Oscars

This is probably what remains of my former past as a film major, but I usually get intrigued by Oscars lists and who wins. Not necessarily the awards ceremony itself, but just the candidates and winners. Like watching Sportscenter instead of the games. This is probably because I like movies, and I like making lists. Especially “best of” lists.

Anyways, this year’s list is odd.

Best Picture: The Artist, The Descendants, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Help, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life, War Horse

Of these, I’ve seen five, and three of them are on my Best of 2011 list. Extremely Loud is almost practically guaranteed a spot on my 2012 list, but I was surprised to see it on here. I know it’s limited release came out in 2011, but it was ridiculously limited, so in my world, it’s a 2012 movie. I picked Midnight in Paris as my favourite 2011 movie, but I could also make a case for Tree of Life. Of the ones I haven’t seen, only The Artist strikes me as a potential, but I could be wrong. I have no desire to see War Horse.

Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist, Alexander Payne – The Descendants, Martin Scorsese – Hugo, Woody Allen – Midnight in Paris, Terrence Malick – The Tree of Life

Again, it’s Tree of Life v. Midnight in Paris. Thing is, I typically hate Woody Allen films, but Midnight in Paris was just so different and unusually charming, I want him to have some positive reinforcement.

Best Actor: Jean Dujardin – The Artist, Demián Bichir – A Better Life, George Clooney – The Descendants, Brad Pitt – Moneyball, Gary Oldman – Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Of these, I’ve only seen Moneyball, and Pitt didn’t particularly impress me. If we’re going to include Extremely Loud, I wish Thomas Horn was on this list. I could never have pictured Oskar Schell coming to life outside of the book. He did a pretty solid job.

Best Actress: Glenn Close – Albert Nobbs, Rooney Mara – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Viola Davis – The Help, Meryl Streep – The Iron Lady, Michelle Williams – My Week With Marilyn

Haven’t seen any of these, but I hear Mara had some intense scenes.

Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer – Beginners, Max Von Sydow – Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Jonah Hill – Moneyball, Kenneth Branagh – My Week with Marilyn, Nick Nolte – Warrior

Max Von Sydow? Was he the renter? Again, I haven’t seen enough of these.

Best Supporting Actress: Janet McTeer – Albert Nobbs, Bérénice Bejo – The Artist, Melissa McCarthy – Bridesmaids, Jessica Chastain – The Help, Octavia Spencer – The Help

More stuff I haven’t seen.

Best Animated Feature: A Cat In Paris, Chico and Rita, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss In Boots, Rango

KFP2!

Best Adapted Screenplay:
The Descendants, Hugo, The Ides of March, Moneyball, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Considering Moneyball was pretty much an economics book, I’d say that should get some consideration. Surprised to see Extremely Loud not on here after being surprised to see it elsewhere.

Best Original Screenplay:
The Artist, Bridesmaids, Margin Call, Midnight In Paris, A Separation

Please give this to Midnight in Paris. Well, A Separation I’ve heard is pretty good, but it’ll have to be amazing to usurp midnight.

Best Foreign Film: A Separation (Iran), In Darkness (Poland), Footnote (Israel), Bullhead (Belgium), Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)

I love foreign films but haven’t seen any of these ones, sadly. But the first one I do plan to see is definitely A Separation.