Best Supporting Actor Predicitions

1) Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
He deserves a nomination. But can the performance over come it's comic book origins? This one will. Added to that the sympathy for an Actor who is gone too soon, and should already have an Oscar. Now there is talk of a lead campaign..oh dear. (previous rank 5)



2) Robert Downey Jr. – Tropic Thunder
He not only steals the pic from the other stars, but adds layers of nuance while being hysterical. Are comedies like this rewarded? With 'The Soloist' being '09 they may want to reward him anyway (previous rank 6, 5, 8, NEW)




3) Josh Brolin - Milk
Time to prove that last years was not a fluke. As the villain of the movie he will have a juicy role, but there are other villains afoot He is going to have to stand out, and the film is going to have to overcome the gay stigma to make it in the big categories . (previous rank 2, 8)




4) Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
It is a juicy role, although advance word is that the film belongs to the actresses. However the man is very well liked. If he can get nominated for ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’ then…... Playing a priest accused of molestation will grab attention. (previous rank 6, NEW)




5) Dev Patel - 'Slumdog Millionaire
SAG nominated him, and gave the film an undeserved Ensemble nomination, which means the actors and the critics are behind this film. He is most likely in, even if he was not brilliant in the film. (previous rank 9, 10, 9)




6) Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
He is a hard working actor who is always good. He is in an Oscar bait film as well, and the role is supposedly juicy. This will either be a breakout for him, or he will get lost. He really needs the film to do well. (previous rank 2, 7, 12, 10)




7) Eddie Marsan – Happy-Go-Lucky
It is not only Sally Hawkins and Mike Leigh who are getting praised. Marsan who plays the mad driving instructor has received unanimous praise. He managed to get a few end of year notices as well. (previous rank 3, 4, NEW)




8) James Franco - Milk
‘Pineapple Express’ got his great notices this year. There is strong advance buzz for him right now, and he has been around for a while, but mainly in bad films. However there is a lot of internal competition in this film. (previous rank 5, 6, 11, NEW)

He said, "I can smell your Oscar."

So the results are in for the upteenth poll.

I had asked who, out of the lovely five women nominated in 1990 for Best Actress, should have walked away with the trophy.

In 5th place our beloved C.C. Bloom - ie Bette Midler in “For The Boys” with absolutely no votes. Sniff

In 4th place with a measly 6% we have Nikki Grace/Susan Blue (aka Laura Dern for “Rambling Rose”). I have to ask where is her second nomination?

In 3rd place we have Muriel Pritchett herself, Geena Davis in “Thelma and Louise” who could only muster 7%.

Which means 2nd place had a slight 10% lead over Geena was her co-star and eventual Oscar winner Susan Sarandon for “Thelma and Louise”….I really expected her to place much higher and possibly stop

….Sarah Tobias from taking gold with a nice lead of 68%. What can we say, the populous wins out (well yeah), and is it any surprise that the winner is probably the most seen film of the bunch?

Jodie Fosters performance in “The Silence of the Lambs” is probably the only time a woman in an actionist film has won Best Actress. She in fact did what Sigourney Weaver could not do with “Aliens”. Not to say Clarice Starling is all action, but she gets to play a role usually played by men, and in fact plays it better.

I couldn’t have been happier that she won this. I am now waiting till she rejoins the Oscar nominee list.

We move up a year next…fancy that! We will look at 1992 when the nominees to choose from were…..


Diane Ladd - Rambling Rose
Juliette Lewis - Cape Fear
Kate Nelligan - The Prince of Tides
Mercedes Ruehl - The Fisher King
Jessica Tandy - Fried Green Tomatoes


Go on vote people!!!! I know it is not the best year ever, but still….VOTE!. Poll is in the side to your right!

Best Actress Predictions

1) Meryl Streep - Doubt
It have been over 20 years since Meryl Streep, arguably the greatest living actress in the world, has won an Oscar. This could be the role that makes the Academy finally say "It is about time she has another". (previous rank: 1)



2) Anne Hathaway – Rachel Getting Married
She is proving herself as an actress, now all she needs is to be recognized for this challenging role of a recovering addict. The reviews are there, and she is doing well with critics. A Lock. (previous rank: 5, 6, 10)



3) Sally Hawkins - Happy-Go-Lucky
Mike Leigh is great at getting his actresses nominations, especially in well liked films. Critics have already fallen in love with the performance in the US and the UK. The win at Berlin does not hurt at all. (previous rank: 3)



4) Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road
It is not if Kate will ever win an Oscar, just a matter of when. She was a front runner when this was announced. With 'The Reader' either held up or going supporting she has a good shot here. However, you have to ask.....how good is the film? (previous rank: 4)



5) Melissa Leo – “Frozen River”
She is a respected character actress finally breaking out in a lead role (there is one every year it seems). The film won top prize at Sundance and the critics are behind her. She apparently carries the film on her back, but it is a small film. (previous rank: 7 ,NEW)



6) Angelina Jolie - Changeling
She was denied a much deserved nomination last year, and from the reaction at Cannes, she looked like a sure bet. However the critics here have not been so kind saying she is unfocused and not period enough. (previous rank: 8, 2)



7) Kristen Scott Thomas – “I’ve Loved You So Long”
Apparently she is sensational in this French language film. She plays an ex-con and is given her best role in ages. Can she make it back in the mix, this time speaking French. (previous rank: 2, NEW)




8) Cate Blanchett - 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'
With the category confusion seemingly out the way, and some of the reviews saying it is her best work (isn't it always). However the film need to go over really well to oust the ladies ahead.(previous rank: 7, NEW)

'Revelations'

Just sat down and watched the final episode this year of "Battlestar Galactica".
I am still a little in shock. I am not going to spill any beans and ruin anything for people who have not watched it, but what I will say is Holy Fracking Shit!

