With the Oscars fast approaching this Sunday, and with such positive feedback from last year's posting about them, Jay and I decided to follow the same approach to this year's Oscars. Now, again, Jay and I both think the Academy Awards are pretty much a joke -- especially this year with the major snub of The LEGO Movie not being nominated for Best Animated Feature Film! It is more rare that the film or person who should get the award actually does. The show really has much more to do with popularity, politics and marketing than actually selecting the best in any given category. That is why they have become so easy to predict. You can easily tell, for the most part, who the winner is going to be if you know how the system works. So, continuing with our tradition set last year, Jay and I are going to predict who will win out of the nominated persons/films, as well as who should win, followed by how each of us would have it if we ran the Academy.
So, here are the nominees for each category, which one we think will win, which one we think should win, and finally if we had our way who would win, even if they aren't nominated . . . .
Best Visual Effects
Captain America: Winter Soldier
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| Dawn of the Planet of the Apes |
Guardians of the Galaxy
Interstellar
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Who Should Win: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
If Jay Ran Things: What the visual effects team has done to bring these apes to life is astounding. Andy Serkis again delivers a brilliant performance as Caesar. It is not simply an effect, it is a performance.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Who Should Win: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
If Matt Ran Things: Sure, all of the other nominees have wonderful, dazzling effects which create new worlds and characters. However, it is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes which relies extremely heavily on having the audience believe this is our world and this is an event which can actually happen! The apes, gorillas, and monkeys are all so believably real that one forgets their watching animals. Plus, the filmmakers can not just pass off any visual blunders as creative license, but, rather, have to make the simians completely as realistic as possible for the film to work at all. And they do that in spades!
Best Foreign Film
Ida
Leviathan
Tangerines
 |
| Force Majeure |
Wild Tales
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Leviathan
Who Should Win : Force Majeure
If Jay Ran Things: For me, the absence of Force Majeure from the list of nominees is another travesty for the Academy. It was my favorite foreign film of the year. A subtle tale of family breakdown after a father's surprising reaction when he and his wife and children are in the path of a controlled avalanche is smart and expertly directed. I'll just shake my head now . . . . .
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Leviathan
Who Should Win: Big Bad Wolves
 |
| Big Bad Wolves |
Citizenfour
Finding Vivian Maier
Last Days in Vietnam
The Salt of the Earth
Virunga
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Last Days in Vietnam
 |
| Writer Glenn Greenwald (left) interviews U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden. |
If Jay Ran Things: I think Matt does an excellent job below explaining the importance of Citizenfour and it's detailed examination of NSA whistleblower, Edward Snowden. I really hope it wins but I am pessimistic about its chances. If I had my way you would also see Steve James' moving tribute to film critic Roger Ebert, Life Itself here as well.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Finding Vivian Maier
Who Should Win: Citizenfour
If Matt Ran Things: I was rather disappointed in this year's nominees. If I had another choice for a winner, it would be Brian Knappenberger's phenomenal The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz. And I wouldn't mind if Last Days in Vietnam won. But if I had to definitely pick one, it would be The Oath director Laura Poitras' Citizenfour -- probably one of the most important contemporary documentaries to ever be made! In an age when whistleblowers are supposed to be protected, this film proves that any such action will lead to imprisonment. Whether one disagrees with Edward Snowden or not (his criminal status stemming from his leaking of documents which revealed numerous global surveillance programs, many of them run by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the "Five Eyes" (U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand) with the cooperation of telecommunications companies), his story is essential to hear and it's all presented here in Poitras' documentary. This is the story of how Snowden contacted the press and his journey into his traitor status. It can be argued that Snowden's story not only echoes contemporary whistleblowers the likes of Bradley/Chelsea Manning, but also Daniel Ellsberg, who is known for leaking the crucial "Pentagon Papers." In an age where patriotic dissent is being conveyed as flat-out treason, and the public is expected to simply agree with such broad propaganda statements, it is important to truly investigate the facts and see the other side of an issue. Luckily, thanks to Poitras' documentary, there is one more such investigation.
