It is almost impossible to see every single film that is released in a year, which is why we let the esteemed members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science do it for us. Perhaps they should get a life.
But they have lives, actually, and I'm just being harsh because these are elites in the film industry, the top of their fields. In fact, they all come from the 15 branches of the motion picture business (deep breath): actors, art directors, cinematographers, directors, documentary, executives, film editors, makeup artists and hair stylists, short film and feature animation, sound, visual effects, and writers. Prominent members include Tom Hanks, who is one of two current vice presidents, and James L. Brooks (known for being one of the writers for "The Simpsons"), who is chair of the writers branch.
And in exactly four weeks, at this time, we will revel under the grandeur of the Kodak Theatre to await the anouncement by the movers and shakers of the media what these 6,000 plus elites deem good film, consquently revealing what they think is trash. It will be a night of overly dramatic Hollywood tears, sappy speeches, and lame jokes from the sexiest man alive. Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for the Oscars.
The Academy is not always right. It happens every year. Surprises, they call it, or snubbing. Last year, "There will Be Blood" was expected to take it all home. But it lost to a drug film. You know, the one with Javier Bardem. This year, the Academy's nominations completely missed Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino," and their less-than-generous treatment of critically acclaimed "Revolutionary Road" and "The Wrestler" was not taken lightly.
These awards may as well be a huge commercial racket that doesn't need to exist, but it's a very accurate commercial racket. It's a good reference point for those hungry for popcorn and a good movie. It's also become a tradition to predict the winners. And so, here are my predictions, based on my own personal opinions on the films and the critics', but mostly the critics' because honestly, this isn't about what I think. It's about what they think. And besides, I'm not an expert. Feel free to comment on my predictions and post your own.
