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.