Final Oscar Predictions: Best Supporting Actress

Will Win: Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There

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When Ruby Dee won the SAG Award, that was very surprising, and did put some of the odds in her favor. However, I think that Blanchett will ultimately become the victor here. Her role is something that is very difficult to forget, and I don't think the voters are going to. However, you can't count out Dee or Ryan, who are close on her heels. But, feel confident that this she'll be claimed a winner once again.

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Should Win: Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone

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While I did like Blanchett, I was amazed by Amy Ryan. She took a character that we all know and turned her into something that still caught our attention. Every action she takes feels very genuine and that is amazing. There is a possibility she could upset, and that would be outstanding if she did.

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Snubbed: Taraji P. Hensen - Talk to Me

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I actually have very little complaints about this category, but I wish there could have been more love for Talk to Me and I loved Hensen's character. She was smart and tough, yet vulnerable at the same time. It's the kind of supporting performance that you really want to root for, and I sure did.

R.I.P. Heath Ledger (1979-2008)

R.I.P.

Heath Ledger

1979-2008

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As we are still in the first few moments of this tragic event, I don't think people realize how much Heath Ledger will be missed. He left an early mark in supporting roles against big players like Mel Gibson in The Patriot and Billy Bob Thornton in Monster's Ball, and he also tried some leading roles in action films like A Knight's Tale, The Order, and Ned Kelly, but it was that beautiful performance in Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain that earned him an Oscar nomination and a new legion of fans. He was a great actor who could really dedicate himself into to the role, and I'm sure the upcoming summer film The Dark Knight would have provided more evidence of how much dedication he had to creating a memorable character. For those who missed it, Ledger played another Bob Dylan alter-ego in I'm Not There, perhaps the only other performer who could match up Blanchett. It is hard to believe that such a gifted performer has been taken from us so soon, and it is a shame that his talent will never be seen again. He will be sorely missed, and every performance of his will never be viewed the same. Goodbye, Heath.

Reaction to Oscar Nominees

Best Picture
Well, Atonement made it in after all. However, I do not agree with that nomination at all. Nor do I agree with nominations going towards Juno and Michael Clayton, even though they were expected. Both are good films, but not on a Best Picture level quality for me. No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood were as clear as the noses on faces. I'm still a little saddened that my favorite film this year, Sweeney Todd, was left off, but I didn't expect it to make the cut.

Best Director
One thing I have to say: Where did Jason Reitman come from!? Unfortunately, to me, he was another one who snuck in that I thought was underserving. I'm sorry, but I didn't fall in love with Juno like the rest of the country. Call me a cynic, I don't care. That cynic also didn't want to believe Tony Gilroy would get nominated (I loved his screenplay, but I personally didn't believe he had the right place as director quite yet). Schnabel, Anderson, and the Coens were expected, but I'm still smarting from that Tim Burton snub (sigh).

Best Actor
The shock heard around the world was Tommy Lee Jones getting a nomination for In the Valley of Elah when he was completely absent from any major precursers. But, when you think about it, it shouldn't be that surprisng. The Academy likes rewarding performers for having great years while providing multiple films. With this and No Country for Old Men, this was definetly the performance that would get in. I'm glad that Johnny Depp conquered his dying buzz, and Viggo Mortensen wasn't the victim of a looming snub. If you thought Daniel Day-Lewis or Clooney would have been snubbed, then you took a giant leep of faith.

Best Actress
Laura Linney was surprising. Very surprising. Even more surprising that she took that nomination from Angelina Jolie's brave performance in A Mighty Heart. Why couldn't she steal it from Cate Blanchett, whose nod in this category is more greed than good. The usual suspects of Christie, Cotillard and Page were there to round off the top 5.

Best Supporting Actor
For me, like many others, this was the only category I got 100% correct. I'm so excited that Casey Affleck landed a nomination. Not much else to say here other than I was just mildly impressed with Hal Holbrook that if his nomination had been traded in for Paul Dano in There Will Be Blood, I wouldn't have minded.

Best Supporting Actress
To be honest, I'm kind of gland Catherine Keener didn't make it in here. Her performance just wasn't that hip to me, and I'm also glad that I predicted Saorsie Ronan as a possible upset. Other than than, this category performed pretty much as expected, with Ryan, Swinton, Dee and Blanchett, with her second nod, finishing out the lineup.

