Oscar-nomics: Overall Thoughts

Well, that was interesting. the 84th Academy Awards have come and gone and even though I didn't do so hot (I got 13 right, in my predictions), I take solace in the fact that of the one's I got wrong were my runner-ups (save for Documentary, Costume and Film Editing). I had a feeling Hugo was going to ride some love into winning the Sound and possibly Cinematography categories, but Visual Effects really surprised me. I mean, when a Best Picture nominee is in the category, history favors it, but I felt that Rise of the Planet of the Apes had it locked up for sure. Shows what I know. While I was off in Film Editing, I can't say I am no more than thrilled with Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall for their great work on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (arguably my second favorite of the year). As I mentioned in Documentary, I wouldn't be surprised if I was dead wrong, which I was, unfortunately. I do feel great, though, that I was able to guess 2/3 of the Best Shorts (and the third one was my alternate!). All in all, while I was happy with some of the surprises, I was pointing in the right direction for if I was wrong. Though I did make a joke to my mom when Meryl Streep won, saying, "I think the Academy is out to prove how wrong I was." Not to say she wasn't deserving, of course, but with the pro Davis campaign, well, you know what I mean...
The ceremony itself was quite fun, one of the better ones since the 81st and a hand full of others before that that I can remember. The presenters were fun, particularly the antics of Robert Downey Jr. as well as Emma Stone, whose co-presenters in both categories (Gwenyth Paltrow with the former Ben Stiller the latter), balanced each other nicely. Mr. Crystal was, as expected, top notch. While he was a little more safe than some would have wanted, I thought he did a great job considering the past two pairings. All in all, a nice evening, not the best. If I  would grade this one compared to previous ceremonies, I'd give it a B+. Thanks to all for reading my blogs, its been fun. Expect some more blogs when I get the chance, for now, have fun at the movies...

Biggest Surprise: Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall for Film Editing (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo)
                                  -While Mrs. Streep was a shock, I at least had her runner-up
Favorite Win: Bret McKenzie for Best Original Song (Man or Muppet The Muppets)
                                -Not my first choice from the film, but hey a win's a win
Favorite Speech: Christopher Plummer for Best Supporting Actor (Beginners)
                                -Though Asghar Farhadi was a close second for Best Foreign Film
Least Favorite Win: Robert Richardson for Best Cinematography (Hugo)
                                -Not because he isn't deserving, he is. My pride just swayed me to stick with Lubezki                                               for Tree of Life, could you blame me?

Osar-nomics: Best Film Editing Predictions

This is one of my favorite categories, which is why I saved it for last (besides Best Picture). Not only is it integral to the whole process of film-making (what good is a film if its not put together properly), but it is also just as necessary in predicting the Best Picture. The last film to take Best Picture and not be nominated in this category was Ordinary People back in 1980. You also get some non-Best Picture nominees, but worthy candidates to show that not all of the Best Picture nominees were truly the year's best in this category (it also helps narrow down the list). We lost that the past years when they made a mandatory 10 Best Picture list, but this year with new rules, its great to see a non-Best Picture make it (even though I thought it would make the list). That being said, I like the list, even though my favorite, Contagion, was not nominated. That being said, lets take a look at the nominees:

The Artist Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
To be a Best Picture front-runner, you almost have to have a nomination in this category. I do think this is a worthy nomination, and likely win. The editing is seamless and it helps move the story along when music isn't there at its aide (the composer can only do so much). Whoever has won the ACE Eddie (Editing guild) has gone on to win this award. Though they have split the award between Comedy and Drama, if one of them were to win this year, it would be this one, since the other one was...

The Descendants Kevin Tent
Not to belittle his work, I just didn't find it all that impressive. I think this is a nominee that is a telling sign of the Academy's love for the film. I say this because not even Payne's Sideways made the cut a few years back.That being said, I don't think the editing is flashy enough to get the win. I think a win in this category means they really loved it, and I have serious doubts they loved it more than The Artist or Hugo.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
Now, this is a nomination I am extremely happy about. It is extremely difficult to make almost 3 hours of footage anything but long and tiresome, and the duo did it wonderfully. This also shows a level of respect for the duo, having scored their third nomination in a row (Curious Case of Benjamin Button and won for the Social Network). I think it any film should be able to upset, its this one, I am hoping for this one to win, but truth be told it might be in the 3rd spot overall. Mind you, its the kind of flashy editing that does well in this category. However, by not being a Best Picture nominee, its clearly at a disadvantage, and is clearly not as loved as The Artist and...

