SamirJunejo
Best Picture
The Los Angeles Times recently did a study that revealed the median age of voting members in the Academy is 62. It is no wonder then, that the “The Artist,” a black-and-white ode to the early days of silent cinema, will likely bring home Best Picture. This leaves more experimental and ambitious fare like “The Tree of Life” on the sidelines waiting for history to provide the immortality the Oscars will not.
Who should win: "The Tree of Life"
Who will win: "The Artist"
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Two of the most popular movie stars, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, are up for Best Actor this year, both deserving of their nominations. But it will be newcomer Jean Dujardin who will ride the coattails of “The Artist” to come up with his first Oscar here. Despite putting in the more deserving, but unflashy performance in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," Gary Oldman should not even bother with writing a speech.
Who should win: Gary Oldman, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”
Who will win: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
Best Actress in a Leading Role
This category will be a two-horse race between the 17-time nominee Oscar powerhouse Meryl Streep and the two-time nominee Viola Davis. Davis got her first nomination with her one great scene opposite Streep in the 2008 film “Doubt.” Davis stole that scene from Streep in “Doubt,” and she will continue her ways of thievery by stealing the Oscar from Streep on Sunday.
Who should win: Viola Davis, “The Help”
Who will win: Viola Davis, “The Help”
Best Director
Rarely does the Best Director winner differ from the Best Picture winner, and so the French director of “The Artist,” Michel Hazanavicius, will probably get his first Oscar. If I were him, I would make sure to use my speech to point out that somehow I was chosen as the best director instead of Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen and Terrence Malick, three of the greatest directors in the history of cinema.
Who should win: Terrence Malick, “The Tree of Life”
Who will win: Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
Derek Harrison
Best Picture
“The Descendants” has been at the top of many critics’ list since its release. There has been a lot of talk around the Academy that it is most likely to win Best Picture. Plus, it has already won many awards such as the Golden Globe for Best Picture — Drama. Unfortunately, this will leave Woody Allen’s latest masterpiece without the attention it deserves.
Who should win: "Midnight in Paris"
Who will win: "The Descendants"
Best Actor in a Leading Role
All the candidates for Best Actor this year completely deserve the nomination. Brad Pitt, a hollywood hotshot and familiar face at the Oscars, starred in potentially the best role of his career. Pitt’s character as the Oakland Athletics general manager will bring him home the Oscar.
Who should win: Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"
Who will win: Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"
Best Actress in a Leading Role
A few of the nominees this year were a little shocking. However, the most deserving woman received a nomination. Viola Davis’ role as a black maid during the 1960s is the most powerful performance by an actress this decade. Making her second appearance at the Oscar’s, Davis should and will win the Oscar.
Who should win: Viola Davis
Who will win: Viola Davis
Best Director
It is a common theme through the majority of past Oscars — the director of Best Picture takes home the Oscar for Best Director. This year should be no different. Alexander Payne did a great job directing “The Descendants” and will win the Oscar because of its popularity. Once again, this will be unfortunate for Woody Allen fans everywhere because his beautiful picture will be left in the shadows.
Who should win: Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"
Who will win: Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"
