Now, if you’re like me, then I don’t have to tell you that the 86th Academy Awards are to be broadcasted on March 2, 2014 on ABC, hosted by (drum roll, please) Ellen DeGeneres. However, if you are one of those people that don’t understand the true purpose and bliss of movies and awards shows than you might need to be reminded.
Nevertheless, do not fret! Below is “Academy Awards for Dummies” where I have listed the nominees for the biggest categories and who my personal favorites are, which I’ve predicted to be nominees before the nominations were announced. Whether you are a sucker for the grand effects exhibited in “Gravity” or the heartbreaking love story in “Her,” 2013 delivered on all fronts. So please, feel free to disagree or wholeheartedly consent to my thoughts, but here are my Oscar predictions for 2014.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominations: Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), Jennifer Lawrence (“American Hustle”), Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”), Julia Roberts (“August: Osage County”), June Squibb (“Nebraska”)
Now before I even begin, I need to have a sort of disclaimer. I am a huge Jennifer Lawrence fan. Her “The Hunger Games” character Katniss Everdeen is my spirit animal and I really enjoyed her in “Winter’s Bone.” The woman can do no wrong in my eyes. Now, that being said, I have been waiting for J-Law to take on a different role. There is no denying that she she tends to stick to the tough, witty heroine roles. I was hoping, wishing and praying that I would see her in a role that showed more range because I know she is capable of it, which is why I absolutely adore her performance in “American Hustle.” That is also why I’m sure you will hear me screaming shouts of joy if she indeed does win. Not only does she deserve it, but she is 23 years old and that would be her second Oscar win in two years, thus making her a real-life movie goddess. Okay, now that I have said my piece about Jennifer, another major winner could be Lupita Nyong’o for her breathtaking role in “12 Years a Slave.” Seeing a pattern yet? Well you should be because “12 Years a Slave” is cleaning up, plain and simple. Nyong’o portrayed a slave who was the object of her master’s affection, a position that resulted in her being abused and raped. Let’s not forget that this is also her breakout role, which makes her even more impressive. Both women deserve to win. Who knows, maybe it’ll be a tie? Either way I will be happy because they are the only two who in my opinion deserve to win (Sorry Julia, I still love you though).
Best Actor in a Supporting Role Nominations: Barkhad Abdi (“Captain Phillips”), Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”), Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave”), Jonah Hill (“The Wolf of Wall Street”), Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”)
Another category packed with talent and flawless acting, from Jared Leto’s role in “Dallas Buyers Club” to Michael Fassbender in “12 Years a Slave.” But then we actually would be forgetting about newcomer Barkhad Abdi in “Captain Phillips” and the hilarious Jonah Hill in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” This is a tough decision, and I am not envious of the Academy who in fact has to make it. Many are betting on Leto since he has been taking home this award at the other major awards shows. However, I would not count out Abdi for his performance as a Somali pirate or Fassbender as a slaveowner. All of the nominated men are great, but as history so often has a tendency of repeating itself, my bet is on Leto, but hey don’t quote me on that.
Best Actress in a Leading Role Nominations: Amy Adams (“American Hustle”), Cate Blanchett (“Blue Jasmine”), Sandra Bullock (“Gravity”), Judi Dench (“Philomena”), Meryl Streep (“August: Osage County”)
In my opinion, this is a category that is always jam packed with talent. This year proves to be no different, from Amy Adam’s performance in “American Hustle” to Cate Blanchett’s role in the Woody Allen flick, “Blue Jasmine.” With this category, I like to see who has been winning awards at other shows like the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Golden Globes. If we look at that, it’s a toss-up between Adams and Blanchett. Adams portrayed a con artist and brought humor and honesty to her film, while Blanchett brought depth to her drama. Personally, I loved “American Hustle.” I thought it was genius, and I would love to see Adams take home the Oscar. We have seen her grow as an actress from the wholesome “Enchanted” to the profound “Doubt.” Adams really brought a great character to life. Kudos, Amy! With that being said, I do not want to completely forget about Sandra Bullock’s performance in “Gravity.” I felt that the film was a bit of a let down, but Bullock carried the movie, with most scenes being only her talking to herself and fighting for her life. Although she was good, she wasn’t great and I doubt she will win, but she is what made “Gravity” touching and does deserve some credit.
Best Actor in a Leading Role nominations: Christian Bale (“American Hustle”), Bruce Dern (“Nebraska”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Wolf of Wall Street”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”), Matthew McConaughey (“Dallas Buyers Club”)
This category shows a lot of possibility and, to be honest, leaves me almost stumped – almost. Now, I know many people are expecting Matthew McConaughey to take home his first Oscar for his performance in “Dallas Buyers Club.” I could definitely accept that outcome, but first I must give praise to Christian Bale and Chiwetel Ejiofor, my personal favorite being Chiwetel Ejiofor with his brilliant performance in “12 Years a Slave.” The entire cast delivered in “12 Years a Slave,” but Ejiofor brought tears to my eyes and left me with chills. His acting was of another category. That being said I know the joke is that Leonardo DiCaprio might finally get an Oscar, which would be for his role in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” He is definitely a major contender as well. See, I did say this was a crowded category this year. I will be happy no matter what happens since all the actors truly do deserve their nominations.
Best Director Nominations: “American Hustle” (David O. Russell), “Gravity” (Alfonso Cuarón), “Nebraska” (Alexander Payne), “12 Years a Slave” (Steve McQueen), “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Martin Scorsese)
Three words: “Gravity, Gravity, Gravity.” My mind still cannot comprehend how that movie actually looked as real and vast as actual space itself. Alfonso Cuarón definitely deserves to win because what’s worse than a movie that doesn’t even look real? Steve McQueen, Alexander Payne and David O. Russell are also worthy of praise for their respective films. It is so easy to love the star, but what would that film be without strong leadership from the director? While “Gravity” was not my favorite film of the year, it was a great cinematic experience, whether you were watching it in 3D, IMAX, or like me on your living room couch. It brought you into space right alongside the characters, and that is truly what we all want when watching a movie: to leave our lives for a moment and enter a different world.
Best Picture Nominations: “American Hustle,” “Captain Phillips,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Gravity,” “Her,” “Nebraska,” “Philomena,” “12 Years a Slave,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”
The biggest category for the Academy Awards is arguably “Best Picture.” Now, although there are nine nominations, most can agree that the only true contenders are “12 Years a Slave” and “Gravity.” And maybe “American Hustle.” This year shows a classic rivalry that we have all seen before: The big extravagant blockbuster versus the character-driven story. This type of competition was seen between “Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker” in 2009. If you ask me, the same results that happened in 2009 are bound to happen again in 2014, with the character-driven flick sure to win the Oscar. “12 Years a Slave” is honest, poignant, heartbreaking and truly an all-around incredible film. I have to admit it wasn’t the most anticipated film for me and may not even be my personal favorite, but it does deserve the Oscar. It told a true story about one of the most shameful and cruel aspects of American history and did it gracefully at that.