Best Original Song
"Lost Stars" from Begin Again (Gregg Alexander, et. al.)
"Grateful" from Beyond the Lights
"I'm Not Gonna Miss You" from Glenn Campbell: I'll Be Me (Glenn Campbell)
"Everything is Awesome" from The LEGO Movie (Shawn Patterson)
"Glory" from Selma (Common & John Legend)
 |
| Adam Levine sings "Lost Stars" in a scene in Begin Again. |
Who Will Win: "Lost Stars" from Begin Again
Who Should Win: "Lost Stars" from Begin Again
If Jay Ran Things: While Begin Again did not "wow" me like the director's previous film, Once, it wasn't a bad movie. This song in particular was very good and Adam Levine's version should win.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: "Glory" from Selma
Who Should Win: "Lost Stars" from Begin Again
If Matt Ran Things: I really enjoyed a small independent film called Rudderless and think the song "Stay With You" should have garnered a nomination (at least some song from that film should have been nominated!), but if I had to pick between what was nominated, I'd pick "Lost Stars" from John Carney's Begin Again as it fits the story very well.
Best Adapted Screenplay
American Sniper
The Imitation Game
Inherent Vice
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: The Theory of Everything
Who Should Win: The Imitation Game
If Jay Ran Things: I think The Theory of Everything will win here, but it's a tough category to pick. I honestly think that The Imitation Game is a better script and is more deserving to win. I really enjoyed the how it told its story in flashback, showing us the indignities that Alan Turing had to endure later in life after making such huge contributions to the Allied Forces war effort. It's a smart script but I'm not optimistic it will win.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: The Theory of Everything
Who Should Win: The Imitation Game
If Matt Ran Things: This is a difficult choice between the two I listed above. To be honest, I'd be happy if either of them won the award -- as I feel they were, by far, the best two of the bunch. The only reason I picked Game over Theory is because of Theory's striking similarities in story execution to 2001's A Beautiful Mind (which won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2002). Nevertheless, I'd be happy with either to win.
Best Original Screenplay
Birdman
Boyhood
Foxcatcher
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Nightcrawler
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Who Should Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Jay Ran Things: Wes Anderson took home the Golden Globe here so I am hoping the Academy does the same and rewards him for his most intricate and smartly written screenplay in his career. The use of non-linear storytelling is something Anderson has never attempted before, so with this his latest film he has tried new things and it paid of in spades.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Boyhood
Who Should Win: Birdman
If Matt Ran Things: As much as I enjoyed Boyhood, the story relies too much on the audience's perception and comprehension to make a lasting effect, but Birdman does not only this but also shows the audience its brilliance in its metaphor and acting. In other words, whereas Boyhood is a rather simplistic coming-of-age story, Birdman uses all kinds of storytelling technique to show one man's rise out of depression and existential life crisis mode into becoming a better person. I will say that I don't believe Foxcatcher should be in this category as it is based on a true story -- and true stories (even if they have no articles and/or books written on the subject) should be in the "Best Adapted Screenplay" category. If any story should have been in here to take Foxcatcher's place, it should have been Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. That was a major snub! It may not have won, but it should have at least been nominated!
Best Animated Feature
Big Hero 6
The Boxtrolls
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Song of the Sea
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Who Should Win: The LEGO Movie
If Jay Ran Things: While I am happy that The Tale of Princess Kaguya got nominated, the fact that The LEGO Movie is not on this list is unfathomable to me. Not only was it the best animated film of the year, by far, it is one of the best movies of the year . . . period. Every time I see Big Hero 6 on this list of nominees, I want to puke. Biggest Oscar snub in years . . . .
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Who Should Win: The LEGO Movie
If Matt Ran Things: First off, The LEGO Movie would have been nominated! I agree completely with Jay on this one, but instead of Big Hero 6's nomination making me want to vomit, it is How to Train Your Dragon 2! And as much as I enjoyed Song of the Sea (and was happy to see it nominated), I still feel LEGO should have won the nomination and the award! The film not only is well-done from an animation standpoint, but it's also extremely entertaining and has a great underlying message to it. Whatever wins this award will be completely undeserving compared to The LEGO Movie.
