CakeBlast

I just read a story about this years Oscar nominees being told to expect a “big surprise” this year. It seems that the Academy is concerned about the low ratings it received in 2008. I seriously think that the low ratings were due to the writers’ strike.

Even though the writers guild made an exception for the Oscars last year, people were used to television being ruined by the strike. Also, the fact that the Golden Globes were pretty much canceled, made the public temporarily stop caring about awards ceremonies. Still, I guess the idea of promoting all kinds of changes is a good publicity ploy. I would have watched the Oscars regardless, but some people may need more motivation. After all,  I’m a self-described film nut.

My main concern is that more people will watch because there are no strikes, but all the credit for increased viewership will go to the changes that are being made. Even if the changes are terrible, they will be made permanent due to the temporarily increased ratings. Then we will be treated to years of awful ceremonies, while ratings slowly drop and the blame gets shifted to a plethora of other things.

One final note before sharing this years predictions..if the Acadamy was really concerned about ratings, Dark Knight would be nominated for best picture and the ceremony would be hosted by Samuel L. Jackson (or perhaps Stephen Colbert).

Now here are some more of my predictions for this years Oscars.

Best Art Direction

I think this is where The Dark Knight will receive some kudos. Since it was snubbed for a best picture nomination, I think the Academy will at least want to give it a deserved award for art direction.

Best Cinematography

Slumdog Millionaire will win this award. This film has been nominated in many categories, but will not take most of them. All of Danny Boyle’s movies have had great cinematography. The Academy will want to offer this critically acclaimed film an award in at least one of the  major categories. This will be the one.

Best Costume Design

The Duchess will be voted tops for best costume. My vote initially went to Benjamin Button, but after careful consideration, a movie  that takes place in an exotic location in the 18th century will garner consideration quickly. Throw the costumes on Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightly and they are bound to be respected..provided they are good costumes. The nomination lets me know they were, and the concept tells me they will win.

Best Documentary

Man on Wire has been the most talked about documentary this year. The concept is intriguing to a mass audience and the editing is supposedly very good. I checked out the synopsis’ of all the nominees and I think Man on Wire is the most intriguing.

Best Film Editing

When I first heard about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button I thought, “no way will this work as a movie.” Then I saw that David Fincher’s name was attached. Okay, Fincher made Fight Club..he can pull this off. This film would not work without some of the best editing in a movie ever. I am sure Benjamin Button was edited immaculately..or at least good enough to take the award for best editing.

Best Makeup

Have you seen the Benjamin Button ads featuring Brad Pitt regressing in age? Better yet, have you seen the film? I haven’t but there is my pick for best makeup. Enough said.

Best Visual Effects

Once again, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will win.

Best Foreign Language Film

I am going with the Japanese entry, Departures. It is about a man who loses his job, so he moves back to his hometown and becomes a mortician after answering a help wanted ad. I think the high U.S. unemployment rate will make this a topical movie for American viewers who otherwise would not care about this little Japanese dramedy.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Slumdog Millionaire will win this award. I would have put my money on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but I have noticed in years past that the best Adapted Screenplay rarely wins best picture. Screenplay awards are often used as a consolation prize (although sometimes it is just amazing writing that wins).

Best Original Screenplay

Frozen River has had a lot of hype on the independent circuit. An award in this category will help jumpstart the career of writer/director Courtney Hunt so that she may secure the financing to take on bigger projects. I think the Academy will give it to her.

Best Director

David Fincher shall win for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It is time for the insanely talented Fincher to receive his first Oscar.

Best Picture

All in all, this will be the year of Benjamin Button. This big movie with an even bigger name was incredibly ambitious. Judging by the reviews, it was all worth it.

For the past several years, David Fincher has made lackluster (yet “safe”) films such as Panic Room and Zodiac. Hopefully, receiving the holy grail of film awards will convince Fincher to continue taking chances and make more films as daring as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.