Oscar Predictions: Who Will and Who Should Win?

With the 84^th Annual Academy Awards less than a week away, I thought it would be a good time to share my predictions. So, after watching about 90% of the films nominated and reading more than the healthy number of prediction posts on various sites her are my picks for who will and who should win:

BEST PICTURE

Should Win: The Help

The winner is almost certainly not going to be The Help, but it really should be. The film is a well-rounded adaptation of the book of the same name, and boasts an extremely talented cast.

Will Win: The Artist

To be honest, there are a number of films that deserve to win more than The Artist (Midnight in Paris and Hugo for example). But the film has generated a tremendous amount of buzz, even if it is a film that is staggeringly “up itself”.

BEST ACTRESS

Should Win: Viola Davis, The Help

In a cast that is full of shining performances, Davis shines brightest as Abilene, the maid who first takes the leap of faith in telling her story. Every move and word said by Davis in this film illustrates the emotion weighing on Abilene and it would win her an Oscar were it not such a strong category this year.

Will Win: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

It has been about 20 years since Meryl Streep last won Academy Gold, but her amazing transformation into the iconic Margret Thatcher has caused a staggering amount of buzz. As mentioned, it is a very talented category this year, but it seems highly likely that Streep will walk away with gold for the first time since 1982.

BEST ACTOR

Should Win: George Clooney, The Descendants

He plays a wealthy man who has to not only deal with the fact his wife is in a coma she will never wake up from, but he also learns that she has been having an affair. Clooney handles this complex character very well and gives an outstanding performance – he more than deserves the win.

Will Win: Jean Dujardin, The Artist

 

I do not think that Dujardin is deserving of the award at all, I only predict he will win based on the fact that the film and his performance has garnered so much attention, and wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards and SAG Awards make his win seem, sadly, inevitable.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Should Win: Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids

 

While I certainly did not enjoy Bridesmaids nearly as much as a lot of people, I do think that McCarthy’s performance was truly amazing, and after she was snubbed for a nomination at the Golden Globes I am very glad she is in the running for the Academy Awards. Sadly, the Academy is historically known for not awarding comedy; so do not expect to see her take home a win.

Will Win: Octavia Spencer

After years of small but memorable roles in film and television Octavia Spencer looks to receive recognition. Especially after wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, and SAG Awards, her performance as the strong and feisty Minnie, Spencer is the favourite to win.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Should & Will Win: Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Christopher Plummer has been commonly looked at as one of the most talented actors alive today without an Academy Award. But with his performance as the elderly father who comes out as a gay man to his son at 82 years-old, only to be diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly afterward, would seem to be the performance that wins him an Oscar.

BEST DIRECTOR

Should & Will Win: Martin Scorsese, Hugo

There is very little doubt in my mind that the masterfully crafted 3D family film, Hugo, will result in Scorsese taking home his second Academy Award for Best Director.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Should & Will Win: Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris

For his charming and enthralling story, intriguing characters and engaging dialogue, Mr Allen is considered by most to have this category in the bag.

 

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Should & Will Win: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash, The Descendants

With a recent win in the same category at the WGA Awards this well-adapted screenplay filled with rich characters it seems highly likely this writing team will walk away with gold.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Should Win: Kung Fu Panda 2

The first film is one of my favourite animated films, and Po’s second adventure seemed to have a darker tone and felt a little more grown up in a lot of ways. In a year where for the first time in a while no Pixar films are nominated, the lovable Panda might just pull it off.

Will Win: Rango

It was visually stunning; slightly head scratching; and it had some extraordinarily well-written scenes. Not to mention the film tipped its cowboy hat to the traditional western – nods to the past seem to be very in fashion this year, so it definitely has that going for it. Gore Verbinski’s Rango is the more artistic choice, and seems most likely to take the gold.

So there are my picks and predictions. Please feel free to sound off in the comments or talk to me @CDWB on Twitter about your thoughts regarding the winners come the February 26^th ceremony.

 

COLT.

~ by CDWB on February 21, 2012.