Best Cinematography
Birdman
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Ida
Mr. Turner
Unbroken
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Birdman
Who Should Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Jay Ran Things: Look, Emmanuel Lubezki is the best in the business right now, and his work on Birdman is fantastic and will probably win his second Oscar in a row (he won last year, rightly so, for Gravity). The continuous shot effect he did is pretty clever and cool, but Robert Yeoman's work on Wes Anderson's historical comedy is his best with the eccentric director. Its as great as technical achievement as all those carefully stylize sets and costumes.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Who Should Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Matt Ran Things: While I was not crazy about the film's story itself, I believe the cinematography for The Grand Budapest Hotel was amazing. Director Wes Anderson has a definitive, distinctive style which makes his films' scenes each a work of art. In my opinion, there really is no other worthy competition.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Laura Dern - Wild
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman
Meryl Streep - Into the Woods
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
If Jay Ran Things: I don't know if Arquette's performance is worthy of an Academy Award, but when put against the rest of these nominees she's the clear choice. What a disappointing list, in my opinion. Keira Knightley? Seriously!? Look, I loved The Imitation Game, but her role in it was simply to be "the girl who is smart like him." There are much more complex roles for women. Keira Knightley is simply a big enough name. And Emma Stone, as well. Her part in Birdman was not very demanding. And, of course, by federal law, the Academy has to nominate Meryl Streep every year she's in something, no matter if the movie is a failed adaptation of a Sondheim musical.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
If Matt Ran Things: I agree with Jay. A disappointing list. But, of all the nominees, I would pick Patricia Arquette, an underrated actress if ever there was one. Love Emma Stone but her role was not Oscar-worthy and Keira Knightley was nominated for the wrong film (I thought she did so much better in Begin Again). It is Arquette's rather generic knowledge of life near the end of the film -- as she admits to her son -- which alone is worth a nomination! "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Damn straight!
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Robert Duvall - The Judge
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood
Edward Norton - Birdman
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
Who Should Win: Edward Norton - Birdman
If Jay Ran Things: Look, J.K. Simmons is great in Whiplash, but if you've been keeping score on his career you know that this type of character is not really a stretch for him. He's simply playing a more maniacal and over-the-top version of J. Jonah Jameson from the Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies. That being said I won't be angry if he wins, he's great in the movie. But, Edward Norton's performance is just as over-the-top and is a satirical version of the actor himself, plastered all over Birdman for everyone to see. To be honest, I thought he was better in it than Michael Keaton. He truly is the method actor unchained and both in love and disgusted with himself.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
Who Should Win: J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
If Matt Ran Things: I can see Robert Duvall got this year's gratuitous "sympathy nomination" (a case in which the Academy nominates an old actor/actress simply because of their old age and legacy, but not because of the actual movie performance). Let's see if that nomination becomes a win. But if it were up to me, based truly on performance and its substance, I'd definitely pick underrated character actor J.K. Simmons. And if you think all he's ever played are goofy, offbeat roles, check out The Music Never Stopped. He's been due for a nomination for quite some time now, but it is this role as his abusive music teacher which should win him the trophy.
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Marion Cotillard - Two Days One Night
Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Who Should Win: Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
If Jay Ran Things: Ahhhhh, the Best Actress Oscar. The most politicized award of the Oscars. Often simply a popularity contest and, in many cases, a chance to reward one of Hollywood's favorite divas (see Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, etc., etc.) for just being their glamorous selves. Sometimes they are actually good actresses who win for the wrong role (Reese Witherspoon was better in Election and Nicole Kidman's best performance is still To Die For). Its simply the Academy making up for missing them the last time. This will also be the case this year as Julianne Moore finally wins her Oscar for a performance that isn't even one of her best three. For those of you wondering what that would be -- in order from first to third -- Safe, Boogie Nights, and Far From Heaven. But it's Julianne Moore, and she's one of the best actresses of our generation. For me, though, Rosamund Pike's breakthrough performance as Amy Dunne, the missing wife from David Fincher's excellent Gone Girl, is the best of the year. She's a revelation in the film and she won't win. Congrats, Julianne! I wonder what she'll wear???!!!
