Oscar Predictions

Of course, it's that time of year with awards ceremonies being held like it's the end of the world or something. As usual, by now, we've had the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, the Emmys and goodness knows what else and now attention is focusing on the big one - the Academy Awards, yes that annual ceremony where all of Hollywood comes together to pat each other on the back and basically say tell the world how wonderful they are, and all the movies they make are as well (despite the fact that 90% of them are complete and utter dross). Not only is this a major event in the movie calendar, it's also a biggie for all movie journalists as well - who will be no doubt sharpening their pencils (or tongues) ready to ridicule the Academy for some of their more dubious choices. Hey, it wouldn't be the 'Oscars' if everyone didn't bitch about at least one of the awards. Like when Tom Hanks won Best Actor for 'Philadelphia' over Liam Neeson in 'Schindler's List'. It's clear to many whose was the better performance, yet the Academy felt a need to 'mark' the first major Hollywood film that dealt with HIV and AIDS. Never mind the fact that it just wasn't very good. And these days, it seems to be all about who has the most money rather than who has the better film - like when Miramax spent a small fortune (a few million dollars) promoting 'Shakespeare in Love' which managed to triumph over 'Saving Private Ryan' - a much better film in this writer's humble opinion.

Anyway, i digress. Enough with the bitching and so forth (I know you've come to expect it of me!). There are a few clear runners in the major categories this year - so i'll give you my opinion on who will win what. Naturally, any bets made on the back of these predictions are completely at your own risk and i accept no responsibility whatsoever. Unless you win a considerable amount of money, in which case, e-mail me and we'll come to some arrangement.

Best Actor: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland (won a lot of awards already, so a likely favourite)
Best Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen (as above. Even Dame Judi Dench, one competitor, has talked of putting money on this)
Best Director: Martin Scorsese, The Departed (He deserves to win one, and has for some time. It's a black mark against the Academy that he hasn't won yet. If he doesn't win here, then they all need killing!)
Best Film: The Departed (then again, they may give him this as a consolation prize)
Best Supporting: Eddie Murphy (actor) and Jennifer Hudson (actress), Dreamgirls (this is what the Globes said - generally considered the most reliable Oscar indicator)
Best Foreign Film - Pan's Labyrinth (I'll be VERY surprised if this highly rated film doesn't win something)
Best Screenplay: (Original) Little Miss Sunshine (a consolation prize, perhaps?); (Adapted) The Departed (I think this will be the 'Big' winner for 2007).

So, there you have it - my ha'penniesworth for what it's, well, worth. I, for one, shall be tuning in to see what happens - although i suspect my remote control finger will be a bit over active for most of it (the speeches!!).