Just so I'll be able to gloat, in case I do well, here are my Oscar picks for tonight. Let's see how I do. If I get 100%, you all have to buy me something pretty.Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Notes: The only one I haven't seen is The Reader, and it shouldn't have been nominated in this category anyway. Should have been The Dark Knight or WALL-E.
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor
Richard Jenkins-The Visitor
Frank Langella-Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn-Milk
Brad Pitt-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke-The Wrestler
Notes: Ok, I haven't seen The Wrestler. However, Mickey Rourke scares me and I can't see how much of a stretch his part is...In any other year, I'd say Frank Langella should be taking the golden guy, but unfortunately that damn Sean Penn showed up to steal his glory. Also, I recently watched The Visitor and it is GREAT!
Will Win: Mickey or Sean? My heart says Sean but my head says Mickey.
Best Actress
Anne Hathaway-Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie-Changeling
Melissa Leo-Frozen River
Meryl Strep-Doubt
Kate Winslet-The Reader
Notes: I'm outraged Kate was nominated for The Reader and not Revolutionary Road which is generally considered the better of her two parts. However, I heart her, so she's welcome any time. I also heart Anne Hathaway and LOVED Rachel Getting Married so I'd be happy if she won. Only other note, Changleing is a terrible movie. Angelina Jolie's entire performance is her crying and repeating the line (That is not my son!). She doesn't belong here.
Will Win: Kate Winslet
Best Supporting Actor
Josh Brolin-Milk
Robert Downey Jr.-Tropic Thunder
Phillip Seymour Hoffman-Doubt
Heath Ledger-The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon-Revolutionary Road
Notes: Even if he hadn't died, Heath Ledger's performance is insurmountable by the rest of these guys. They know it and you will too as soon as you see his Oscar clip next to any of theirs.
Will Win: Heath Ledger
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams-Doubt
Penelope Cruz-Vicky Christina Barcelona
Viola Davis-Doubt
Taraji Henson- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei-The Wrestler
Notes: This is a tough one to call. The two Doubt ladies will probably split voters, although of the two, I prefer Viola Davis' performance. I liked Henson in Button but I think Cruz directed by Woody will be too hard for the Academy to resist.
Will Win: Penelope Cruz
Best Director
Danny Boyle-Slumdog Millionaire
Steven Daldry-The Reader
David Fincher-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard-Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant-Milk
Notes: I'd be happy if either Gus Van Sant or Danny Boyle won. I've been fans of both for years, ditto David FIncher, although I think he'll do better films than Button. Howard already has his Oscar, so it should have been Christopher Nolan.
Will Win: Danny Boyle-Slumdog Millionaire
