OK, I admit it. I am a film snob, but I am not as bad as some people I know.
Around this time of year I am frantically trying to see all of the Academy Award nominated films that have finally made their way to Murfreesboro or Nashville.
I didn't get to see as many movies as I wanted to this year, but I am going to make my predictions anyway. In most categories I will make two picks, the actor or film I think will win and the one I want to win.
Best Supporting Actress
I really want Jennifer Hudson of "Dreamgirls" to win this award, and I think she will. Her voice is incredible, and there is something about her that I just like.
But I really think Rinko Kikuchi as a Japanese student or Adriana Barraza as an illegal Mexican immigrant in "Babel" are more deserving of the award. Their performances are more subtle, nusianced and even more heartbreaking than Hudson's.
Kikuchi's character is deaf and mute, and she pulls it off beautifully.
Best Supporting Actor
Eddie Murphy was amazing in "Dreamgirls" as a drug-addicted R&B singer. It was a total departure for him.
He will win the award, and I think he should.
Jackie Earle Haley as a disturbed pedophile in "Little Children" is just that — disturbing.
Best Actress
There isn't even a slight chance that someone other than Helen Mirren will win this award. Oscar voters seem to love giving awards to actors playing real people.
I would rather see Judi Dench win for her role as the vindictive school teacher in "Notes on a Scandal." The movie was a little over the top, but Dench's performance was intense.
Best Actor
Again, there is no question that Forest Whitaker will win for his role as Ugandan Dictator Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland." His performance is supposed to be one of the best in decades.
I haven't got to see this movie yet. I hope to be able to go before the Oscars.
Additionally, I loved Ryan Goslings' performance as a drug-addicted "Half Nelson." It makes me really happy that he is nominated. I love his performance in every movie he is in. He truly becomes the characters he plays.
Best Director
Everyone is saying that this is Martin Scorsese's year to win for "The Departed."
I don't really understand the criteria for this award, but I think Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, the director of "Babel," is more deserving.
"Babel" involves a ensemble cast and was shot in at least four different countries and three continents.
Motion Picture of the Year
"Babel" is just an epic motion picture. It is beautiful, heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.
Let us know your picks...
For an Oscar ballot, visit www.oscar.com.
The 79th Academy Awards air Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. on ABC. |
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