Just when you think they can no longer find new ways to show the good and evil of humanity they hit you over the head with these.

So now we all have to wait for 2009 to see the final 10 or 11 or 12 episodes. Perhaps that will give Emmy voters some more time to gain the intelligence needed to award this, the best show on TV.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Trailer

Still not sure about its Oscar possibilities, but it sure looks interesting. I am still thinking/hoping Taraji P. Henson walks off with this film though.

"Miracle at St. Anna" trailer

Oh that Spike Lee. For a man who has had the critical and sometimes commercial success he has, he is still and outsider when it comes to film making. I guess the industry like it if you are easy to mold, and controllable and do not ruffle feathers, and thank God Spike Lee is none of those things.
I especially like his little war of words with Clint Eastwood. Makes me smile, the guy has balls.

Here is his latest effort, the sure to be tear inducing "Miracle at St Anna", looks like I may have to add a little spot in my predictions for Laz Alonso.

The new "The Dutchess" trailer

And oh my is this one much better than the first, which was basically frocks and wigs. Looks like Keira gets some great moments in this and shows that she does have the dramatic chops, but can she, being so young, play a believable mother? Time will tell. Perhaps I will have to think about putting her higher up on my prediction list.

Check it out here

Best Actress and Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe

Ok. I have been thinking about my Best Actress predictions. It is a tough one, there are so many to choose from this year and there is always one new comer to the mix. I have been trying to find out as much as I could about this little movie "Push" which Nathaniel first mentioned on his site.

Read up all you want and then try and understand why I am hoping there may be critical buzz for Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe in her central performance. The book is like a modern day "Color Purple" and on paper the role is a corker.

Today I found this clip featured on this site with Gabby's rehersal which immediately landed her the part. Apparently she kind of walked in, sat down and delivered it. I am sure on film it will be much more powerful, but it is still great work here. Fingers crossed for her and don't think me too crazy for putting her in my predictions.

Best Supporting Actress Predictions

1) Penelope Cruz - Vicky, Christina, Barcelona.
She basically walks off with the picture. The woman is proving to be a great actress, and Woody Allen has had a stellar track record with his supporting actresses. She is a lock at this point. (previous position 2)



2) Viola Davis - Doubt
Playing a mother of an abused child SCREAMS attention. This woman has made enough films with enough well respected and likeable Academy members and she is brilliant in this. LOCK. (previous position 1)

Now this is where things get tricky. There are 5 remaining women fighting it out for 3 spots. It could be any ones game at this point.

3) Marisa Tomei – The Wrestler
Once again her name is up. The role is small and quiet, but she is apparently extremely good. However well know animosity with Rourke could taint her as well.. (previous position 8, 9, NEW)



4) Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
She has not done well with critics gongs, but her character is well loved. That can go a long way. She also looks like the main shot at an acting nomination. (previous position 3)



5) Kate Winslet - The Reader
Will this go lead? Lets hope they keep her in supporting though. I have heard that the performances in the film are good, but not great. Category confusion can always hurt her. (previous position 4, 10)




6) Rosemary DeWitt – Rachel Getting Married
Many say she is fantastic in the title role, but can she beat out her better known co stars for a nod. This category is the kindest to new stars. She has to last out the year though. (previous position 7, 8, NEW)



7)Amy Adams - Doubt
She will have to battle it out with Viola, but her star is rising, and she has a much larger role in the film than Viola. She star just keeps on rising, and they could let her in again this year. (previous position 5, 9)

Who'd have thunk it?

Just when I decided to write off Alanis Morissette she goes and releases her best album since "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie".

Guy Stigworth who produced Frou Frou and Madonna's "What it feels like for a girl" steps up to the challenge and helps give Alanis back her edge.

At the moment this is my fav song, "Straitjacket". Enjoy it and help Alanis back to the top of the chart.

Best Documentary Watch

The "RELIGULOUS" trailer.

I am alreay a supporter, just because it is being made. This one is sure to court controversy building up to and during it's releases. Any documentary that does so ends up being nominated. However critiquing faith, and especially religious fanatics of America is sure to upset some people....but they no doubt will ride out on white horse after the rapture.

