The King's Speech will win the Best Picture Oscar at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards
By: Nathan Swank
Now it is time for the big categories that moviegoers look forward to most. A lot can happen the closer the date gets to the actual ceremony. The Academy Award ballots aren’t even due until Tuesday, February 22, which is less than a week before the big event. For example, Melissa Leo practically sabotaged herself by releasing self-promoting ads of her wearing fur – a definite faux pas in today’s Hollywood that responded with high criticism. So needless to say the battle can shift from week to week. I think there were some strong nominees in every category. In the Acting categories, who I picked to win also happens to be who I think will win. As for the Picture and Director picks, well they are both in my top four films so I can’t be too upset. In fact, unless one film takes most of the wins, I don’t think I will be terribly disappointed no matter the outcome. But for the record, I believe most of here at FLIX66 will be rooting for INCEPTION.
Read Part 1 of our Oscar Predictions here.
Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Adams, THE FIGHTER; Helena Bonham Carter, THE KING’S SPEECH; Melissa Leo, THE FIGHTER; Hailee Steinfeld, TRUE GRIT; Jackie Weaver, ANIMAL KINGDOM
Melissa Leo in THE FIGHTER – Leo’s recent self-promotion might be just enough backlash to give it to Hailee Steinfeld, who was amazing. But she’s too new and too young and I think voters will reluctantly stick with the best performance.
Actor in a Supporting Role: Christian Bale, THE FIGHTER; John Hawkes, WINTER’S BONE; Jeremy Renner, THE TOWN; Mark Ruffalo, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT; Geoffrey Rush, THE KING’S SPEECH
Christian Bale in THE FIGHTER – As the meth-addicted ex-fighter, Bale finally gets to showcase why he is one of the best actors living today. Yes Rush is great but Bale clearly owns this.
Actress in a Leading Role: Annette Bening, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT; Nicole Kidman, RABBIT HOLE; Jennifer Lawrence, WINTER’S BONE; Natalie Portman, BLACK SWAN; Michelle Williams, BLUE VALENTINE
Natalie Portman in BLACK SWAN – No one comes close. Poor Annette Bening just can’t seem to win garnering her fourth nomination. This will be no different. I can’t imagine anyone pulling off the levels of emotion and change Portman does in BLACK SWAN. It’s unfortunate this may be the films only win.
Actor in a Leading Role: Javier Bardem, BIUTIFUL; Jeff Bridges, TRUE GRIT; Jesse Eisenberg, THE SOCIAL NETWORK; Colin Firth, THE KING’S SPEECH; James Franco, 127 HOURS
Colin Firth in THE KING’S SPEECH – Historic figure – check. Physical handicap -check. Being rewarded after many great performances in Hollywood – triple check. The other nominees were absolutely terrific but Firth deserves this.
Best Directing: Darren Aronofsky, BLACK SWAN; David O’Russel, THE FIGHTER; Tom Hooper, THE KING’S SPEECH; David Fincher, THE SOCIAL NETWORK; Joel and Ethan Coen, TRUE GRIT
David Fincher for THE SOCIAL NETWORK – The battle for Best Picture is usually decided here. It’s possible this year could provide a split between the two categories. I keep going back and forth between THE KING’S SPEECH and THE SOCIAL NETWORK. In fact I’m writing this vague synopsis just so I can plug whichever name I like right before I hit submit. Fincher is consistently masterful when it comes to directing.
Best Picture: BLACK SWAN, THE FIGHTER, INCEPTION , THE KID’S ARE ALL RIGHT, THE KING’S SPEECH, 127 HOURS, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, TOY STORY 3, TRUE GRIT, WINTER’S BONE
THE KING’S SPEECH – Heart will win out this year and THE KING’S SPEECH is the perfect quality sentiment piece that Oscar voters will lap up. At first, believing no one would see it; I foolishly thought I was doing the film a favor by promoting it. However, it has quickly snowballed into much deserved attention.
[fbcomments]