This Oscar race is very interesting, and it won't stop yet.

Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Director & Best Picture

Predicted 5

Julian Schnabel - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

He seems like a contender that's out of place, but the precursers say he's got to be in.

Sean Penn - Into the Wild

The Academy continues to prove that their love affair with actors who direct has not stopped. I don't think Penn will be the exception.

Joel Coen/Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men

The only question for them is will they end up taking this award?

Tim Burton - Sweeney Todd

I'll admit that I'm just naming him based on pure hope, but I do have a feeling about him. Despite his DGA snubb (I'm still sore about that), he still has great reviews and a body of work to show for it. Also, remember Clint Eastwood last year?

Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will Be Blood

He's always been a celebrated writer, but his DGA nod suggests that it's time for recognition as director.

Possible Upset

Sidney Lemet - Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Even though his buzz has pretty much died, he still can't be counted out. Old Hollywood and veteran voters have a way of sneeking in surprises along the way, and he could be one of them. I would expect that his name could possibly be called in place of Burton or even Anderson.

Predicted 5

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

I don't think people realize how quickly the buzz around this film has been gaining. A best director nomination is a sure bet, but I have a feeling about this film as well. I might be wrong, but it is a feeling.

Into the Wild

Even without a PGA nod, the strong support at other guilds, plus the love for Penn and Hirsch, should be enough to put it over the edge.

Michael Clayton

It didn't seem like a contender at first, but with sure fire nods for Best Actor, Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor, plus a possible screenplay nomination, this is certainly a movie to be considered in this category as well.

No Country for Old Men

A nomination is nothing to worry about. The only thing left is wondering if this really is going to be called a Best Picture Oscar winner.

There Will Be Blood

Strong support at many precursers show that this film will make the list.

Possible Upset

Juno

Juno has a better shot at getting a nomination, and many are thinking it will be called. It probably will be. However, I can't help feeling that the reminders of Little Miss Sunshine will be too great, and the Academy won't go for it again. It probably will be nominated, but this is a feeling of mine.

Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Actress & Best Actor

Predicted 5

Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth: The Golden Age

The film may have gotten panned, but her performance has been showing up at all the precursers.

Julie Christie - Away from Her

Rave reviews and critical darling. There's little to actually stop her from winning.

Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose

Right amount of precurser attention, plus her surprising Golden Globe win, puts her in a vital position.

Angelina Jolie - A Mighty Heart

She's the comeback kid in this Oscar story. She's in.

Ellen Page - Juno

The film is so spunky and hip, and her performance is a star making turn. There's no way she'll be snubbed.

Possible Upset

Amy Adams - Enchanted

Even though I never really bought into the buzz about her, people seem to fall in love with her performance. On a day when anything can happen, she might just have a fairy tale ending after all.

Predicted 5

George Clooney - Michael Clalyton

He's gotten so much love for the film. Hollywood's favorite player is ready for acting nod #2.

Daniel Day-Lewis - There Will Be Blood

Need I say more?

Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd

SAG snub was alarming, but his star power and great reviews should be enough to make it in the top spot.

Emile Hirsch - Into the Wild

Films like this, that are universally praised, often spill out into other categories (see Catherine Keener). He's gotten raves and his youthful "breakout" status is a big advantage in a category that desperatly needs it.

Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises

He's finally ready to get his name called for one of the boldest performances of the year.

Possible Upset

Ryan Gosling - Lars and the Real Girl

I keep telling myself that it can't be. This film is just sooooo strange that I keep thinking that the Academy wouldn't embrace it, right? I hope not, but I with his name showing up in so many places, his name cannot be excluded from our minds.

Final Oscar Nominations Predictions: Best Supporting Actor

Predicted 5

Casey Affleck - The Assassination of Jesse James...

While landing the right amount of precurser attention, he is set to get that acting nomination that has always alluded his big brother.

Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men

The nomination is assured. The only question that remains for Bardem is when he'll win it.

Philip Seymour Hoffman - Charlie Wilson's War

The SAG snub did raise a few eyebrows, but I think the Academy will want to reward him for such a stellar year. Plus, he's the most memorable thing about the film.