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Who Should Win: Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
If Matt Ran Things: The Academy loves a performance having to do with an actor/actress portraying someone with a disability, so I won't be surprised when Julianne Moore's name is read. Moore, whose role is someone dealing with early onset Alzheimer's, is a really good actress, there's no denying it. But whether the performance is Oscar-worthy is debatable. What is not debatable is Rosamund Pike's portrayal of "Amazing Amy" Dunne in David Fincher's adaptation of the novel Gone Girl. What Pike does with that role is phenomenal and crucial to selling the story of this taut mystery thriller.
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper - American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Michael Keaton - Birdman
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
Who Should Win: Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Jay Ran Things: This is the toughest category to pick. Honesty, I wouldn't be shocked if Michael Keaton won it, but I'm betting Redmayne will. The Academy LOVES an actor who portrays someone with a disability, and his performance as Stephen Hawking is being compared to Daniel Day Lewis's unforgettable Oscar-winning turn in My Left Foot. But, if I ran things, Ralph Fiennes's portrayal as the efficient, hilarious and loyal-to-a-fault concierge, Gustave H. in The Grand Budapest Hotel would win. It is his finest work and the best comedic performance in years. But let's face it; the Oscar never goes to anyone for a straight-up comedy role. The last I can think of is Kevin Kline for A Fish Called Wanda nearly 30 years ago.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
Who Should Win: Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
If Matt Ran Things: I do think one of the actors on this list should not have been nominated. He's a great actor and I love his films, but his performance (and the movie it accompanies) was not Oscar-worthy. Instead, I think Bill Murray should have been nominated for St. Vincent -- a great, subtle film and easily one of his best performances! But, again, the Academy loves actors who portray a character with some sort of disability, and I fear this category will be no different. I think they most likely will pick Eddie Redmayne for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking; don't get me wrong, the performance is phenomenal and Redmayne is proving his acting chops with every role he takes on! But it is Cumberbatch who rightly deserves the award. His portrayal of Alan Turing is subtle, nuanced, and mesmerizing.
Best Director
Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Birdman
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Bennett Miller - Foxcatcher
Morten Tyldum - The Imitation Game
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
If Jay Ran Things: I really don't think there is much of a contest here. Richard Linklater has been making smart and inventive films that are also assessable for over 20 years. Boyhood feels like the culmination of everything he has been working towards. Using the flow of time to create a narrative that elicits a unique response from the viewer is not new for Linkater. Many of movies play with time (Slacker, Dazed & Confused, The Before Trilogy) in different ways, but Boyhood is truly unique and feels like a film that only he could make.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
If Matt Ran Things: When one looks at the nominees in this category, it's difficult to choose. They all did spectacular jobs! However, it is indie film director darling Richard Linklater who rightly deserves the statue this go around. His film is not only a true piece of contemporary Americana art, but its production also proves Linklater's devotion and professionalism to his art by the fact that he filmed Boyhood over the course of 12 years. Now that's devotion! He knows just how to tell the story he wants to tell here. And, as I've said before, just when the viewer thinks he may wade into pretentious waters, his story takes an altruistic turn for the story and its characters, but still keeps the story subtly charming -- making the story even more charming for viewers.
Best Picture
American Sniper
Birdman
Boyhood
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Boyhood
Who Should Win: Boyhood
If Jay Ran Things: I really don't know what more I can say about Boyhood. So, I'll just say that we will most likely never see another film like this again. Despite what you make think of the story, Linklater created something truly original and moving, something Hollywood has struggled to put out over the years. It will win, and I am excited to see it get recognized.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Boyhood
Who Should Win: Boyhood
If Matt Ran Things: There are two films on this list of nominees in which I don't even know how they made it on; no doubt, they were really good, but they weren't, by any means, Oscar-worthy! If anything, one of those two (which shall remain nameless) should have been replaced by Interstellar. But the other 6 are all so well done and deserving of the nomination that it's difficult to choose who will win. When it all came down to it, the race was between Birdman and Boyhood. While I really enjoyed the story of Birdman (as seen in my pick for Best Original Screenplay), I think overall production quality has to go to Linklater's Boyhood.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: "Glory" from Selma
Who Should Win: "Lost Stars" from Begin Again
If Matt Ran Things: I really enjoyed a small independent film called Rudderless and think the song "Stay With You" should have garnered a nomination (at least some song from that film should have been nominated!), but if I had to pick between what was nominated, I'd pick "Lost Stars" from John Carney's Begin Again as it fits the story very well.
