Reviewing the Year: 2008 (Cinematography, Supporting Actor, Sound categories)

Here we go! Starting the 2008 awards with these 4 categories. I refuse to rank my nominees, but I'll use a similar system to the Oscar one. I'll present to you my 5 "best" nominees in alphabetical order with my winner, I refuse to rank my other 4 nominees and also I'll give a couple of honorable mentions.

Best Cinematography

Australia by Mandy Walker

In a perfect display of beauty, Walker takes advantage of Australia's magnificent fields and sights making us fall in love with that land Baz Luhrmann illuminates in his film. A close runner up I admit.

The Dark Knight by Wally Pfister

Powerful and agile in a smart combination with the editing, adds tension and mood to the movie. A master show for the cinematographer, improving the already great work shown in the previous movie.

The Fall by Colin Watkinson

Unlike what I saw in other films, Watkinson takes a full approach at the amazing costumes and sets made for the movie. Creating a new and unique world the movie takes us into helped by this creative photography.

Revolutionary Road by Roger Deakins***

Subtle, terrifying, haunting and tricky. After already showing his talent, Mr. Deakins leaves it clear he understands the tone and the story maybe even better than the actors and the director. Transforming the suburbs into a whole different world. Outstanding work.

BONUS: He accomplishes more than what other cinematographers could with less impressive views.

Slumdog Millionaire by Anthony Dod Mantle

Lively and witty as the film itself. Manages to stand out whether we are in a tv studio or in the impressive low sides of India.

BONUS: "Paper Planes" and the kids running away.....wow

Honorable Mentions

It was a great year for pretty images, the following were as good as my top 5.....

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Let the Right One In

Milk

The Reader

Synecodoche, New York

The Wrestler

WALL•E (I'm not sure how much does the cinematographer actually interfere)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Ralph Fiennes as Harry Waters in In Bruges

Despite appearing until the second third into the film, Fiennes is everything he was required to and more in a great way, almost stealing the last act in show from the also impressive Farrell and Gleeson.

Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones in Milk

Gay...in every sense of the word. Cute, funny, interesting, and with a full screen presence in such a strong cast.

Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight***

Mr. Ledger...the performance of the year undoubtedly. Amazed critics, fans and viewers and it's not hard to wonder why. In an already used (tons of times) character by more than talented actors, Ledger applies a full dose of madness and soul to the character we hadn't seen until now. His resounding performance walks away with the two hour and a half movie. A fully deserved Oscar.

BONUS: The voice and the impeccable laugh.

Eddie Marsan as Scott in Happy-Go-Lucky

Never losing focus in Hawkins but by joining her in a role as internally complex. Leigh (director) has proved once again how mastrclass acting doesn't require over the top wacky characters but with real human beings. A big applause for Mr. Marsan.

BONUS: The last drivign lesson and first appearance.

Michael Shannon as John Givings in Revolutionary Road

With probably the toughest role in the whole movie and with a mere 8 minutes on screen, Shannon holds up as much as the leading performances making the most of his screentime by screaming directly the truths by which the movie hurts us so much.

Close to the Cut

Robert Downey Jr. as Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder

Hilarious, going much further than a simple comedic role making fun of character actors.

James Franco as Scotty Smith in Milk

Probably the most human and subtle performance in the whole film. Definitely worthy of a mention. Him and Hirsch were almost equally as good.

Honorable Mentions (ranked)

Brad Pitt in his best work of the year as an athletic hot head in Burn After Reading

Bill Irwin as the caring father and leader of a troubled family in Rachel Getting Married

Gary Oldman's stand out work in The Dark Knight

Anil Kapoor as the annoyingly smug tv show host in Slumdog Millionaire

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

Cloverfield

The Dark Knight

Iron Man

Slumdog Millionaire

I disagree a lot with its Oscar win, but the smart combination of sounds and music deserves a mention here.

WALL•E*

Even if it wasn't the first time Pixar shows his ability with sounds, here they took it to a whole new level. Robots + space + humans + score + mother ship voice = best sound mixing of the year.

Best Achievement in Sound Editing

The Dark Knight

Kung Fu Panda

Iron Man

Quantum of Solace

WALL•E*

Having to create the main dialogues in a nice but realistic way. We had to hear robots trying to communicate with each other. Definitely one of the best of the decade.

