After watching the movies, reading reviews from trusted source, and comparing results from different award-giving bodies all over the world, I finally had my list ready.
There are some categories where I just took a wild guess while there’s some where I’m really sure of. I put some commentaries or should I say justification to some of the choices I made, just to explain how did I arrive with the option. The movies to watch out for the academy are THE ARTIST, HUGO, THE HELP, and THE DESCENDANTS.
Best Picture
"The Artist"
Best Actor
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
After watching “The Artist” and “The Descendants” twice, I finally made the decision to place my bet on Dujardin for portraying George Valentin in the silent film The Artist. At first, I really thought it was a close fight between Clooney and Oldman for this category but after SAG and BAFTA honored Dujardin’s performance by giving him the Best Actor award, I think it comes with no doubt that he will also take home the academy trophy. Though I really think Clooney is a spoiler in this category.
Best Actress
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Being Meryl Streep’s big fan, I always wanted her to win an academy acting award. And after several (that’s seventeen) nominations, I thought she deserves to win this year. But we know it’s not the basis, it would really depend upon the performance. Streep playing the role of a British PM in the movie The Iron Lady was not the best material for her. The idea of the movie was good, but after watching it, you would know thereafter that there’s something wrong about the movie. She's good, really good in her performance, and I can say the performance is really academy worthy. But it's like a very precious shoes not suited for its owner's feet, it's not compatible. And that is a big factor. On the other hand, Viola Davis found the perfect spot in her role as a maid in a movie that talks about civil rights, The Help. The movie was indeed a milestone for Davis. She delivered a brilliant performance, and I guess the role did help her a lot, it was a wonderful part given to her and she nailed it. This made me remember Streep and Davis co-starring in The Doubt in which both of them got an academy nomination. Both of them are really great actress. No doubt.
Best Supporting Actor
Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
Best Supporting Actress
Octavia Spencer, "The Help"
So sure with both supporting acts, they have no close rivals.
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Martin Scorsese is a possible spoiler in this category.
Best Original Screenplay
Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Best Adapted Screenplay
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash, "The Descendants"
Best Animated Feature
"Rango"
This category has been dominated by Pixar the past couple of years, but not this year. Well, I think The Adventures of Tintin should really be nominated in this category and perhaps win. But among the five nominees, Rango is the best. Kung Fu Panda 2 is a possible spoiler.
Best Foreign Language Film of the Year
A Separation (Iran)
This film deserves the 10th spot for the best picture category (is that possible? Can a foreign language film be nominated for best picture?).
Original Score
"The Artist," Ludovic Bource
Best Original Song
"Man or Muppet," The Muppets; Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
Best Achievement in Art Direction
"Hugo"
Best Achievement in Cinematography
"The Artist"
Best Achievement in Costume Design
"The Artist"
Best Documentary Feature
"Pina"
**Just a wild guess.
Best Documentary Short Subject
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom"
**Another wild guess.
Best Achievement in Film Editing
"Hugo"
Best Achievement in Makeup
"The Iron Lady"
Best Animated Short Film
Lessmore
**Super wild guess.
Best Live Action Short Film
"Raju"
**Another extreme guess.
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
"Hugo"
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
"Hugo"
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
You can watch the Academy awards on ABS-CBN, February 27.