Best Adapted Screenplay
American Sniper
The Imitation Game
 |
| The Imitation Game |
Inherent Vice
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: The Theory of Everything
Who Should Win: The Imitation Game
If Jay Ran Things: I think The Theory of Everything will win here, but it's a tough category to pick. I honestly think that The Imitation Game is a better script and is more deserving to win. I really enjoyed the how it told its story in flashback, showing us the indignities that Alan Turing had to endure later in life after making such huge contributions to the Allied Forces war effort. It's a smart script but I'm not optimistic it will win.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: The Theory of Everything
Who Should Win: The Imitation Game
 |
| The Theory of Everything |
If Matt Ran Things: This is a difficult choice between the two I listed above. To be honest, I'd be happy if either of them won the award -- as I feel they were, by far, the best two of the bunch. The only reason I picked Game over Theory is because of Theory's striking similarities in story execution to 2001's A Beautiful Mind (which won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2002). Nevertheless, I'd be happy with either to win.
Best Original Screenplay
Birdman
Boyhood
 |
| The Grand Budapest Hotel |
Foxcatcher
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Nightcrawler
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Who Should Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Jay Ran Things: Wes Anderson took home the Golden Globe here so I am hoping the Academy does the same and rewards him for his most intricate and smartly written screenplay in his career. The use of non-linear storytelling is something Anderson has never attempted before, so with this his latest film he has tried new things and it paid of in spades.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Boyhood
 |
| Birdman |
Who Should Win: Birdman
If Matt Ran Things: As much as I enjoyed Boyhood, the story relies too much on the audience's perception and comprehension to make a lasting effect, but Birdman does not only this but also shows the audience its brilliance in its metaphor and acting. In other words, whereas Boyhood is a rather simplistic coming-of-age story, Birdman uses all kinds of storytelling technique to show one man's rise out of depression and existential life crisis mode into becoming a better person. I will say that I don't believe Foxcatcher should be in this category as it is based on a true story -- and true stories (even if they have no articles and/or books written on the subject) should be in the "Best Adapted Screenplay" category. If any story should have been in here to take Foxcatcher's place, it should have been Christopher Nolan's Interstellar. That was a major snub! It may not have won, but it should have at least been nominated!
Best Animated Feature
Big Hero 6
The Boxtrolls
How to Train Your Dragon 2
 |
| The LEGO Movie was snubbed! |
Song of the Sea
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Who Should Win: The LEGO Movie
If Jay Ran Things: While I am happy that The Tale of Princess Kaguya got nominated, the fact that The LEGO Movie is not on this list is unfathomable to me. Not only was it the best animated film of the year, by far, it is one of the best movies of the year . . . period. Every time I see Big Hero 6 on this list of nominees, I want to puke. Biggest Oscar snub in years . . . .
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Who Should Win: The LEGO Movie
If Matt Ran Things: First off, The LEGO Movie would have been nominated! I agree completely with Jay on this one, but instead of Big Hero 6's nomination making me want to vomit, it is How to Train Your Dragon 2! And as much as I enjoyed Song of the Sea (and was happy to see it nominated), I still feel LEGO should have won the nomination and the award! The film not only is well-done from an animation standpoint, but it's also extremely entertaining and has a great underlying message to it. Whatever wins this award will be completely undeserving compared to The LEGO Movie.