Thoughts??? Your own?

NEXT: Supporting Actress, Sets, Animated Feature and Documentary

First Predictions of the Year: Best Picture

Ok, I'll be quick with these ones, and I won't do Director or the Screenplays now, there isn't much by doing that.

last year: Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Doubt, Frost/Nixon and Revolutionary Road. 

Fairly good, considering 2 of these made the cut, 1 was a strong bet and the other one had a chance. I never had much faith in Milk, and when reviews came out for F/N I took it out. The closest I was, October predix: Benjamin Button, The Reader, Revolutionary Road, Slumdog Millionaire, WALL*E. I've learned a few tips, so hopefully this year I do better.

and the nominees are...

An Education

Who? Lone Scherfig, Carey Mulligan, Peter Saarsgard, Alfred Molina

Why? Honestly, I want to predict Saarsgard, I'm almost sure he's going to be brilliant, but I preferred to wait to see his final category placement. If anything, I think this may be in for a sole Picture slot while its director missed the cut. Why? It looks like an actors piece. Academy likes actors pieces, but unless it's also a great movie alone. Reason why Doubt failed to score in the end.

Bright Star

Who? Oscar winner Jane Campion, Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Paul Schider 

Why? Rumor has it, it's Campion's back to shape piece. If they mean it, Campion's back to shape is definitely something to watch out for. It's also a period drama with newbies in the leading roles. I think it's pretty safe for now.

Invictus

Who? Oscar winners Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

Why? The Academy has lately loved to kiss Clint's ass, except last year, Eastwood movies have been big players in the ceremony since 03. It's also a biopic? The Academy won't resist, this is probably in.

Nine

Who? Rob Marshall (dir), The Weinsteins (prod), Kate Hudson, Fergie and Oscar winners Sophia Loren, Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard.

Why? I'm all in for this to sweep the whole awards, and Marshall to take the Oscar they wrongfully denied him back in 02. With these cast it's bound to be in immediate consideration. Marshall isn't exactly a director we'd call Oscar favorite, but he even scored with critically accepted (not acclaimed) Memoirs of a Geisha. Maybe Marshall is just great with musicals, not dramas. If he adds the spice he added to the original Chicago, and this turns out as good, this is in.

Precious

Who? Gabourey Sibide, Mo'Nique, Lee Daniels (dir), Mariah Carey...wait..who?

Why? I refuse to believe this will make the big cut (and I also refuse to think it'll be as good as buzz is telling it to be). But this has already become an independet phenomenom among critics. Aparrently pumped by great lead performances by all the cast (yes, including Carey). I'm just not sure. Doesn't seem to me the Academy will bite. Maybe when those films we aren't expecting anything great now surprise us later in the year we can forget about this. Let's wait and see.

just in case, my 6th close option was...The Lovely Bones

It's probably my second most anticipated for the whole year. The cast looks great, and if I've learned anything in the past is that Jackson is absolutely brilliant when it comes to adapting books. I'm doubting it because of the fantasy elements I'm not exactly sure the Academy will bite.

Other interesting projects to watch out for (not neccessarily for awards, just interesting projects that will come out this year):

1939 (ok....I have no idea what this is about but we always welcome new things!)

(500) Days of Summer (looks like a nice indie flick with nice performances)

A Serious Man (Coens?? I'm in)

Abrazos Rotos, Los (Almodóvar + Cruz = great)

Amelia (An interesting idea I may regret later to not predicted it for big thigs)

Antichrist (only for Von Triers fans, yeah um, not me)

Avatar (James Cameron is back??? AND with a sci-fi? Yummmmyyy)

Away We Go (so far I've liked all of Sam Mendes' films, and loved some, I really want to see this)

Biutiful (Iñarritu is quite the director, let's see...it has Bardem in the leading role)

Boat that Rocked, The (From the director of "Love Actually", and he's back with another star cast) 

Cheri (looks good, but nothing more than a couple of acting nods + sets and costumes)

Coco Avant Chanel (Audrey Tautou as Coco? That has to be good) 

Green Zone (Paul Grengrass and Matt Damon team up again, we have to check it out)

Inglorious Basterds (Quentin Tarantino....)

