Oscar Predictions...

I LOVE THE OSCARS!!! I am a firm believer that if a film (or any part of that film) was nominated for an Academy Award, then it is worth my time (and I have rarely been disappointed by this belief). Usually, I try to watch as many of the nominated films as I possibly can prior to the show so that I can make educated guesses as to who the winners will be. Unfortunately, this year I have only been able to see a few, so most of my "predictions" will be purely guessing. But here we go anyway...

Actor in a Leading Role: Personally, I think Mikey Rourke deserves the win...he really made me believe in his character in The Wrestler. However, I believe that Frank Langella will win (and I can't wait to see Frost/Nixon).

Actor in a Supporting Role: All of the actors nominated in this category this year are great, but Heath Ledger wins it for me...he took his role to a completely different level and placed the Joker in my top 10 villains of all time!

Actress in a Leading Role: I despise Anne Hathaway (although I have heard she is incredible in Rachel Getting Married), so I refuse to place my vote with her...and I think Angelina Jolie is just trying too hard to win an Oscar...I enjoyed Changeling, but I had no sympathy for her because I did not feel that she was sincere. I would like to see Melissa Leo win, but I think it will go to Meryl Streep (who did a great job in Doubt, but I do not believe it was an Oscar-worthy film...).

Actress in a Supporting Role: I have seen most of these films and do not really feel that any of the nominations are justified, so my pick is the one I have not seen...Penelope Cruz in Vicky Christina Barcelona. However, Taraji P. Henson would be my second choice, she was darling in Benjamin Button.

Animated Feature Film: I enjoyed all three of these films...they each had me laughing from start to finish. My favorite of the three is Bolt (that hamster still has me giggling!), but I believe Wall-E will win this one (because of it's political underpinnings).

Art Direction: Benjamin Button

Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire

Costume Design: Australia

Directing: Slumdog Millionaire

Documentary Feature: Trouble the Water

Documentary Short: The Conscience of Nhem En (this film looks incredible...)

Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire

Foreign Language Film: Revanche

Makeup: The Dark Knight

Music (score): Slumdog Millionaire

Music (song): O Sava

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire...I have not seen it yet, but due to it's previous wins (Golden Globes and SAGW) and my belief than none of the other nominees even come close, this is definitely my pick for the year.

Short Film (animated): Presto (adorable!)

Short Film (Live Action): The Pig (I haven't seen it, but any movie about a pig must be a good one!).

Sound Editing: The Dark Knight

Sound Mixing: The Dark Knight

Visual Effects: Benjamin Button

Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Slumdog Millionaire

Writing (Original Screenplay): Frozen River