Best Actor Predictions

1)Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler
This is the stuff Oscar eats up, however oddly enough, the performance is apparently deserving of all this praise. Expect to see him make the shortlist easily. The win may be more difficult. previous ranking: 1)



2) Sean Penn - Milk
He is after all Sean Penn and the Academy do like him. I would not be at all surprised to see his name announced, but I am not sure he could win the award. Trailer looks promising previous ranking: 2)



3) Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon.
After last years near nomination, he should have no trouble getting a nod for a role he perfected on stage. Even if the film falters he should manage to say in sentimentality alone. previous ranking: 3)



4) Clint Eastwood - 'Gran Torino'
Please, this is the Oscars. The man has two films out, they are going to nominated him somewhere, and this looks like the best place to put him. If he is nominated here, expect a win. It is after all Clint.



5) Leonardo DiCaprio - Revolutionary Road/House of Lies
I am thinking the whole 'Titanic' angle may be too much to resist. There was controversy when he wasn't nominated for that film, and now he is a much better actor. Again impressive trailer. previous ranking: 4)




6) Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Every review for the film has highly praised his performance, it is just a case of being remembered come year end. It is nearing year end and he has not been forgotten, but still can be. previous ranking: 7)



7) Brad Pitt - the Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Am I the only one not convinced he can pull this off. So many people love the Pitt, and sure he is pretty and all, but I am still not convinced on how great his acting talent is. previous ranking: 9)

Get me to Ember!

How beautiful does this film look.

I keep harping on about you reading the book. If I have to come to your house myself to do so I will.
It is a wonderful story, and I am sure it will be a fantastic film (my fingers are SO crossed!)

Here are some pics to wet your appetite. I so smell an Art Direction Oscar nomination coming it's way!

Click to embiggen (thanks for these Blair)

Best Picture Predictions

1) ”Slumdog Millionaire
With the deafening buzz and audience cheers from Toronto, this looks like a sure fire crow pleaser. Could be just the thing to shake up the best picture race this year. Danny Boyle is a director who has delivered solid films for years. This looks like it could be the one to be a front runner. The reviews are there. All we need is the box office and the Academy will follow. previous ranking: NEW)


2) "Milk"
I have little faith that a gay-themed movie can make it in. "Brokeback Mountain" was an exception.
I also have lost a little faith in Van Sant as a director, especially with something this big. However given the subject matter he may just pull out all the stops to make a stand out film. Fingers crossed. (previous ranking: 2, 4, 10)



3) "The Dark Knight"
Who would have thunk it?
Not I for a starter, but then again I didn’t expect the film to be as good as it was, or as critically praised. We are in October and it is still this and ‘Wall-E’ that are scoring a ‘universal praise’ score on Metacritic. Nothing else has.
I can see this making it through. The Academy needs a big hit to attract an audience to the show. (previous ranking: 3, 4, NEW)


4) "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
David Fincher is one of those directors that is going to be welcomed sooner or later.
If he can pull off this story that it could very well be sooner. The cast is interesting and so is the story.
Will the Academy really embrace this? More importantly will it be any good.
Those who have seen it love it, some feel a little cold, but it is about time for Fincher (previous ranking: 5, 6, 5)


5) "Wall-E"
I just think it is about time another animated film was nominated. Pixar has been turning out solid film after solid film, plus the critics awards have been very very kind.
The main con is that with the newish animated category, the Academy may not want to cross pollinate although it should. (previous ranking: 12, 4)



6) "Frost/Nixon"
Yet another loved stage play enters the mix.
This will definitely be an acting showcase, but will it be a riveting film?
On stage....yes, on film..apparently so. This could be one of those well reviewed films that just doesn't click with the Academy come year end. Then again with the political climate, it could be impossible to ignore, reviews are just fine (previous ranking: 11, 10, 8, 3)

7) "The Wrestler"
The film is supposed to be exceptional. It’s biggest hurdle will be getting people to see it since the subject matter is really not to everyone’s taste.
This could be all about Rourke’s performance, or it could be about the film entirely.
I expect it to make its mark come year end accolades though, but maybe not the big one. (previous ranking: 5, 12, NEW)


8) "Revolutionary Road"
This film looks like Oscar gold on paper.
However is previous years say anything, the early front runner always stumbles.
Sam Mendes has been turning out solid films, but has not gotten the love since his debut. This could be one of those 'acting only' films, which it could very well be.
The reviews will tell all. (previous ranking: 6, 7, 7)


9) "Doubt"
This just scream prestige, plus the fact that Meryl is looking like she is on her way to her 3rd win. This could be the big serious film of the bunch. The only iffy part is how well the stage play translates to screen. That is always a difficult task, however the actors should be able to fill any holes. Although, no matter how good, is it enough in this competitive race? (previous ranking: 7, 8, 1)


10) "Happy-Go-Lucky"
They like Mike Leigh a lot.
The film has gotten sterling reviews this side of the pond saying it is his most accessible film to date.
A nomination for his leading lady is likely, as is screenplay, but what will they make of the film.
It could stand out like a beacon a mist the very serious films in contention. (previous ranking: 9, 8, 6)

New Madonna video

Nice to see Madonna dancing about....always makes me smile, even if it is in her knickers.



Lordy I do love this song!!

Music Mondays.

Just because I have had it on repeat all day and it is a epic track. Bloc Party's 'Flux'