Hugo Thelma Schoonmaker
Talk about best Director-Editor in the business, she and Martin Scorcese have worked together for decades. She won for the Departed The Aviator and Raging Bull, so she is rather well respected in the editing community. Add in that her film is a beloved Best Picture nominee, whose film does have its flashy moments of editing. Whether its the hustle and bustle of the train station, the wondrous adventures in Paris, or the detail put in each scene of Mr. Scorcese's love of film-making and Goerges Melies. I'd put this as the most possible spoiler, because even though it is loved and flashy, I don't think its as loved as The Artist.

Moneyball Christopher Tellefsen
Another great choice, and possible player for the win. The smooth editing of each baseball game as well the whip smart dialogue (which is key for any Aaron Sorkin film) makes this a viable candidate. Add in the fact that its a Best Picture nominee, it stands a chance. That being said, I think it may be in the weakest spot (aside from Dragon Tattoo). The Academy's love for the film is clear with its 6 nominations, and its as flashy as Dragon Tattoo to be strongly considered a contender. However, I just see this film coming up short, probably ahead of Dragon Tattoo, maybe behind The Descendants out of sheer love for the former. I'm putting this one in the should win, because while I am backing Dragon Tattoo, I think of the two Moneyball is the safer bet of the two, but don't get me wrong these are two solid nominees I am talking about.

Winner: The Artist
Runner-Up: Hugo


Should Win: Moneyball
Should Have Been Nominated: Contagion


gee, I wonder what the next category will be???

Oscar-nomics: Best Cinematography Predictions

Not going to lie, this is a nice list. My thoughts on snubs in this category are minimal in that I knew they didn't stand a chance (Sorry Shame). That being said, each of these films stand a very reasonable chance at winning. There is a clear frontrunner, but there is a looming feeling that an upset can happen in this category. If it were to happen, who takes it? Honestly, it is a rather stacked list, probably the most stacked of the other categories. Without Further adieu, here are our nominees, with my favorite shot to boot:

The Artist: Guillaume Schiffman
Black and White designed films often struggle to win here, but do generally get in for basic love of said design. However, when they are Best Picture nominees, such as Schindler's List, there a lock. There is definitely is a plausible chance this film will win here, there is definitely a love for the film and this win can be caught up in said love. That being said, however, I don't think it draws enough attention to itself than our other nominees to assure a win, but I'd keep an eye out for this one.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: Jeff Cronenweth
This is definitely one of my favorite nominations, and certainly is also deserving of the win. The cinematography definitely adds to the visual eeriness of the films subject matter and is certainly its own entity in the film. We get just the right amount of landscape shots that we get immersed in the scenes we are witnessing on the big screen. Personally, if there was any category I would give the film its win, it would be for this category. That being said, I doubt its chances against the other nominees, in another I'd see no problems with this taking it.

Hugo: Robert Richardson

Now if we want to talk about some pretty cinematography, look no further than Mr. Richardson's lovely work. He makes sure to fully engross us with every scene, to help further Scorcese's 3D ambitions, and he never skips a beat. Personally, I would have this as a runner-up (in terms of winning this year), but I wonder. There is word that the presumed frontrunner might come up short, and that the Academy might be looking for something different. While I am not predicting this to win, I am going to be on record that if there is to be a surprise win, its going to be this one. It might be my personal vendetta to ruin my prediction sheet by not picking this, but I am sticking to my guns with...

Tree of Life: Emmanuel Lubezki

When the trailer was released, there was already talk of this film being the one to beat. Since its release, if there is one thing this film has been praised almost universally about, its for the film's cinematography, and for good reason. It is a beautifully shot film and is executed perfectly. I was worried that this would be the films only nomination, since the film as a whole wasn't as universally loved. However, the film did gain a Best Picture nomination, so there is love for it. Also, this film is on a hotter than hot streak when it comes to awards season. I am worried however, because Mr. Lubezki's previous work, the wonderful Children of Men, wasn't able to translate such a hot streak into Oscar gold, but it didn't carry a Best Picture nomination. Mr. Lubezki is one of the best of the business and is certainly deserving of the award. I am staying behind this film, and thus ladies and gentlemen, I give you my predicted winner, here is hoping I'm right.

oooh, ahhh...

