And the Academy Award goes to...

I thought I would start off this blog with the Academy Awards.  I think this is only fitting, because this blog is going to be an outlet for my obsession with movies!

Here are some of the nominations, plus thoughts:
(bolded = most likely to win)

Best motion picture of the year

• Black Swan
• The Fighter
• Inception
• The Kids Are All Right
• The King's Speech
• 127 Hours
• The Social Network
• Toy Story 3
• True Grit
• Winter’s Bone

My Pick: The King's Speech

These two movies seem to be the top picks this year. I really was not a fan of The Social Network, so I really hope it doesn't win.  I may be a little biased, however, because Collin Firth happened to play my literary hero perfectly in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Performance by an actor in a leading role

• Javier Bardem in Biutiful
• Jeff Bridges in True Grit
• Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network
• Colin Firth in The King's Speech
• James Franco in 127 Hours

My Pick: Colin Firth 

Have not seen Biutiful or 127 Hours.  

I feel as if Jesse Eisenberg plays the same person in every film he's in (a.k.a. an awkward borderline asocial nerd or in other words himself) except this time he added a little bit of douche (not oscar worthy in my opinion). 

You already know how I feel about Colin, but he completely transformed for this roll, developed a stutter, and I feel like it's finally time for him to receive his due.

I also LOVE Jeff Bridges, but he's won, what, 4 times already!  Let's not be greedy.

Performance by an actress in a leading role

• Annette Bening in The Kids Are All Right
• Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole
• Jennifer Lawrence in Winter’s Bone
• Natalie Portman in Black Swan
• Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine

My Pick: Natalie Portman

Love her!

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

• Christian Bale in The Fighter
• John Hawkes in Winter’s Bone
• Jeremy Renner in The Town
• Mark Ruffalo in The Kids Are All Right
• Geoffrey Rush in The King’s Speech

My Pick: undecided

First off I would like to say that I am so happy that Christian Bale has finally received recognition for his talents.  Yes, he may be an ass*@&#, but you cannot deny that man has some serious skill (*see American Psycho).  And Jeffrey Rush's comedic timing was awesome as always.

As to who I would like to win I really don't care.  

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

• Amy Adams in The Fighter
• Helena Bonham Carter in The King’s Speech
• Melissa Leo in The Fighter
• Hailee Steinfeld in True Grit
• Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom

My Pick: Hailee Steinfeld

Leo and Bonham Carter seem to be the top contenders this year, but Hailee Steinfeld was amazing as the quick witted Mattie Ross in the Cohen Brothers adaptation of True Grit.  I was very impressed by her acting chops.  It's certainly cannot be easy to outshine acting veterans Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges, but Hailee certainly did. 

Achievement in directing

• Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky
• The Fighter - David O. Russell
• The King’s Speech - Tom Hooper
• The Social Network - David Fincher
• True Grit - Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

All I want to know is why was Christopher Nolan snubbed, again?! 

Best animated feature film of the year

• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Illusionist
• Toy Story 3

My Pick: Toy Story 3

I only saw Toy Story 3 out of the nominees, but it was incredible!  I feel like the Toy Story trilogy is the only animated movie series that makes sequels that can actually compete with the first.

According to sources, it would take an act of God to stop Toy Story 3!

All in all, I am excited to watch the Academy Awards this year. Personally, I love the red carpet before the ceremony because of the dresses!!

I look forward to this blog.  I have many ideas for posts etc., and I am excited to get started!