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, The (honestly? I think with this one we should wait and see)

Informant, The (Soderbergh has proven to be hit or miss, hopefully this is a hit)

Last Station, The (I have no idea why, but I think this may surprise everyone, the other acting showcase I'm really looking forward too, oh and #7 in my Picture predictions)

Moon (Nina should know what I'm talking about)

Public Enemies (meh....to me it looks like only a summer action flick, a great one though)

Shutter Island (not Oscar baity, but damn it looks great)

Road, The (somehow it passed from a contender for last year's Oscars to a good movie from this year, I still think it looks good)

Taking Woodstock (Ang Lee always has intersting things to give)

Up (Pixar has been lately released always one of the top 5 reviewed movies of the year, they were close with WALL*E, they're bound to get more than just Original Screenplay or Animated Feature sonner or later)

Whatever Works (Woody Allen? default "gotta see" movie)

Where the Wild Things Are (we've missed Spike Jonze, doesn't look like it'll garner awards, but he's proven quite the capable director so far)

White Ribbon, The (Cannes winner are always something great to see)

Wolf Man, The (not baity like at all...but after that juicy trailer, it looks like it may be the finest action movie of the year)

Anything else?

"Shutter Island" Trailer

Wow! Definitely nothing remotely close to what I was expecting, looks Marty might be going into new territories (horror?), and DiCaprio looks actually quite good. I definitely think this won't get any member awards recogntion, but damn! Definitely looks hot. I'm soooo gonna see this.  

         

Reviewing the Year: 2008

We're almost halfway through 2009, but I don't care. I don't fully decide what's the best until I've seen at least everything I wanted to, or felt like seeing. Hence, here are finally what would have been my picks for the best (and worst) of last year. First "category", the Most overrated:

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

It's a pretty movie, a nice one even. But most of the time it passed for pretentious, shallow effects that while having a great story to tell, it fell flat. The production is marevlous, Blanchett it enchanting, Swinton magnificent and Henson is adorable but other than that, it doesn't hold much weight. Empty work disguised behind Fitzgelard's tale and those awesome effects. Best of the year? Definitely not. To me it resembles more an epic summer blockbuster rather than the awards film it was. I really liked it the first time, the second time was ok, and seeing it one last time two weeks ago I noticed the amount of flaws it had. If it was for me, it would have never been close to the "bests" of the year. Oh and Pitt's performance is probably the most ridiculous praised thing I saw last year. 

Doubt

Big failure for John Patrick Shanley. Why? You have an acclaimed play that you bring to life with some of the most acclaimed actors this generation, and you don't deliver greatness. Basically, it's only flaw was the direction, if Shanley hadn't been so proud he would've turned the ropes to someone more capable. However, the witty and smart screenplay plus the great (but not awesome, like it could) cast saved it from being a disaster. Not a bad movie, but definitely one with the potential to have been a great one. 

Slumdog Millionaire

Loved the movie, then why is it here? Just as a small complain to those in charge of giving out the awards. It's a fantastic, uplifting movie full of heart, but the thing got out of hand. Taking home every possible award, even some guilds recognized it as the "best" in fields it really doesn't stand out. Costume Design? pleeaaseeee Proof of how crazy everyone went over it were the Academy Awards. It was a good winner for the major prize, and Boyle's statue was more than deserved, but obviously some people just wanted to give it as many awards as possible. The sound was actually great, but how it won over 3 movies trully astonishing in that field this year is beyond me.

Other than these there weren't any good-bad movies receiving undeserved love this year. Possibly Frost/Nixon since it's just outside my top 15 of the year, but I still liked it quite a lot and it didn't exactly receive lots of love.

NEXT: some techs + 1st acting

First Predictions of the Year: Best Lead Actress

In probably my favorite category, it was tough seeing as how it's easier to be a young unrecognized face and get in, while they also like to praise known veterans. 

and the nominees are...

Abbie Cornish as Fanny Brawne in Bright Star

Like I said, if this really is Jane Campion's "comeback" then expect it to be grand. So I see it as a big player furing awards season. If your memory doesn't fail you, last time Campion showed us her talent, she took an Oscar home for Original Screenplay, while her two gals walked away with the acting categories (Holly Hunter and young Anna Paquin). If Campion delivers, I see her new leading gal getting attention again. 

Carey Mulligan as Jenny in An Education

Oscar likes them young. The average age for a winner here is 27 years old! Lately we've seen newcomers to the category invited with a nomination or even a win in their first try. The film looks interesting and she has the lead role. If she's able to carry the whole film by herself, the fact that she's only 24 won't matter.