War Horse: Janusz Kamiński

When it comes to Oscar love, is hard not to think of Janusz Kamiński. His work on Saving Private Ryan was very strong, gritty work. Here in War Horse, he tries to replicate the same kind of work. While it doesn't quite match up, you do realize his ability to work what I call the "OOOH, AAAAH" angle of every shot he works on. I think this film definitely stands a chance because if there is one thing Academy members like, its going "OOOH, AAAH." I don't think it will win, but still, you never know...

Winner: Tree of Life
Runner-Up: Hugo

Should Win: Tree of Life
Should've been Nominated: Shame

Oscar-nomics: Best Actress Predictions

Not going to lie, this is a nice batch of lovely ladies this year. Its mixed with the "saw coming from a mile away" nominees to the "good for her" nominees to the "Sweet, SHE MADE IT!!!" nominees. This maybe me balancing out my frustration of the Best Actor Race, but I am pretty ok with this list. I would've liked to see them take a chance with say Tilda Swinton, but a surprise nominee in this category made me overlook it, mostly since I have yet to see her movie (though the trailers are rather haunting in my opinion). That being said, while there has been talk of this being a highly competitive category, I think the winner was solidified at SAG's. Here are the nominees:

 
Glenn Close: Albert Nobbs
I chalk this one under "saw coming from a mile away" nominations, but its still a "good for her" nomination nontheless. Mrs. Close takes on the role of a transgender female so effortlessly, which might be chalked up to this being her dream project for quite some time. However, the film wasn't very well liked and her chances are slim based on the lack of awards support. She could gain some overdue love, but many are playing that up more so for Meryl Streep, which is kind of annoying when you think about it (Meryl Streep: 2 gold statues, Glenn Close: 0!?!?!). Sad to see her go 0-6, but I am still hopeful she will win one day.

Viola Davis: The Help
While many, including myself, saw this coming, I am still very happy for it because she was my favorite part. of the film. As a maid and, in reality, a second mom to a upper-class white family back in the times of racist segregation, Mrs. Davis gives the role, as well as the film, a heart and a sense of direction. She is very powerful in the role as Aibileen and slowly but surely finds the power within her to rise up against the segregation. While I thought the role to be a bit more on the supporting side, I have no problems calling this lady as your winner. Her role is very showy, the movie practically revolves around her, and she has been really passionate with her speeches and humility around the awards circuit, she's the perfect candidate in my opinion. The fact that she, as well as the win, won the SAG awards further points to a big, deserving, win for her.

Rooney Mara: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This might of came at the expense of Tilda Swinton, but I am ok with that because this is my "Sweet, SHE MADE IT!!!" nomination. Its a role that one must truly commit to in all facets of the character, and she never skips a beat. Many will have qualms when comparing this to the original film, but if you read the book, Lisbeth is the pure image of Stieg Larsson's masterpiece (not saying Noomi Rapace's work was weaker by any means). It is too bad she, like Mrs. Close, didn't gain much awards momentum, because I could see Ms. Mara being an excellent competition. Sadly, the nomination is the reward, but on the plus side.... THE NOMINATION IS THE REWARD!!!

Meryl Streep: The Iron Lady
Raise your hand if you didn't see this one coming? Mrs. Streep can read the phonebook and get a nomination, she's just that darn good, and the Iron Lady is no exception. Many thought she could take down Mrs. Davis because of her Golden Globe win, but lets be honest, the Globes love Mrs. Streep. The fact is, her film wasn't that great, she is the reason why many people gave it a pass, and I think that hurts her more than helps her (Davis' film is a Best Picture nominee). I think as great a Streep's performances are and probably will be for years to come, she will be the bridesmaid and not the bride for many more excellent leading ladies (although I was upset Sandra Bullock took it from her when I felt Carey Mulligan should've).