Best Cinematography
Birdman
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Ida
 |
| The Grand Budapest Hotel |
Mr. Turner
Unbroken
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Birdman
Who Should Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Jay Ran Things: Look, Emmanuel Lubezki is the best in the business right now, and his work on Birdman is fantastic and will probably win his second Oscar in a row (he won last year, rightly so, for Gravity). The continuous shot effect he did is pretty clever and cool, but Robert Yeoman's work on Wes Anderson's historical comedy is his best with the eccentric director. Its as great as technical achievement as all those carefully stylize sets and costumes.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Who Should Win: The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Matt Ran Things: While I was not crazy about the film's story itself, I believe the cinematography for The Grand Budapest Hotel was amazing. Director Wes Anderson has a definitive, distinctive style which makes his films' scenes each a work of art. In my opinion, there really is no other worthy competition.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Laura Dern - Wild
 |
| Patricia Arquette in Boyhood |
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman
Meryl Streep - Into the Woods
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
If Jay Ran Things: I don't know if Arquette's performance is worthy of an Academy Award, but when put against the rest of these nominees she's the clear choice. What a disappointing list, in my opinion. Keira Knightley? Seriously!? Look, I loved The Imitation Game, but her role in it was simply to be "the girl who is smart like him." There are much more complex roles for women. Keira Knightley is simply a big enough name. And Emma Stone, as well. Her part in Birdman was not very demanding. And, of course, by federal law, the Academy has to nominate Meryl Streep every year she's in something, no matter if the movie is a failed adaptation of a Sondheim musical.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
If Matt Ran Things: I agree with Jay. A disappointing list. But, of all the nominees, I would pick Patricia Arquette, an underrated actress if ever there was one. Love Emma Stone but her role was not Oscar-worthy and Keira Knightley was nominated for the wrong film (I thought she did so much better in Begin Again). It is Arquette's rather generic knowledge of life near the end of the film -- as she admits to her son -- which alone is worth a nomination! "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Damn straight!
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Robert Duvall - The Judge
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood
Edward Norton - Birdman
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
Jay's Picks
 |
| Edward Norton in Birdman |
Who Will Win: J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
Who Should Win: Edward Norton - Birdman
If Jay Ran Things: Look, J.K. Simmons is great in Whiplash, but if you've been keeping score on his career you know that this type of character is not really a stretch for him. He's simply playing a more maniacal and over-the-top version of J. Jonah Jameson from the Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies. That being said I won't be angry if he wins, he's great in the movie. But, Edward Norton's performance is just as over-the-top and is a satirical version of the actor himself, plastered all over Birdman for everyone to see. To be honest, I thought he was better in it than Michael Keaton. He truly is the method actor unchained and both in love and disgusted with himself.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
 |
| J.K. Simmons in Whiplash |
Who Should Win: J.K. Simmons - Whiplash
If Matt Ran Things: I can see Robert Duvall got this year's gratuitous "sympathy nomination" (a case in which the Academy nominates an old actor/actress simply because of their old age and legacy, but not because of the actual movie performance). Let's see if that nomination becomes a win. But if it were up to me, based truly on performance and its substance, I'd definitely pick underrated character actor J.K. Simmons. And if you think all he's ever played are goofy, offbeat roles, check out The Music Never Stopped. He's been due for a nomination for quite some time now, but it is this role as his abusive music teacher which should win him the trophy.
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Marion Cotillard - Two Days One Night
Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
 |
| Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl |
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Who Should Win: Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
If Jay Ran Things: Ahhhhh, the Best Actress Oscar. The most politicized award of the Oscars. Often simply a popularity contest and, in many cases, a chance to reward one of Hollywood's favorite divas (see Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, etc., etc.) for just being their glamorous selves. Sometimes they are actually good actresses who win for the wrong role (Reese Witherspoon was better in Election and Nicole Kidman's best performance is still To Die For). Its simply the Academy making up for missing them the last time. This will also be the case this year as Julianne Moore finally wins her Oscar for a performance that isn't even one of her best three. For those of you wondering what that would be -- in order from first to third -- Safe, Boogie Nights, and Far From Heaven. But it's Julianne Moore, and she's one of the best actresses of our generation. For me, though, Rosamund Pike's breakthrough performance as Amy Dunne, the missing wife from David Fincher's excellent Gone Girl, is the best of the year. She's a revelation in the film and she won't win. Congrats, Julianne! I wonder what she'll wear???!!!