Michelle Pfeiffer as Lea de Lonval in Cheri

She's la Pfeiffer...oh wait. The last time she was nominated was 27 years ago, ouch. So no, she's not the big player some think, or at least she's not anymore. Either way, Frears normally has luck with his leading leadies, so this can possibly mean her comeback at the ceremony. However, I don't have that much faith in her anymore. Early reviews (AND the trailer seemed to cofirm this) say it's mostly Bates' show, so she may end up being forgotten. And honestly, seeing the release date and the trailer, this is not going to get major noms other than for the pretty costumes (Pfeiffer looks mesmerixing in that pic) and sets in it to look at.

Emily Watson as Evgenia Ginzburg in Within the Whirlwind

It's a biopic where she uses an accent AND she suffers and cries a lot. Unless she reaches the "ridiculous" line I think she's pretty safe. She's respected in the industry and is a previous nominee, if her campaing succeeds I think she may finally win. However, it's a small film, Oscar doesn't dig small too often.

Renee Zellweger in My Own Love Song

WOW 4 roles in a single year: 2 aimed at people and 2 aimed at critics. She teams up with the director that lead Cotillard to her winning turn in La Vie en Rose 2 years ago. She's a previous winner in the supporting category, with 2 failed attempts at leading. She plays a character with disabilities. It's been a while, if she delivers, she can get in.

just in case, my 6th close option was...Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones

I want her to get in. I really do, and this is probably my most anticipated performance in this category. Ronan has proved herself as an actress, a magnificent young actress, and already an Oscar nominee. She has the leading role in this film, but knowing Oscar, if it's a child = supporting. Hopefully, that previous nominee status helps her get her right placement. I've read the novel, and there's basically no way Jackson can take down the role to supporting in the film unless he changes the whole story.

Well, Ronan is definitely something to watch out for. I'm a Zellweger fan, even if her recent works have been major letdowns, so I hope this is a "back to shape" year and she delivers. Pfeiffer....*sigh* I had so much hope for Pfeiffer, and what I saw in the trailer let me down immensely. I can no longer see her get the win I wanted, and I'm not even sure if a nom. An Education looks acting wise: brilliant, so I have big hopes for Mulligan. And well, Campion can definitely make her actresses do great things, not only Hunter, but Winlset in Holy Smoke! too. So, possibly Cornish is a surprise to come. Watson? meh....I'll be sincere, I've never loved her as an actress, I think she repeats herself too much (not exactly the role, but her performances). I'll have an open mind, but I doubt she impresses me. And though it may be a mistake, I don't think the pumped Gabourey Sibide in Precious can score a nod. I may be wrong, but I just don't see the film being an Oscar hit (and I have no interest in it, not even to see Mo'Nique).

As for the ones not mentioned here, we have Cannes winner Charlotte Gainsburg in Antichrist, but I h-a-t-e Lars Von Trier, so I doubt she will get in or that she's something I'll enjoy. I just have the feeling Cruz will split votes in the two categories, but that doesn't mean her new collaboration with Almodóvar, Los Abrazos Rotos, is something I'm not anticipating a lot. We also have Rachel Weisz in 3 new projects and McAdams with what might be her first baity role The Time Traveler's Wife, I'm pumped as hell to see her in it (I think she's one of the best young actresses out there). And while I think it looks corny as hell and doesn't stand a chance, fans still stand up for Sarah Michelle Gellar in Veronika Decides to Die. Oh and last, but not least, Helen Mirren has a bunch of projects coming out, so she is bound to either get attention or split the votes. I think the latter. But, I want to see her in The Last Station and Love Ranch (welcome back Joe Pesci!!!) sooooo much.

No I didn't forget Tautou in Coco Avant Chanel or Hilary Swank in Amelia. I just have 0 faith in either. I love Tautou, but it doesn't look the movie or her performance will be anything special. And I've never thought Swank was much of an actress, just a one-hit-wonder when she gets roles meant for men (LOL), and seeing the material, I doubt she can get it right.

Oh and I think I already have one prediction completely wrong: Mrs. Streep in Julie & Julia as supporting. By the looks of the trailer and the new poster, I doubt Streep will be supporting, and if by the trailer I already think this, with the right campaign she can easily get in lead. Besides, she has that Nancy Meyers project coming out too. 