Michelle Williams: My Week with Marylin
Another no-brainer nominee, but still a welcomed one. Ms. Williams throws herself into the role as Marylin Monroe, not simply a mimic but a transformation. In another year, I could see her taking this one, but I don't see that happening. Her film, while liked, wasn't as loved as our previous nominees and has done so so with audiences as well. I think Michelle Williams will one day receive the Oscar, but for now the nomination is the reward so I am happy for her, and I am sure the great Marylin Monroe would be as well.

Will Win: Viola Davis The Help
Runner-Up: Meryl Streep The Iron Lady

Should Win: Viola Davis The Help or Rooney Mara The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (I'm not picky)
Should've Been Nominated: Tilda Swinton We Need to Talk About Kevin

Oscar-nomics: Sound Editing/Mixing Predictions

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Not my best of display pictures, but what can you do?

Seeing as how I missed posting yesterday, I would figure I would do a double header to make up for lost time. I was thinking of doing both of the writing categories, but I feel those deserve there own, separate time. I picked doing both of the sound categories for two reasons: 1) I am never 100% on this and 2) I am predicting the same movie to win both so as to avoid having to explain the difference. Generally, when you are nominated in both categories, you are already the presumed frontrunner, which makes a bit of sense. Take last year, Inception won both and its closest competition was True Grit, the only other double nominee. I am not saying that this is an absolute but given 4/5 slots are double nominees, I'm going to assume there is a slight chance this will happen. And for my rant of the day: WHERE THE F!@* IS TINTIN!!! Now, with that out of the way, here are the nominees:

Moneyball: Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, Dave Giammarco and Ed Novick (Sound Mixing only)
I am rather happy that this made the list, cause it has every right to be here. The mixing of the sounds in the baseball games is subtle in that it works to its advantages of raising the suspense of each hit and every tense moment. That being said, I think its too subtle and being that it is not also nominated for editing, I'd say its a long-shot, but A for the nomination.

Drive: Lon Bender, Victor Ray Ennis (Editing only)
Again, another solid choice, the sound designs were excellent and definitely helped set the mood. However, this is the film's sole nomination, following the rude snub of Mr. Brooks, which means the film's lack of overall love gives this little hope.

Now, for the dual nominees:

Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Peter J. Devlin (mixing) Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn (editing)
As bad as the Transformers films are, the sound designs are generally top notch. They help keep the action sequences from being unbearable (which is no mean feat in a Bay film) and actually makes them fun to watch at times. That being said, the Academy generally never had much love for the franchise, so seeing them take either of these would probably be the longest shot of the double nominees.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson (Mixing) Ren Klyce (editing)
Personally, this is my favorite of the lot. The mixing of the music to the scene as well as the editing of the creepy tones and intense sequences makes this a worthy nominee, and almost worthy winner. In another year, I would be picking this one hands down, but I don't see the film quite taking down these next two nominees.

Hugo: Tom Fleischman and John Midgley (mixing) Eugene Gearty, Philip Stockton (editing)
Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if this is your winner. The sound design team does a wonderful time with the design and editing of the sounds that go on within the clock tower, as well as the train station (such as the scene with the train going through the station). This would be a welcomed win and a deserving one at that, but I am putting this as my runner up with a dark horse chance against this nominee (GwDT is also a dark horse, but I think Hugo stands a better chance at an upset).

War Horse: Gary Rydstrom, Andy Nelson, Tom Johnson and Stuart Wilson (Mixing) Richard Hymns, Gary Rydstrom (editing)
Like how I noted in Best Original Score Prediction, this has everything going for it in the way of a win. Its a war film that has strong sound effects. This is from the same team that did Saving Private Ryan, and have won 7 of these bad boys in the past. Its hard to bet against them since they are in there comfort zone, which is why I have a sneaking suspicion they might end up losing. I am picking this film for a double win, but something tells me they might be set up for an upset, it just seems to easy the choice. I know that isn't the best excuse for a reason, but I have a feeling Hugo might overtake it. The Academy clearly loves Hugo with the 11 nominations, and there thoughts on War Horse weren't as loving as many had originally thought. Still, the safe money is War Horse, but I would be pleasantly surprised if Hugo upsets, or maybe even takes a split (personally I'm pulling for an editing upset for Hugo, or even Dragon Tattoo, but Hugo seems more likely).

