With film’s night of nights, the Academy Awards, less than a week away, pundits will no doubt start to ponder who will take the highest honours for this awards season.
By Keeva Stratton
There have been some controversial omissions in the leading categories, perhaps none greater than Ben Affleck missing out on a Best Director nomination; and often, the fan favourites are overlooked for seasoned winners.
History (and the Golden Globes, BAFTAs and SAGs) tells us that some of these picks seem a little hopeful (Naomi Watts will likely be overlooked for Jessica Chastain), but like the Academy, we’re willing to be a little daring in our selection.
What will this year hold? We’ll find out on Monday the 25th of February (Australian time), but until then, below are RESCU’s picks to get the discussion started.
Best Picture
Argo
A standout in this year’s cinematic crop, Argo tells the gripping, suspenseful tale – based on true-life events – of how six U.S. embassy staff are smuggled out of Iran, which is reeling and in upheaval following the 1979 revolution. It’s a great all-round film and would serve well as the winner.
Best Director:
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
This was a tough choice as Ben Affleck (were he nominated!) would have been the preferred favourite. Silver Linings Playbook was skilfully and seamlessly brought to life through David O. Russell’s deft directorial hand, and would be a deserving winner.
Best Actor:
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln
When you take on a significant historical figure such as Abraham Lincoln, it’s a true risk. But Day-Lewis managed to bring nuance and a depth of humanity to the challenging role, in a powerful performance that was far removed from any two-dimensional portrayal.
Best Actress:
Naomi Watts, The Impossible
Naomi Watts has never truly owned a film, until now. Her physical performance in this harrowing role is outstanding, gaining her many accolades, and she would be a deserved winner.
Actor in a Supporting Role:
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
An argument could certainly be made for Christoph Waltz as the deserved winner of this category, but to take on a character that has divided historians in Thaddeus Stevens, and to bring him to life in such an interesting way (making you want to learn more about him), speaks to the brilliance of Lee Jones.
Actress in a Supporting Role:
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables
Anne is one of the few to have taken every gong offered in this category this award season, and the smart money would suggest that the Academy will take the same view. Her physical transformation and dedication to this part will no doubt pay off for this actress who is emerging as a long-term talent for Hollywood.
Animated Feature Film:
Sam Fell and Chris Butler, ParaNorman
I know Brave will go in as the hands down feel-good favourite, but for me, ParaNorman was simply a cut above. As a film it flowed beautifully, making the transition between humour and horror with remarkable ease.
Best Costume:
Jacqueline Durran, Anna Karenina
So much of the mesmerising qualities of this film are owed to the simply stunning costumes. Durran would be a fitting winner.
Best Documentary Feature:
Malik Bendjelloul and Simon Chinn, Searching for Sugar Man
I would loved to have seen West of Memphis get a nod for subject matter alone, but the soul on display in Searching for Sugar Man should see it take Oscar home.
Writing (Original Screenplay):
Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained
Love him or loathe him, you cannot deny his brilliance as a writer. Tarantino’s dialogue is again superb in Django Unchained, and the composition of his characters, the flow of his narrative, and just the thought that has gone into each scene, has to put him as a frontrunner.
Writing (Adaptation):
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook seems to have won the audience vote, and I believe the quality writing is key to this. Perhaps adapting a story of Lincoln is a greater challenge, but to create a film that is so widely enjoyed to me is a greater mark of achievement.
Foreign Language Film:
Amour
A Royal Affair will likely give Amour a run for its money, but with five Oscar nominations, it should comfortably take out this category.
Do you agree with our choices?
