The week

This week is a big week.

Firstly, the Gotham Awards announced their winners. There was a bit of an uproar that 'Precious' was not in the nix, but the few negative reviews of the film come out of New York so that could explain it.

Anyway the big winner was 'The Hurt Locker' which is a very deserving film in any awards ceremony. This makes the film a near lock for a Best Picture Oscar nomination. Also Katherine Bigelow was awarded as well as the films ensemble. Catalina Saavedra was awarded for 'The Maid'. Great for her, but unlikely to translate to Oscar which is a shame.

Also this week we have the Independent Spirit Awards announce their nominations. 'The Hurt' locker was eligible last year so will not be in the mix. Expect showings from 'Precious', 'A Serious Man', 'A Single Man', 'Amreeka', 'Tucker' and '(500) Days of Summer' as well as some smaller, but no less well received films. It would be great to see films like 'That Evening Sun, 'The Messenger' and 'Me and Orson Wells' make an appearance as well.

Then lastly we have the National Board of Review give out their awards. For what they are worth (not much) here are my predictions:

Best Film: 'Up in the Air'

Rest of the top ten:

'The Hurt Locker'
'A Single Man'
'Up in the Air'
'The Last Station'
'Invictus'
'Nine'
'Where the Wild Things Are'
'An Education'
'Inglouroius Basterds'

Best Director: Katherine Bigelow - 'The Hurt Locker'
Alt: Jason Reitman - 'Up in the Air'

Best Actor: George Clooney - 'Up in the Air'
Alt: Jeff Bridges - 'Crazy Heart'

Best Actress: Meryl Streep - 'It's Complicated' and 'Julie & Julia'
Alt: Gabourey Sidibe - 'Precious'

Best Supporting Actor: Stanley Tucci - 'The Lovely Bones' and 'Julie & Julia'
Alt: Christopher Waltz - 'Inglourious Basterds'

Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore - 'The Private Lives of Pippa Lee', 'Chloe' and 'A Single Man'
Alt: Mo'Nique - 'Precious'