“I still think awards are stupid…but they would be less stupid if they went to the right people.”
— Ron Swanson, Parks & Recreation
I have a dream….
That the 2010 Oscars aren’t a boring repeat of the Golden Globes and SAG Awards and every other awards show that has gone before them…
That I will be rewarded for the hours I devote to the red carpet coverage and show telecast with actual entertainment.
That the actors and films I like get the statuettes they deserve.
So this year, instead of making Oscar predictions — which at this point is pretty darn easy — I am listing my Oscar favorites….because if someone else wins, it won’t change my mind.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS — Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”
Anna deserves it. She went toe-to-toe with George Clooney and made the movie. I know Monique is going to win, but we’re talking who I like, remember?
SUPPORTING ACTOR — Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”
I boycotted this movie (long story), but I have loved his interviews. Bet his acceptance speech is killer.
ACTRESS — Carey Mulligan, “An Education”
I love Sandra, but the “The Blind Side” being nominated for best picture Oscar was not legit. “An Education” was…and so was Mulligan.
ACTOR — George Clooney, “Up in the Air”
Jeff Bridges is gonna win, but Clooney’s performance was original and emotional. “Crazy Heart” is just “The Wrestler” with a guitar.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM — “The Secret of the Kells”
I hadn’t even heard of this film until a week or so ago, but I’m intrigued.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM — “The White Ribbon”
I correctly picked this film to win the Golden Globe based on a trailer, and I’m sticking with it.
ORIGINAL SCORE — “The Hurt Locker”
It takes a special score to accompany bombs bursting in air.
ORIGINAL SONG — Take It All, “Nine”
I loved all the music in this movie. Too bad the movie didn’t live up to it.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY — Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”
Relevant to today. Emotional. Authentic. Didn’t steal from “Dances with Wolves.” Give him the Oscar!
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY — Quentin Tarentino, “Inglourious Basterd”
If we can convince him he’s a good writer, maybe he’ll stop directing such gore fests.
DIRECTOR — Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”
I think a director who can write and direct a story in an original way that speaks to everyone — and who doesn’t need to use CGI or bombs or scalping to keep your attention — is Oscar-worthy.
PICTURE — “Up in the Air”
I’ve seen it twice. Would see it again. Can’t recommend it enough.
See this
Last night Julianne Moore won a SAG Award for her work in Still Alice.
Her portrayal of a 50-year old Columbia University professor with early on-set Alzheimer’s is amazing…because you can’t see what she’s doing.
She simply has Alzheimer’s.
And everyone around her in the movie looks like they’re acting.
In the movie scene represented by the still above, Julianne’s character is out running in her New York City neighborhood, and is suddenly lost. She starts to hyperventilate, and everything becomes an unrecognizable blur. The audience is in there with her.
It’s really scary.
I won’t pretend this movie is easy to watch, but I think it’s important to see.
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Posted in Academy Awards, Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, History, Movies
Tagged acting, Alzheimers, blur, celebrities, Columbia University, commentary, entertainment, film, hyperventilate, Julianne Moore, Movies, New York City, running, SAG Awards, see this, Still Alice movie