2008 Academy Awards (Predictions)

As we all know, the 81st Anual Academy Awards are coming this Sunday, and since I won't be there that whole weekend, I've decided to put up my final predictions for the major awards right now. Oscar predictions are almost predictable, but I'm not counting on getting it perfect. Because we all know that the Academy LOVES giving us surprises. So here's my best (and rather safe) predictions.


BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR

1. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE - winnin the Globe, SAG, PGA, DGA and so many other countless awards just proves that "Slumdog" might just be as loved as "American Beauty" was back in 1999 and "The Return of the King" in 2003. This is really the little film that could, and will.
2. THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON - most nominations and beloved cast might just pull the win. Oscar loves epics.
3. MILK - with the political situation right now on Gay rights and the snub of "Brokeback Mountain" back in 2005 could push this Gus van Sant flick to gold.
4. THE READER - it surprised everyone with Kate Winslet's transfer to Best Actress, the Director and Picture nods. The Academy loves this. It probably has the same chances as "Milk".
5. FROST/NIXON - it's a longshot. This is just the Academy's token political film. But it deserves it nomination. The movie was good, despite it being the weakess from the nominees.

BEST DIRECTOR

1. DANNY BOYLE for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE - He won the DGA and he's the mastermind of the most beloved movie of the year. Not to mention...he's overdue.
2. GUS VAN SANT for MILK - Really overdue but Danny Boyle's practically a lock.
3. DAVID FINCHER for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON - Creative and amazing, but the Academy is more into realistic and gritting.
4. STEPHEN DALDRY for THE READER - His nomination was a huge surprise, his 3rd nomination for his 3rd movie is already his award. He's building his name, with all this love he'll surely win an Oscar one day.
5. RON HOWARD for FROST/NIXON - Ummm okay? Filler.

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

1. SEAN PENN for MILK - though this race is really close with fellow nominee Mickey Rourke, critics don't mean anything with the Oscars and Penn's SAG win can give us an idea that they really loved him here. Could he be TWO TIME Oscar winner, Sean Penn?
2. MICKEY ROURKE for THE WRESTLER - his performance is really Best Actor material so don't be surprised if he nabs this. But Penn seems like a more solid choice. But remember, he's this years "big comeback" guy. So, maybe?
3. BRAD PITT for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON - Father of the Year and Hollywood royalty. And look he matches with his wife! This subtle performance might have a chance because Pitt is a popular guy. I mean, everyone LOVES Brad Pitt, right?!
4. FRANK LANGELLA for FROST/NIXON - The veteran in the group. But his lack of other awards puts him in the right spot. I don't think he'll win.
5. RICHARD JENKINS for THE VISITOR - The indie, critic darling nominee. Sadly they don't usually win. Unless they have a SHIT load of guild support and previous awards...

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

1. KATE WINSET for THE READER - she's a lock. I mean, she was being campaigned for Best Supporting Actress, but she was strong enough to garner a Lead Actress nomination. Kate Winslet is on fire this year. Everyone loves 'em some Kate. But there's a threat...
2. MERYL STREEP for DOUBT - They could choose to snub Kate for the 1000th time and go with the Queen of Hollywood, Meryl Streep. She only won the SAG because Kate's "The Reader" was in Supporting Actress that time. But who knows? Her performance in "Doubt" is really loved. Could this be her 3rd Oscar?
3. ANNE HATHAWAY for RACHEL GETTING MARRIED - The early front runner, though loved, she won't be winning for a couple of years. She needs to learn the value of Oscar first, like Kate Winslet did.
4. MELISSA LEO for FROZEN RIVER - This years Laura Linney. No Oscar for you.
5. ANGELINA JOLIE for CHANGELING - The grieving mother or wife spot. "WHERE IS MY SON!" We've heard it before.

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

1. HEATH LEDGER for THE DARK KNIGHT - He was brilliant and iconic as The Joker. And this is the way the Academy will award "The Dark Knight" after the much controversial Picture, Director and Screenplay snubs. Ledger also died, so he has the sympathy card.
2. MICHAEL SHANNON for REVOLUTIONARY ROAD - If they choose to go with the living, Shannon will win. He doesn't even deserve to be nominated in my opinion, but he was strong enough to catch the Academy's attention in his 10 minutes of screen time, so he most probably will win. And they like people playing loons.
3. ROBERT DOWNEY JR. for TROPIC THUNDER - different and funny. Downey's award is getting nominated.
4. JOSH BROLIN for MILK - Penn was enough. Started out strong, but started to die out.
5. PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN for DOUBT - filler? Some people question his nomination. I do too.

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
1. PENELOPE CRUZ for VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA - I'm sure Penelope Cruz was jumping with joy when Winslet went to Best Actress. For she was the favorite before that. But I'm gonna be honest. With Winslet winning everything before, this is a 5 way race since everyone was shadowed by Winslet at first. But Cruz seems to be the proper choice. Daymm....more screaming Selma Hayek.
2. VIOLA DAVIS for DOUBT - They like those big 5 minute scenes that catches people's attentions.
3. TARAJI P. HENSON for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BEJAMIN BUTTON - The nominee from the HUGE movie. Could she nab it for the lack of Benjamin Button love for the win?
4. AMY ADAMS for DOUBT - Sweet like always. But it seems they're just giving back to her after being terribly snubbed with "Enchanted" last year.
5. MARISSA TOMEI for THE WRESTLER - Already an Oscar winner, but her performance in "The Wrestler" was very, very good. So she has a chance. Just like everyone else.