Thursday, February 23, 2012
So You Wanna Be a Star...Awards Week Continues
Besides Best Picture, it's the acting categories that everyone cares the most about.
Mostly because the performances are the part of the movie you actually pay attention to when you're watching. You might notice things like costumes and exceptional make up and lighting, but you don't know the people that perform those bits of magic. You just wanna see the STARS!
And there were some big stars nominated for Academy Awards this year. A few recurring favorites, plus some new (and surprising) additions.
Let's start with the supporting performances...
Actor in a Supporting Role
Kenneth Branaugh, My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Max von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
At this point, the only one of these I've seen is Moneyball. And Jonah Hill was good and all, but do we really want to see Superbad 2 starring "Academy Award Nominee Jonah Hill?" I don't think so. I've heard great things about Max von Sydow's performance. But my money's on the beloved Christopher Plummer in a movie I haven't seen, but have heard great things about.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Bérénice Bujo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help
As much as I adored Bérénice and Jessica this year, and as much as I admit that Melissa McCarthy made Bridesmaids worth watching, they may as well just go right ahead and engrave this award for Octavia. She was too perfect to be overlooked.
Actor in a Leading Role
Demián Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt, Moneyball
Clooney is the safe choice. He was good in a fine role, although I really felt like I'd seen this character before and wasn't blown away by his performance. I'm hoping for a surprise win for Jean Dujardin. Because, seriously, performing in a silent film where the only tool available for creating your character is your own facial expressions? That is far more impressive to me. So I think George will win, but I'm *hoping* for the upset. Especially after Dujardin's SAG win.
Actress in a Leading Role
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn
Glenn looks pretty hideous in Albert Nobbs, which often guarantees a win for actresses. There have been absolute RAVES about Rooney, despite the fact that her film didn't quite meet expectations at the box office. Michelle's award is her nomination this time around. This is really a contest between Meryl and Viola and I've heard amazing things about Meryl's uncanny portrayal of Margaret Thatcher. Plus, she won the Golden Globe. But everyone adores Viola and she won the Screen Actors Guild Award, which is usually a good sign. I think this one's going to Viola.
So those are the acting awards. Anyone left out that you think should have made this year's list of Bests? Who are you rooting for?
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Wow, you really know your movies! I haven't seen half of these movies...but I do love movies in general so I'm sure I will be watching this year:)
ReplyDeleteI probably see way too many movies, but I pretty much live for Oscar time.
DeleteI agree with a lot you have here but I'm really rooting for Brad Pitt in Moneyball. That film blew me away and, while I'm not usually a big fan of the Pittmeister, I came out of the theatre with new respect for his growing talent. I'm also rooting for Michelle Williams, whose luminescent performance made me fall in love with her. I'm thinking she might just win the big prize with this one.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just ADORE Oscar Night? *happy sigh*
I DO adore Oscar Night! One of my favorite nights of the year!
DeleteAnd yeah, Brad Pitt was fantastic in Moneyball. I don't think he will win, but I'd be okay with it if he does. Honestly, I think he was better than Clooney.
I don't really have any stakes in the actors-actresses categories this year. Odd, huh?
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to watch the show!
ReplyDeleteI've heard exactly the same things and would love to see the ladies from The Help win. So did you see 'The Vow' yet? I'm curious if you'll still dislike Channing after seeing the movie. I think his character is utterly adorable.
ReplyDeleteIt dawned on me while reading this that you are my only connection to popular culture at this time.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing if your predictions are right. One day, I might even see one of these movies. Maybe.
OMG, I'm getting so giddy!
ReplyDeleteI really really really want Viola to win. I thought Octavia and Jessica were both great, but Octavia deserves it. Is it bad that I want Mr. French Man to win just so I can hear him talk and look at his pretty face? He's seriously delish and so charming.
I think Plummer's character was gay, which is an automated win.
ReplyDeleteI'm going with the guy from The Artist for the best actor win.
And I really hope,you're right about Viola.
I meant automatic, not automated.
ReplyDeleteOctavia Spencer and Viola Davis were sooooo good. I hope they win! :)
ReplyDelete