That's it for today, fingers crossed I'm back tomorrow for more predictions...

Winner: War Horse (both editing and mixing)
Runner-up: Hugo (both editing and mixing)

Should win: Dragon Tattoo (editing) and Hugo (mixing)
Should've been nominated: The Adventures of Tintin (for both mixing and editing)

Oscar-nomics: Bafta Nominations

So, the Golden Globes were announce and there were few surprises cause these were really obvious winners, with the surprises really just the alternate choices (ie Midnight in Paris for Screenplay over the Descendants or Meryl Streep over Viola Davis). Now, we have the BAFTA (British Oscars) nominations, and it is quite the list, both good and bad. The biggest omission that killed me a bit was Emmanuel Lubezki for cinematography is nowhere to be found. The list does show The Artist as the one to beat, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a well respected British film (though I doubt its chances here), and apparently The Iron Lady is respected beyond Streep's performance. Also, why just Carey Mulligan for Drive and no Albert Brooks? And for Jim Broadbent? I mean I respect the guy, but why not something like Nick Nolte or Stellan Skarsgaard. Now granted, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo got some love in technical categories and nowhere else, I think the film deserves a little more love especially since its major guild love. Finally, Hugo gets more nominations than the Help but the Help gets in for best picture over Hugo!?!?!? I can continue my ranting (not much love for Midnight in Paris?!?!?) but I will stop so this doesn't get terribly lengthy. We shall see what happens come Tuesday for the Oscar nominations, but don't count these as the best tell for things to come. Here are the nominations listed below:

Best Film
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Drive"
"The Help"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

Best British Film
"My Week With Marilyn"
"Senna"
"Shame"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"We Need to Talk About Kevin"

Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Nicolas Winding Refn, "Drive"
Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"
Tomas Alfredson, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy"
Lynne Ramsay, "We Need to Talk About Kevin"

Best Actor
George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Michael Fassbender, "Shame"
Gary Oldman. "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"

Best Actress
Bérénice Bejo, "The Artist"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Tilda Swinton, "We Need to Talk About Kevin"
Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"

Best Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh, "My Week With Marilyn"
Jim Broadbent, "The Iron Lady"
Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"
Philip Seymour Hoffman, "The Ides of March"
Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"

Best Supporting Actress
Jessica Chastain, "The Help"
Judi Dench, "My Week With Marilyn"
Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"
Carey Mulligan, "Drive"
Octavia Spencer, "The Help"

Best Original Screenplay
"The Artist"
"Bridesmaids"
"The Guard"
"The Iron Lady"
"Midnight in Paris"

Best Adapted Screenplay
"The Descendants"
"The Help"
"The Ides of March"
"Moneyball"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

Best Foreign Language Film
"Incendies"
"Pina"
"Potiche"
"A Separation"
"The Skin I Live In"

Best Documentary
"George Harrison: Living in the Material World"
"Project Nim"
"Senna"

Best Animated Feature
"The Adventures of Tintin"
"Arthur Christmas"
"Rango"

Best Art Direction
"The Artist"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"War Horse"

Best Cinematography
"The Artist"
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"War Horse"
Best Costume Design
"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"Jane Eyre"
"My Week With Marilyn"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

Best Film Editing
"The Artist"
"Drive"
"Hugo"
"Senna"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

Best Makeup & Hair
"The Artist"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"The Iron Lady"
"My Week With Marilyn"

Best Music
"The Artist"
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"War Horse"

Best Sound
"The Artist"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"War Horse"

Best Visual Effects
"The Adventures of Tintin"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
"War Horse"

Best Debut by a British Director, Writer or Producer
Joe Cornish, "Attack the Block"
Will Sharpe, Tom Kingsley and Sarah Brocklehurst, "Black Pond"
Ralph Fiennes, "Coriolanus"
Richard Ayoade, "Submarine"
Paddy Considine, "Tyrannosaur"