Nine Trailer

After much investigation, I finally found out how to post a video. Of course, it's the wonderful, dizzling, Nine trailer. Directed by Rob Marshall with a rocking cast that includes (some of these are in my predicted nominees for 2009) Daniel Day-Lewis in the leading role supported by Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren, and the Fergalicious.

                  

First Predictions of the Year: Best Lead Actor [UPDATED]

UPDATE: Edited a little the image to include the first release of Freeman as Nelson Mandela.

Tough category, sadly, what matters 

here is your career. If you're a respected actor, you can get in much easier. It's weird to see young newbies get attentions (or win!) here, even if it does happen. The Academy likes them young over at the actress category.

and the nominees are...

Jeff Bridges as Bad Blake in Crazy Heart

4 unsuccessful nominations have to mean something, right? It's an iffy pick, but the project looks interesting, and so does the character. Hopefully this can get Mr. Bridges back into the spotlight, at least for more deserved recognition. Still...my iffy card.

Daniel Day-Lewis as Guido Contini in Nine

I'm not exactly what I have him here, let's just call it a hunch, ok? Besides, he plays a character with serious psychological problems going around, if he gets it right, expect some attention. He sings??? This would be a bonus point since we've never heard him, now...he's the main character and we still didn't even get to hear a single word from him in the movie's trailer. Is this an indication of bad things to come? 

Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela in Invictus

Basically, I can say the moment he signed his contract for this role was the moment he got his nomination. Eastwood does always good with the Academy, he normally gets some of his actors nominated, even Angelina Jolie when neither of his films were that loved. Freeman is miles more recognized and respected than Swank, Jolie or other Eastwood nominees (winners). He got his only win in supporting thanks to Eastwood. Unless the movie is a complete catastrophe (Razzie worthy), he doesn't need to impress anyone to get that nominations. Eastwood + BIOPIC ROLE + career = He's in. I swear, if he doesn't get in you can come to complain here later, he's in. If anything, he may get a leading win to go along his supporting statuette.

Christopher Plummer as Leo Tosltoy in The Last Station

He has three big films coming out this year, he is long due for *some* recognition, and there's good early word. Seriously, if the Academy doesn't even notice him it'll be weird. With this film likely to get attention at major categories, expect Plummer to get in (and possibly win).

Ben Whishaw as John Keats in Bright Star

*sigh* I have faith. I have faith. I have faith. An invisible actor that keeps appearing here and there with great turns. Maybe he's still young, but when you take into consideration his resume, he definitely has the guts to become the next Sean Penn. If the film is a hit (and hopefully, so is he), he may get noticed (finally!). 

just in case, my 6th close option was...Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre  in The Informant

People, I love him, but like I said, I serisouly doubt he's loved enough to score 2 nominations in a single year. The drastic body change is bound to get him some attention, but I still think he either gets here or in supporting, and since his supporting role is much baitier, I think there.

I'm no Eastwood fan, but damn! Freeman as Nelson Mandela? That HAS to be interesting. I'm still anxiously awaiting all of Damon's film and performances, but probably my most expected in this category are the never nominated Plummer and especially Whishaw. I actually think Day-Lewis overracts some times, but he's still a pretty geat actor, let's see if casting him a singing role was a smart move.

Also, not mentioned here but Depp in Public Enemies, DiCaprio in Shutter Island, Bettany as Darwin in Creation and Bardem in Gonzalez Iñarritu's Biutiful look extremely interesting.

First Oscar Predictions of the Year: Best Supporting Actor

Not my strong category to be honest. So here's my suggestion, if you want to make predictions for this category, do the opposite of mine. Last year I couldn't even guess Ledger or Hoffman, early contenders. I never thought the Academy would dig The Joker, and I thought Hoffman would be placed in lead and miss.

 Either way, I do have a good feeling about this batch, so I hope come January, all of them were at least possible nominees.

In order:

-Richard Kind (in the movie)

-Stanley Tucci (yes, first pic of him in his role)

-Matt Damon (in the movie, that looks nothing like him! :O)

-Christoph Waltz

-Alfred Molina (in the movie)

-Mark Ruffalo

and the nominees are...

