Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Oscars 2011 - Personal Picks

Now that the 2011 Academy Awards show is almost upon us, it's about time I chimed in with my own favorites. Of course, any list is completely subjective, and we all know that the odds-on favorite to sweep the awards is the Oscar-bait feature The King's Speech. Not a bad film, by any means, just not a true standout for 2010. So here are my choices:

Best Motion Picture of the Year
The Social Network: Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca, Ceán Chaffin

Superb, smart, exhilarating, enthralling work. Inception would be a close second.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
James Franco for 127 Hours

Firth may win for a technically challenging role, but Franco did the most convincing performance.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Natalie Portman for Black Swan

Is there even an argument?

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale for The Fighter

A very calculated, over-the-top performance from Bale, but clearly the best one amongst the nominees.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Melissa Leo for The Fighter

Frightening, sobering and multifaceted - a bravura example of acting.

Best Achievement in Directing
David Fincher for The Social Network

For technical savvy, polished production, cinematic visuals and solid directing of his cast, Fincher is the man.

Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Inception: Christopher Nolan

A complete mindfuck, no other film came close.

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
The Social Network: Aaron Sorkin

Ever since The West Wing, Sorkin has no peer in clever script-writing and crackling dialogue.

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
How to Train Your Dragon: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders

Heck, it was just plain fun and still is after multiple viewings.

So there you have it. Now go out and watch those movies!

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