Hal Holbrook - Into the Wild

Sentimentalism and old Hollywood will be on his side, and who knows, that might bring him a ridiculus win like Arkin had last year.

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Tom Wilkinson - Michael Clayton

Much like Holbrook, older voters will appreciate his inspiring performace. He's safe.

Possible Upset

Paul Dano - There Will Be Blood

Daniel Day-Lewis has been guzzling most of the buzz, but if another performer from this film were to be recognized, it is Dano, especially coming off of his success from Little Miss Sunshine last year. However, I don't expect him to make the cut, but I think he 's got the best chance over anyone else for making a difference

Final Oscar Nominatons Predictions: Best Supporting Actress

With the Oscars less than a week away (so excited!), it is now time for the millions of Oscar lovers to throw in their own thoughts about nomination morning. This year has the distinction of being one of the most unclear races ever, all before the nominees are announced. Last year's Best Picture raced was muddled only after Dreamgirls was snubbed, but here are my first thoughts on the race. To start, Best Supporting Actress:

Pedicted 5

Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There

She's been a lock since the beginning. The role is very difficult to forget, and the voters won't either.

Ruby Dee - American Gangster

When I first saw this film, I had a feeling she'd be nominated for this baity role. Her SAG nomination provided evidence for my suspicion.

Catherine Keener - Into the Wild

I really don't get why she's here, but with the right amount of precurser attention, she's in.

Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone

This year's critical darling is now poised for a surprise win.

Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton

She's been riding the film's buzz wave for a while now, and her continuous presence at the precursers suggest that she's in.

Possible Upset:

Saoris Ronan - Atonement

I actually don't expect that many surprises with this category, but Atonement cannot be forgotten about too quickly. It is still breathing somewhere, and her performance is quite possibly the one to make the cut. However, I'm not expecting to hear her name.

Best of the Year Awards

Best Picture
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
**Sweeney Todd**
There Will Be Blood
Zodiac

Best Director
Andrew Dominik - The Assassination of Jesse James...
Sidney Lumet - Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men
**Tim Burton - Sweeney Todd**
Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will Be Blood

Best Actor
Don Cheadle - Talk to Me
**Daniel Day-Lewis - Therer Will Be Blood**
Johnny Depp - Sweeney Todd
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Viggo Mortensen - Eastern Promises

Best Actress
Helena Bonham Carter - Sweeney Todd
Julie Christie - Away from Her
Angelina Jolie - A Mighty Heart
**Ellen Page - Juno**
Keri Russell - Waitress

Best Supporting Actor
**Casey Affleck - The Assassination of Jesse James...**
Javier Bardem - No Country for Old Men
Paul Dano - There Will Be Blood
Robert Downey, Jr. - Zodiac
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Charlie Wilson's War

Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There
Ruby Dee - American Gangster
Taraji P. Hensen - Talk to Me
**Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone**
Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton

Best Original Screenplay
**Before the Devil Knows You're Dead**
Eastern Promises
Juno
Ratatouille
Superbad

Best Adapted Screenplay
**The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford**
No Country for Old Men
Sweeney Todd
There Will Be Blood
Zodiac

Best Animated Feature
Beowulf
**Ratatouille**
The Simpsons Movie

Best Art Direction
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
The Golden Compass
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Ratatouille
**Sweeney Todd**

Best Costume Design
American Gangster
**The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford**
The Hoax
Sweeney Todd
Talk to Me

Best Cinematography
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Into the Wild
**No Country for Old Men**
Sweeney Todd
There Will Be Blood

Best Film Editing
**Before the Devil Knows You're Dead**
No Country for Old Men
Grindhouse
The Hoax
Zodiac

Best Original Score
Atonement
Eastern Promises
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Ratatouille
**There Will Be Blood**

Best Original Song
Into the Wild - "Long Nights"
Into the Wild - "No Ceiling"
**Into the Wild - "Society"
Once - "When You're Mind's Made Up"
Ratatouille - "Le Festin"

Best Makeup
Grindhouse
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
**Sweeney Todd**

Best Sound Mixing
Grindhouse
Sunshine
Sweeney Todd
There Will Be Blood
**Transformers**

Best Sound Editing
The Bourne Ultimatium
**Nountry for Old Men**
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Rescue Dawn
Spider-Man 3

Best Visual Effects
**Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End**
Sunshine
Transformers

Top 10 Movies of 2007

With the year officially at a close and the award season just now getting interesting, it is now that time when I, after going through a plentiful share of films over the winter break (I saw a total of ten movies, all in theatres, from the period of Dec. 21 through Jan. 5). So here is what I believe everyone should see because they are great films.

