Viola Davis, “Doubt”
Taraji P. Henson, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Marisa Tomei, “The Wrestler.”
My prediction here is Marisa Tomei as I have not seen many of these films. She is a personal favourite, so she gets my vote.
Original Song:
“Down to Earth” from “WALL-E,” Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman;
“Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire,” A.R. Rahman and Gulzar;
“O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire,” A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam.
Although the odds appear in favour of SlumDog Millionaire, the Academy does like their animated/digital films. My prediction is for Down to Earth by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, despite Gabriel’s decision not to perform at the event.
Director:
David Fincher, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Ron Howard, “Frost/Nixon”
Gus Van Sant, “Milk”
Stephen Daldry, “The Reader”
Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire.”
My prediction is for SlumDog Millionaire to take the majority of the technical awards as it received wide recognition. I enjoyed it personally, but don’t really see what all the fuss is about. In terms of directing and Picture, I think that Benjamin Buttons deserves it.
Best Picture:
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
“Frost/Nixon”
“Milk”
“The Reader”
“Slumdog Millionaire”
My prediction is that SlumDog Millionaire will win Best Picture as it has already won that feature many times this year. Again, saw it, don’t see how it is all that impressive, but will most likely win. I personally feel that Benjamin Buttons or the Reader should earn the high honour.
