With the acting award decided (Bridges, Bullock, Waltz and Mo’nique) it’s time for the rest:
Best Picture
“Up” was the Best Reviewed film of 2009, but Academy members won’t vote for it for Best Picture, since it will win the Animated Film category.
This is a battle between “Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker”.
– “Avatar”: The Box Office champ, great special effects, no acting or writing nominations.
– “The Hurt Locker”: Hollywood loves war movies and it’s on a roll, having won top honors at most of recent awards ceremonies.
What should win: “Up”
What will win: “The Hurt Locker”
Best Animated Feature
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” was my favorite film of 2009, but it has very little chance of winning. “Up” was my second favorite film and it’s a lock.
What should win: “Fantastic Mr. Fox”
What will win: “Up”
Best Animated Short
What will win: “A Matter of Loaf and Death”
Best Original Screenplay
What will win: “The Hurt Locker”
Best Adapted Screenplay
What will win: “Up in the Air”
Best Visual Effects
What will win: “Avatar”
Best Original Song
What will win: “The Weary Kind” (“Crazy Heart”)
Best Director
It’s another “Avatar” (James Cameron) vs. “The Hurt Locker” (Kathryn Bigelow) showdown. The Academy may want to reward Cameron for making all that money. But Bigelow won the Directors Guild award, and that usually means Gold on Oscar night. Plus, she’ll be the first woman to ever win this category.
Who should win: Jason Reitman (“Up in the Air”)
Who will win: Bigelow
Hope you enjoy the show (and the ‘Thank You’ cam)!