Friday, 7 February 2014

Oscars 2014: Winner Predictions Part Two.

 
Yesterday, I predicted some Oscar winners. Today I'll be doing the same thing. Every year when the winners are announced, there is only one group of awards anyone really cares about; the acting categories. It makes sense, they tend to be the only names people recognise on the list of nominees. This years list is no different, sprinkled with big name stars you know, some names you don't and some you just can't pronounce. But whose name will be called out on March 2nd? Whose face will have a fake smile plastered across it, as they realise they haven't won? And  whose overly indulgent acceptance speech with be played out by the orchestra? Let's see what I think... 

Best Actor: 
  • Bruce Dern -- "Nebraska"
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor -- "12 Years a Slave"
  • Matthew McConaughey -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
  • Leonardo DiCaprio -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
  • Christian Bale -- "American Hustle"
Who will win: Matthew McConaughey -- "Dallas Buyers Club"

The McConaissance is in full swing. After picking up a large number of awards along the way, McConaughey is on course to win The Best Actor trophy come Oscar night. If I had been told this information three years ago, I would have laughed.

Who should win: Leonardo DiCaprio -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"

I was team Chiwetel Ejiofor all the way, until I saw The Wolf of Wall Street. Then the rest of the internet went into over drive, as it realised that Leo has never won an Oscar. I know, right? His performance in Wolf is deserving enough, but that's not always how the Oscars work. They love a comeback and the McConaissance is that.

Who should have been nominated: Robert Redford -- "All Is Lost"

This was a hard call to make because there were three men who were all worthy of being nominated. Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips seems to have been forgotten. Joaquin Phoenix was overlooked for his brilliant performance in Her but the real upset in this category was for Robert Redford, whose performance in All Is Lost is a testament to his incredible talents as an actor.

Best Actress: 
  • Amy Adams -- "American Hustle"
  • Cate Blanchett -- "Blue Jasmine"
  • Judi Dench -- "Philomena"
  • Sandra Bullock -- "Gravity"
  • Meryl Streep -- "August: Osage County" 

Who will win: Cate Blanchett -- "Blue Jasmine"

Since Blue Jasmines' release, every critic and their mum has predicted that Cate Blanchett will be winning her second Oscar. Her performance as Jasmine is nothing short of stunning and completely deserving of the accolade.

Who should win: Cate Blanchett -- "Blue Jasmine"

I feel Cate should and will  win, although if  she doesn't due to a possible Woody Allen backlash, then I hope Amy Adams does. Her performance in American Hustle was brilliant, but maybe a little too subtle for Academy members, who tend to favour the more dramatic.

Who should have been nominated: Emma Thompson -- "Saving Mr Banks"

I'm still a little surprised Emma Thompson didn't make the cut. The two time Oscar winner hasn't seen a nomination since 1996. Saving Mr Banks was her best performance in years and one of the best of 2014, and dare I say it, even better than Meryl Streep. Meryl apparently sent Emma an email apologising for being nominated over her. Too right.

Best Supporting Actor: 
  • Barkhad Abdi -- "Captain Phillips"
  • Bradley Cooper -- "American Hustle"
  • Jonah Hill -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
  • Jared Leto -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
  • Michael Fassbender -- "12 Years a Slave"

Who will win: Jared Leto -- "Dallas Buyers Club"

Jared Leto has been picking up awards left, right and centre over the last few months. In fact, I don't think he has lost anything he's been nominated for so far, so why shouldn't his amazing winning streak finish on stage at the Kodka Theatre.

Who should win: Michael Fassbender -- "12 Years a Slave"

Michael Fassbender's performance in 12 Years a Slave was outstanding, and after being snubbed a few years  ago for Shame, he is  more than due his Oscar statue. Even though he won't win, he should win the Bafta, which is something we know Leto can't get his skinny little hands on.  

Who should have been nominated: Daniel Bruhl -- "Rush"
 
Daniel Bruhl was the stand out in an otherwise good, but forgettable film. While Rush was mostly neglected this award season, Bruhl picked up a number of nominations, including the SAG and Globes, but fell at the last hurdle.

Best Supporting Actress: 
  • Jennifer Lawrence -- "American Hustle"
  • Lupita Nyong'o -- "12 Years a Slave"
  • June Squibb -- "Nebraska"
  • Julia Roberts -- "August: Osage County"
  • Sally Hawkins -- "Blue Jasmine"

Who will win: Jennifer Lawrence -- "American Hustle"

This is possible the hardest category to predict this year, but I think the Academy will give this one to Lawrence. They bloody love her, even if she did only just win the year before. She's young, popular and a brilliant actress.

Who should win: Lupita Nyong'o -- "12 Years a Slave"

If Lawrence name isn't called come Oscar night, then it will be because of Oprah Winfrey Lupita Nyong'o. Her brilliant performance in 12 Years A Slave makes for an incredible debut which the Academy loves and could be her big chance, although this could also be her downfall.


Who should have been nominated: Oprah Winfrey -- "The Butler"

What the bloody buggery hell is going on members of the Academy? Oprah Winfrey's graceful return to the big screen was more than owed a nomination and she could have even won, but no, she didn't even get name checked. I don't know what happened, but Winfrey's omission was the Oscars biggest mistake this year.


So there you have it, There are far too many categories for me to cover, and I'm already bored. We will find out on March 2nd how wrong I've been in my predictions, or if I got any right so be sure to check back here for the full winners list.  

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