Matt Damon as Francois Pineaar in Invictus

Last time Mr. Damon was invited to the ceremony as a nominee was over a decade ago. This year, he has 3 interesting projects coming out. Given his recent outcomes (*cough*The Good Sheperd*cough*), and even though he has been in some Oscar winning films, he misses on a nod. There's even word Mr. Damon has enough buzz to get a double nom, I doubt it, he's not THAT acclaimed. If he's getting in, it's for this ultra baity project with Oscar favorite Clint Eastwood, in a biopic role (it can't get any baitier). So no, I'm not that confident on him getting awards, but he's always a good actor to look out for so I'm eagerly waiting for his three projects.

Richard Kind as Uncle Arthur in A Serious Man

The Coens always deliver great casts, if the film is Coen-good-level then expect someone to get attention. Early word says he is the standout of the cast and the one with the interesting character. 

Alfred Molina as Jack in An Education

Probably missed the cut by a smidge back in 02. Always keeping a low profile, Molina is back with this film that I think will be a big player come awards season. He has internal competition, but apparently he plays a hilarious dad that steals the show. He's been a good actor all this time, maybe it's time to reward him.  

Mark Ruffalo as Chuck Aule in Shutter Island

Honestly? I think it'll be average Scorsese good (not great) and given his recent win, an ignored film come awards season, even though I'm a Scorsese fan anxious to see it. However, Mr. Scorsese always gets lucky by getting in at least one of his cast members. I haven't read the novel, and have no idea what's it about, but rumour has it he's got an extremely baity role. Maybe Ruffalo can finally get  noticed. *sigh*

Stanley Tucci as George Harvey in The Lovely Bones

Now this, this is going to be my strong card all year long. Whether Jackson's adaption is a hit or not, I believe Tucci can finally get his long due recognition. He's got a show stealing role that combines all sorts of emotion, if Tucci delivers, he may even be a threat for the win. The only problem: he's the very unlikeable villian (he kills a kid! -don't worry, not a spoiler), I'm not sure if the Academy will embrace it. Ether way, this is one of my most anticipated performances to see.

just in case, my 6th close option was...Christoph Waltz as Colonel Hans Landa  in Inglorious Basterds

He just won at Cannes. His role is supporting, but he won as best male performance. That Cannes win is probably going to get him attention, and it even works as early buzz. Some would say he may be the safest bet now, but I really doubt it: he's in a Tarantino film, they're not exactly big on acting awards (Thurman in 03, people?). We still have to see how the film is received in other countries, especially USA. And...though I don't believe in curses, statistics don't support Waltz, the last time the male Cannes winner went on to receive an Oscar nom was Gerard Depardieu in 1990. So yeah...Waltz has the buzz, but he still has a very long way to wo. 

My most expected right now are Tucci and seeing what exactly all the fuzz is about Ruffalo's role. Besides, I love the guy and it's time people noticed him. I'm sort of thinking An Education will be an acting showcase, which are always something I love to see, but despite all the buzz, I'm more excited about Peter Sarsgaard than Molina. Inglorious Basterds seems ok, if I have time I'll see it, if I don't, then later on DVD. And I'm always anticipating a new Coen movie, but lately, excluding No Country, most of their projects have been really disappointing.   

New Header!

Finally, a personalized header made by me, specially for my blog. It took me about 5 hours, but it was worth it.

I'll try to keep updating them, making each one different. In case you want to know, these are the movies you can't see because of the sign:

*2001: A Space Odyssey

*Psycho

*No Country For Old Men

*Toy Story

*Modern Times

*The Silence of the Lambs

*Chicago

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT! :D

First Oscar predictions of the year: Best Supporting Actress

Waaaaaayyyy to early? Probably, but it's fun, and even though I know they're going to be wrong (hey! I did guess 7 1/2 acting nominees for 08 in April: Jenkins, Streep, Davis, Adams, Henson, Pitt, Penn and Winslet but for the wrong movie) they're fun, and they're still somewhat an indication of what we're all highly anticipating for the year. After all, most great movies won't start cmoing out until August. 

I'll do my predictions for the big 8 categories + Animated Film. Who the hell knows what is going to be nominated for Best Costume Design this time of the year?

So, here you go, the first batch: supporting actress (with a beautiful collage made in Photoshop made by me).

and the nominees are...