Oscar-Nomics: American Society of Cinematographers Nominations

Well, another set of awards nominations have come through, this time for the cinematographers. The nominations are listed below, and again I am thrilled with this list. I think if Emmanuel Lubezki gets snubbed in any awards show would be shocking, I still hold this to be his to lose. Not to be outdone, though, the brilliant work of Jeff Cronenweth for Dragon Tattoo and Richardson for Hugo also got in, and Hoyte van Hoytema for "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy." I thought the film was ok, but the cinematography really stood out in my mind, so to see it get this nomination is good to see. I still have yet to see The Artist, but considering its an Awards Contender and is a silent film, to see it not here would be disparaging, so good for it. Great list, each deserving, wouldn't be surprised if this is our Oscar list as well. Here is the full list below:


Guillaume Schiffman for "The Artist," 
Jeff Cronenweth for "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,"
 Robert Richardson for "Hugo," 
Hoyte van Hoytema for "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" 
Emmanuel Lubezki for "The Tree of Life" 

Oscar-nomics: Directors Guild Nominations

So, the Directors Guild nominations came out today and let me tell you, I am thrilled by these nominations. I knew Hazanavicius and Payne were locks, and seeing Scorcese and Allen is great. The big surprise is probably my favorite in this entire awards season, and that is Mr. Fincher. Many are calling this a fluke, but I think he is truly deserving to be hear, heck maybe even win. It would be ironic if he wins this the year after dominating the awards season then lose the Director's Guild and then the Oscar. Tattoo has been mostly quiet on the awards front, so many saw it as a contender in the technical categories, but I think not. I think this might be your list come Oscar nominations, Fincher likely being in the weak spot for some one like Spielberg (War Horse) or Miller (Moneyball), we shall see what the cards hold for these men come the nominations. I could go on a rant about Terrance Malick's snub for Tree of Life, but hey at least Fincher was nominated so I ok with this list. Here is the list below:


Woody Allen for Midnight in Paris
David Fincher for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist
Alexander Payne for The Descendants
Martin Scorsese for Hugo

Oscar-nomics: Writers Guild Nominations

And now we conclude our triple header with the Writer's Guild Nominations, which were made today so I feel less lazy about this one. If you are a Steve Zaillian fan, then you are in luck. Adapted Screenplay isn't terribly surprising, rather safe in my opinion. I am happy with the love Girl with the Dragon Tattoo getting some more love, if it achieves a Directors Guild Nomination I think its Oscar chances are higher than many have felt it had. Documentary is rather surprising, no love for Bill Cunningham or Project Nim, though I still see them as safe bets. Could Senna be the one to beat? Its not on the shortlist, but its getting much love, so I think its possible. Original Screenplay is fantastic, in my opinion. Even though I didn't care for Bridesmaids that much, the other films have every right to be here. Yes, I have not yet seen 50/50 or Young Adult, but from what I have heard, they are deserving, especially since they are small films. Midnight in Paris was also expected but I am very happy with it being nominated, especially when strong contenders as the Artist (silent as it may be, every film has a screenplay), was snubbed, though this is likely due to it being ineligible (as many films, including last years King Speech, often are). The MVP, and I mean making me ecstatic beyond measurements, is for Win Win. Thomas McCarthy has been due for some love, he did get nominated for an Oscar for UP's screenplay, but Win Win is such a wonderful film, it deserves all the love it can get. I see it probably getting swapped out for the Artist in the long run, but hey a man can be hopeful, right? Here are the nominations listed below, with my picks italicized:

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

50/50, Written by Will Reiser; Summit Entertainment

Bridesmaids, Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig; Universal Studios

Midnight in Paris, Written by Woody Allen; Sony Pictures Classics (This is the one with the best chances of a nomination, let alone a win)

Win Win, Screenplay by Tom McCarthy; Story by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni; Fox Searchlight

Young Adult, Written by Diablo Cody; Paramount Pictures

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Descendants, Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash; Based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemming; Fox Searchlight (sadly, but hey Hugo or maybe Moneyball could pull ahead)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Screenplay by Steven Zaillian; Based on the novel by Stieg Larsson, originally published by Norstedts; Columbia Pictures

The Help, Screenplay by Tate Taylor; Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett; DreamWorks Pictures