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Who Should Win: Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
If Matt Ran Things: The Academy loves a performance having to do with an actor/actress portraying someone with a disability, so I won't be surprised when Julianne Moore's name is read. Moore, whose role is someone dealing with early onset Alzheimer's, is a really good actress, there's no denying it. But whether the performance is Oscar-worthy is debatable. What is not debatable is Rosamund Pike's portrayal of "Amazing Amy" Dunne in David Fincher's adaptation of the novel Gone Girl. What Pike does with that role is phenomenal and crucial to selling the story of this taut mystery thriller.
Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper - American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Michael Keaton - Birdman
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
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| Ralph Fiennes in The Grand Budapest Hotel |
Who Should Win: Ralph Fiennes - The Grand Budapest Hotel
If Jay Ran Things: This is the toughest category to pick. Honesty, I wouldn't be shocked if Michael Keaton won it, but I'm betting Redmayne will. The Academy LOVES an actor who portrays someone with a disability, and his performance as Stephen Hawking is being compared to Daniel Day Lewis's unforgettable Oscar-winning turn in My Left Foot. But, if I ran things, Ralph Fiennes's portrayal as the efficient, hilarious and loyal-to-a-fault concierge, Gustave H. in The Grand Budapest Hotel would win. It is his finest work and the best comedic performance in years. But let's face it; the Oscar never goes to anyone for a straight-up comedy role. The last I can think of is Kevin Kline for A Fish Called Wanda nearly 30 years ago.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Eddie Redmayne - The Theory of Everything
Who Should Win: Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
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| Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game |
Best Director
Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
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| Richard Linklater |
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Birdman
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Bennett Miller - Foxcatcher
Morten Tyldum - The Imitation Game
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
If Jay Ran Things: I really don't think there is much of a contest here. Richard Linklater has been making smart and inventive films that are also assessable for over 20 years. Boyhood feels like the culmination of everything he has been working towards. Using the flow of time to create a narrative that elicits a unique response from the viewer is not new for Linkater. Many of movies play with time (Slacker, Dazed & Confused, The Before Trilogy) in different ways, but Boyhood is truly unique and feels like a film that only he could make.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Who Should Win: Richard Linklater - Boyhood
If Matt Ran Things: When one looks at the nominees in this category, it's difficult to choose. They all did spectacular jobs! However, it is indie film director darling Richard Linklater who rightly deserves the statue this go around. His film is not only a true piece of contemporary Americana art, but its production also proves Linklater's devotion and professionalism to his art by the fact that he filmed Boyhood over the course of 12 years. Now that's devotion! He knows just how to tell the story he wants to tell here. And, as I've said before, just when the viewer thinks he may wade into pretentious waters, his story takes an altruistic turn for the story and its characters, but still keeps the story subtly charming -- making the story even more charming for viewers.
Best Picture
American Sniper
Birdman
BoyhoodThe Grand Budapest Hotel
The Imitation Game
Selma
The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
Jay's Picks
Who Will Win: Boyhood
Who Should Win: Boyhood
If Jay Ran Things: I really don't know what more I can say about Boyhood. So, I'll just say that we will most likely never see another film like this again. Despite what you make think of the story, Linklater created something truly original and moving, something Hollywood has struggled to put out over the years. It will win, and I am excited to see it get recognized.
Matt's Picks
Who Will Win: Boyhood
Who Should Win: Boyhood
If Matt Ran Things: There are two films on this list of nominees in which I don't even know how they made it on; no doubt, they were really good, but they weren't, by any means, Oscar-worthy! If anything, one of those two (which shall remain nameless) should have been replaced by Interstellar. But the other 6 are all so well done and deserving of the nomination that it's difficult to choose who will win. When it all came down to it, the race was between Birdman and Boyhood. While I really enjoyed the story of Birdman (as seen in my pick for Best Original Screenplay), I think overall production quality has to go to Linklater's Boyhood.
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