10. Superbad
When I normally select my number ten spot, it is usually for a film I don't really consider one of the best films, but it is one that is more like a personal favorite of mine that has made a significant contribution to the year. That rationale is how this comedy got on my list, but I don't think too many people disagree. This was very surprising for me, considering I don't generally watch films like this. It's humor is outrageous but works nearly every time. I think this is the best of the raunchy sex comedies, the best to come from Judd Apatow, and, simply, one of the best comedies in the last decade.

9. Ratatouille
Pixar just can't be stopped, but what makes this tale of a Paris rat with a searing interest for the culinary arts a masterpiece is Brad Bird. Bird is responsible for the Oscar-winning The Incredibles, which I also thought was one of the best films that year. Ratatouille is filled with a warm sense of the story as it is rich with both characters and content. The voices are superb, especially Peter O'Toole taking on the dreaded critic Anton Ego and raises the bar of voice acting to an Oscar worthy level.

8. Eastern Promises
There have been some divided opinions about David Cronenberg's latest which takes a dive into the Russian mafia in London. It is very dark and brooming and distance in its storytelling, but I think those are essential elements to this story. Nobody in this film is meant to be a character to cuddle up to, not even Viggo Mortensen, the film's protagonist, who gives the best performance of his career. Cronenberg always treats these kinds of characters in a fascinating way, and he certainly gave us a fight scene that will never be forgotten.

7. Into the Wild
I was completely enchanted by Sean Penn's endearing adaptation of the absorbing book. I guess what surprised me most was the absence of any political agendas or moral guilt trips. Penn does the right thing by just stepping back and showing us this character whose only journey is to find himself in his own way. It is a powerful story that is aided by Penn's direction and Emile Hirsch's great performance.

6. There Will Be Blood
Daniel Day-Lewis is so commanding in this film that it is impossible not to recognize his sheer brilliance as an actor. He manages to create a character that is layered with so many complexities that you don't know how to feel about him. His character map is all over the place, much like the film. But give it up for Paul Thomas Anderson's sophisticated direction to make it all happen. Also to note: a great, and underrated, supporting performance from Paul Dano, and the strange but genius score from Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood.

5. Zodiac
It is a shame that this film was released so early in the year and was neglected by audiences at the time. David Fincher's stark and exciting detective thriller is his best work in a long time. The entire atmosphere of this film is brilliantly taken in by the technical aspects, and while Robert Downey, Jr. probably didn't stretch too much for this role, he creates probably the most memorable character in the entire film.

4. No Country for Old Men
There is no denying the power of this film and all the components that make it happen. The Coens' great direction packed with a rich screenplay, the great acting from players like Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin, and the absolutely amazing cinematography from Roger Deakins. I didn't completely fall in love with this film, since it is not at the top spot, but it was certainly one of the trips to the cineplex that was very much impactful.

3. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Too few people saw this film, and I hope that tragedy won't happen again when this is released on DVD. Sidney Lumet proves that no matter what age, he still has the power to craft a beautiful film. The crazy plot is guided by its great ensemble, ranging from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei and Albert Finney. See this movie.

2. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
WAY too few people saw this one as well. Writer-director Andrew Dominik created an unconventional western for us, but his in-depth character study about these two men is a fascination venture into their lives. I like Brad Pitt in this film, but it is more than true that Casey Affleck blows his costar out of the water. He would have my vote for Best Supporting Actor this year.

1. Sweeney Todd
I was a little hesitant putting this at number one at first. I am a HUGE Tim Burton fan, and I was afraid my allegiance to him would influence my reason to put it here. However, I do honestly believe that this film was the best movie going experience I had and I cannot think of one thing I didn't enjoy about this film. Musicals have never been my greatest pleasure mainly because none of them have really been translated for screen. They've all still retained their Broadway essence. But Burton takes this and shapes it for film, and I sincerely appreciate that. But it is also Johnny Depp's performance that really makes the film great. I fell in love with this movie from start to finish.