Kathy Bates as Madame Peloux in Cheri

Based solely on the trailer: I was expecting a roccking Pfeiffer performance hoping that it'd be good enough to get her awards attention, but to my surprise, I felt intrigued by another performance, this one. Bates is more than experienced when it comes to the type of over the top women, and in the trailer she was just that. Witty, imponent, loud, risky, etc. It went right to the top of my head, "I think Pfeiffer won't be the one getting accolades for this movie". A 4th nom in the way for Mrs. Bates?

Judi Dench as Liliane La Fleur in Nine

Well, she's La Dench, so that helps, she's got one of the flashiest roles of the musical (and one of the flashiest she's gotten in some time). Chita Rivera got raving reviews for her portrayal in the revival a couple of years ago. If Dench delivers, I'll say she could even be a threat for the win. Plus...she's funny and she sings.

Stacey "Fergie" Ferguson as Saraghina in Nine

Risky choice, I'm one of the few who actually has her as a possibility. No, it's not because I'm a die hard fan of Fergie and want desperately to see her get a nod, but the trailer confirmed what I thought, Marshall may have exploded to the limit her potential, which, for all we know is big. He did make Queen Latifah deliver a great performance back in 02, didn't he? Besides, she plays a porstitute (Academy loves them) and she has one of the best songs in the whole play, which may be enough for her nod.  

Mo'Nique as Mary in Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire

Well, sincerely, I'm not that excited for the movie or her performance, but if early word is true, she probably was our earliest contender with actual buzz from people who've seen it. I'm not sure how the Academy will embrace her, but for now, she's my second safest bet, after Dench.

Meryl Streep as Julia Child in Julie & Julia

First of all, she's Streep, she's ALWAYS a contender. But this one's very risky, only because apparently, she can go supporting or leading. Based on the trailer, the role, the director and the genre, I'll say she's probably taking the supporting route. Besides, I think Streep is only getting in if she goes this way, something tells me if she decides to go lead she'll be ignored.

just in case, my 6th close option was...Penelope Cruz as Carla Albanese in Nine

I wanted to include her so much, after all, it's also an extremely juicy role that normally gets acclaim (a couple of years ago, it won Jane Krakowski a Tony). Why is she out? Basically, because as much as I'd like to, I doubt THREE Nine ladies will make the cut. It's not impossible, but it's not easy either. Besides, having an Almodovar project (though she's lead in there) may split the vote a little. And finally, being a recent winner may be enough for some to want to spread the wealth. 

If you ask me, I'm super thrilled about the all the Nine ladies, and though I don't think she'll get a nod, I'm dying to see Sophia Loren back in action (who isn't?). Like I said, I included Bates because I'm also excited to see her (now, even more than Pfeiifer -or anyone in the movie actually-). As a devoted Streep fan, of course I want to see the movie and her performance, even as a summer flick. 

I was also going to include Patricia Clarkson or Evan Rachel Wood for the new Woody Allen, Whatever Works. Allen is a strong contributor to the supporting actress nominees and winners always. I just wasn't sure which one to pick, both are next on my list. Also, an Allen girl just won, so I'm not sure if they'll be so anxious to award another one of her chicks just yet. (Sorvino and Weist won back to back in 94 and 95 though). I'll have to think it through. Thoughts? Your own predictions, or even performances you're excited to see?

Nine...ta-da!

What's Nine? No it's not the new Tim Burton animated little film, it's a "coming soon" movie from Chicago's Rob Marshall with a rocking cast and based on a rocking musical with rocking music. Yes, though Marshall left down his fans with Memoirs of a Geisha, he definitely showed he knows how to add flavor to a musical and hopefully can repeat his formula. 

The movie is based on the 80s play based on Federico Fellini's 8 1/2, which in some way portrays this director's "life". In the movie, Guido Contini has his midlife crisis and we get to see the relationships with the women that fill his life: his wife, his mistresss (ohhh), his muse, a prostitue, her mother, etc. I'll be honest, this is from what I've read so far, but I'm trying to keep everything in the dark so when I finally see the movie, hopefully I aren't prepared to whay comes my way.

The cast? Well none other thatn the razzling dazzling Daniel Day-Lewis as Guido, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Fergie, Kate Hudson (don't worry, Mr. Marshall did get a great performance from Queen Latifah didn't he?) and the return to screen of Sophia Loren. I'll definitely be checking it out the moment it releases.