Hugo, Screenplay by John Logan; Based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick; Paramount Pictures

Moneyball, Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin; Story by Stan Chervin; Based on the book by Michael Lewis; Columbia Pictures

DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY

Better This World, Written by Katie Galloway & Kelly Duane de la Vega; Loteria Films

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, Written by Marshall Curry and Matthew Hamachek; Oscilloscope Pictures

Nostalgia for the Light, Written by Patricio Guzmán; Icarus Films

Pina, Screenplay by Wim Wenders; Sundance Selects

Position Among the Stars, Script by Hetty Naaijkens-Retel Helmrich, Leonard Retel Helmrich; HBO Films

Senna, Written by Manish Pandey; Producers Distribution Agency     (Because I said so)         

Oscar-nomics: Art Guild Nominations

And Now for the art guild. They are a little more liberal with categories, not smushing them all into one category, which is nice but it doesn't make it easier when predicting Oscars. It does make me feel worried for Midnight in Paris, which I can't help but praise their wonderful 1920's design. I am happy Hugo got nominated, Tintin too. Dragon Tattoo is my ecstatic off the wall pick, here is hoping it can continue to Oscars (though I highly doubt it). Everything else looks fine,  pretty surprised by the inspired choices of Descendants and Bridesmaids, but hey, we'll see what happens. Nominations are below, with my predictions in bold, enjoy:


Excellence in Production Design for a Period Film:

Anonymous
The Artist
The Help
Hugo (cause I just can't see any of these films beating it)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy


Excellence in Production Design for a Fantasy Film:
The Adventures of Tintin
Captain America: The First Avenger
Cowboys & Aliens
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (I'd pick Tintin, but I'm going for what I think has the best chance at a nomination)
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Excellence in Production Design for a Contemporary Film:
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
Drive
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (I don't think this will get nominated, but I don't really see any of these getting a nomination, so I'm going with my favorite here, so shoot me)

Oscar-nomics: Producer's Guild Nominations

Sorry for the laziness in my postings. I will rectify this today with a bunch of Guild updates. Figured I would start with the Producer's Guild, since its kind of old. We have the usual Suspects of The Artist, The Descendants and Hugo as well as personal favorites (though Hugo is included on this part, I wanted the usual suspects section to have some more weight) of Midnight in Paris and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I am glad Moneyball is getting love, even though I have yet to see it. I am surprised by the love Bridesmaids is getting, but  I don't see it lasting. The Help and Ides of March aren't exactly thrilling choices, in my opinion, since such films as Drive or, dare I say, Tree of Life getting shut out, oh well. As for the Animation, I'm putting it as a Tintin  vs. Rango with other filler films to fill in the nominations list (I'm not trying to sound mean, but this year was a weak year for Animation). Documentary is filling out as I was expecting it to, I'm holding true to Project Nim and Bill Cunningham as the contenders, but we shall see. here is the list below:

Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures:

THE ARTIST
Producer: Thomas Langmann

BRIDESMAIDS
Producers: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel, Clayton Townsend

THE DESCENDANTS
Producers: Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO 
Producers: Ceán Chaffin, Scott Rudin

THE HELPProducers: Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Brunson Green

HUGO 
Producers: Graham King, Martin Scorsese

THE IDES OF MARCH 
Producers: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Brian Oliver

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS 
Producers: Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum

MONEYBALL
Producers: Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz, Brad Pitt

WAR HORSE 
Producers: Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg

The Producers Guild of America Producer of the Year Award in Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures:

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTINProducers: Peter Jackson, Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg

CARS 2 
Producer: Denise Ream

KUNG FU PANDA 2
Producer: Melissa Cobb

PUSS IN BOOTS 
Producers: Joe M. Aguilar, Latifa Ouaou

RANGO
Producers: John B. Carls, Gore Verbinski

The Producers Guild of America Producer of the Year Award in Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:

BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE: THE TRAVELS OF A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

Producers: Michael Rapaport, Edward Parks (*additional producers eligibility pending arbitration completion)

BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

Producer: Philip Gefter

PROJECT NIM

Producer: Simon Chinn

SENNA

Producer: James Gay-Rees

THE UNION

Producers: Cameron Crowe, Michelle Panek