Oscar Predictions 2014

Brace yourselves, Oscar night is coming.

This year, I feel like I have no idea what is about to happen.  Yes, I’ve seen all the Best Picture nominees, but I haven’t seen much outside of that prestigious circle.  Life as a new mom has made seeing movies tougher.  A movie date is much more expensive when you add in the cost of a babysitter, so my husband and I don’t see as many as we used to.  All through Oscar season, I sped off the theaters to see the nominated movies when I got the chance, leaving my husband and son to fend for themselves many evenings.  They have been very supportive of my movie habits.  Perhaps I’ll make them little Oscars for best family.

But I digress, here are my predictions!  I wouldn’t take them to Vegas, but let’s have fun:

Film Editing

The editing in Whiplash is a huge role in the tone of the film. Who even voted American Sniper into this category?

Cinematography

I predict The Grand Budapest Hotel, but wouldn’t be surprised, or mind if Birdman won.

Adapted Screenplay

I really want to see Whiplash take this.

Original Screenplay

I’m torn. My head says The Grand Budapest Hotel, yet my heart cries Birdman.  The Academy is more likely to vote with their heads.

Animated Feature

The Lego Movie.  The fact that it wasn’t nominated just shows how out of touch the Academy has become.  Maybe How to Train Your Dragon 2, it was great too.

Supporting Actress

Stone and Knightley seem unlikely, as the Academy seems to favor age over beauty (Jennifer Lawrence excluded). I have yet to see Wild, but I feel Patricia Arquette’s performance is worthy.

Supporting Actor

J.K. Simmons better win that Oscar or I will be throwing a chair at someone’s head.

Actress

Sorry, I’ve only seen 2 of the nominations.  However, isn’t it about time for Julianne Moore?

Actor

Eddie Redmayne.  Even though it is total Oscar-bait, it is great.  I’d bet money on his Hawking performance.

Director

I think this is a toss-up between Alejandro González Iñárritu for Birdman and Richard Linklater for his 12 year devotion to Boyhood.  

Best Picture

What I think should win: Birdman.  Easily what I believe is best and just happens to be my personal favorite.

What will probably win: Who knows?  Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel lead the pack with 9 nominations each, so they seem most logical.  Boyhood could win in acknowledgment of its 12 year commitment to one beautiful movie.  I would love to see Whiplash win, but it is the underdog.  The Academy could just decide to love America more than movies and give it to American Sniper. Or they could pull an Argo and give it to Selma for snubbing Ava DuVernay out of a directing nomination, like they did to Affleck two years ago.

Sorry to rant.  One thing is for certain, I am going to be rooting for this Oscar nominated song: Everything Is Awesome.  Happy Oscar night!