Oscar predictions

Well, here they are, my oscar predictions (with comments).

As with previous years, I have skipped a few of the awards (namely short films and, rather surprisingly, foreign language films) as I am not in a position to comment on the nominees.

Best motion picture of the year
"No Country for Old Men"

No Country for Old Men is the favourite to win by some margin. It has won the WGA, SAG, DGA and PGA (i.e. all the Hollywood guild awards), as such, it would be a shock for it NOT to win. As much as I’d prefer ANY other film to win, it looks like No Country for Old Men’s year.

Of course out of all the films nominated I thing Atonement is by far the most deserving – but unfortunately I do not see it winning.

Achievement in directing
"No Country for Old Men" Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

I tend to either really like Coen films (Barton Fink and Big Lebrowski) or really dislike them (Fargo and No Country for Old Men). Whilst I think they are deserving directors, they have made much better films than No Country for Old Men. Anyway, I think they will win this year.

Performance by an actor in a leading role
Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood"

If there is a dead cert this year then this is it. Daniel Day-Lewis is one hell of an actor, and this is quite possibly his best performance so far. He WILL win.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men"

Although it is not the type of role which is often recognised by the Academy, I think that Javier Bardem has won this race before it has begun. He was the absolute highlight of what I consider to be a poor film

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Ellen Page in "Juno"

This is between Julie Christie and Ellen Page. It is often the case that the Academy will give awards elderly actors and so Julie Christie looks the likely winner, however, she has won an award in the past. In addition to this, everyone seems to have universally liked Ellen Page in Juno, and even though I’m likely going to be wrong on this one, I’m going to say Ellen Page.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There"

Actress playing against type – tick. Actress playing someone unattractive – tick. Actress playing someone of the opposite sex – tick.
= immediate win for Cate Blanchett.

Best animated feature film of the year
"Ratatouille”

Considering that it is the highest ranked film on Rotten Tomato’s and Metacritic for 2007, I’d be surprised if it didn’t win. The only crime here is that it wasn’t up for best picture!

Achievement in art direction
"Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"

Achievement in cinematography
"There Will Be Blood"

I personally think that Atonement should win, if only for the stunning long shot around Dunkirk. However, I think this may be a toss up between There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men. As such, I’m guessing that There Will Be Blood will likely scoop this.

Achievement in costume design
"Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"

This is a toss up between Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Sweeny Todd. Elizabeth was not received as Sweeny Todd, plus Sweeny Todd is a little bit different to your average period drama, therefore I think it will nab the award.

Best documentary feature
"Sicko"

If only to see Michael Moore have his minute’s speech in front of millions of viewers!

Achievement in film editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum"

Achievement in makeup
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

Haven’t seen it – don’t want to, but it’s the most likely winner from the bunch.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
"Ratatouille"

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
"Falling Slowly" from "Once"

No idea why – but I’ve heard this is a good song (and most of the rest were from Enchanted – shudder)

Achievement in sound editing
"Transformers"

BOOM, CRASH, SMASH BOOOOOOOOM = Likely winner.

Achievement in sound mixing
"Transformers"

See above

Achievement in visual effects
"Transformers"

Although I didn’t enjoy the film that much, the effects were pretty impressive.

Adapted screenplay
"No Country for Old Men"

Because it’s going to win best picture!

Original screenplay
"Juno"

I really, really really want Ratatouille to win this, but I very much doubt it will. Instead a screenplay written by an ex stripper (who has also penned Candy Girl: A Year in The Life of an Unlikely Stripper) seems a good alternative!