I’m pretty excited about the Academy Awards this Sunday. 2010 was a pretty good year for movies. Nothing over-the-top spectacular, but a lot of solid, great movies with great performances and excellent film making. Here are my top picks:
Best Picture: The King’s Speech. I’m going with the odds on this one. It was also my favorite film of the year. I called this one back in the fall before it was even nominated.
Best Actor: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech. Amazing performance that he’ll be remembered by. It was his acting that sparked in interest in researching the Royal family. So poised, yet vulnerable. The consummate actor’s actor.
Actor in a Supporting Role: Geoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech. Christian Bale may very well win this for his role in The Fighter. But I was moved by Rush’s performance.
Best Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan. They often give this category to the “name”. Still an incredible movie and a brilliant performance. Can she really dance like that?
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Melissa Leo, The Fighter. Don’t know much about the other nominees, but I do remember Leo’s performance in The Fighter. If I remember it, the Academy should remember it as well.
Best Director: Tom Hooper, The King’s Speech. Best movie of the year, hands down, because of the acting and directing.
Animated Feature Film: Toy Story 3. Didn’t see it, but an educated guess.
Art Direction: Inception. Incredible movie, moving in and out of different realities. Well put together.
Cinematography: Black Swan. Many of us are not ballet aficionados, but the film making and camera work draws us in.
Costume Design: Alice in Wonderland. Although, The King’s Speech may sweep this category too.
Best Song: We Belong Together, Toy Story 3. Randy Newman is nominated often enough, but he’s only won once.
Visual Effects: Inception. This is a no-brainer. It Inception loses in the category, it will be a shame.
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network. Enjoyed this film and how they were able to adapt the screenplay from the book and court depositions.
Best Original Screenplay: The King’s Speech. Incredible screenplay should be tops in the writing category.
