The 83rd annual Academy Awards are just hours away, and we were able to see some of the rehearsals at the Kodak last night–so here are just a few predictions as we get ready for the evening. Anne Hathaway will stun with her many gown changes and hosting exuberance. James Franco won’t generate much excitement. Billy Crystal will make a surprise appearance. Florence (of the Machine) will generate even more buzz by performing one of hte nominated songs.
As for the contests, if you believe the people who make it their business to pick the winners (um, look at how well they did with the Grammys) the big races are pretty much locked. “The King’s Speech” for Best Picture. Colin Firth for being King George VI. Natalie Portman for naive/obsessive/crazy ballerina Nina in “Black Swan.” Aaron Sorkin for writing “The Social Network.”
But it wouldn’t be Oscar night if there weren’t some major surprises in the works. Take the supporting actor and actress categories, please. There is some major drama underfoot that will only be revealed when the envelopes are opened. Christian Bale is the frontrunner for his brilliant turn as Dicky Eklund in “The Fighter,” but the equally brilliant but understated Geoffrey Rush could sweep in if “King” rules the night for the hearts and minds of Academy voters, many of whom have been members since well before Bale was born.
And that’s just why we think “King” will reign over the landmark generational film “The Social Network.” Just two years ago, and for decades previously, there were only five contenders for the BP throne. If it were thus now, “Winter’s Bone,” “127 Hours,” “Toy Story 3” and “Black Swan” wouldn’t have made the cut.
In the supporting actress field, it’s a shame, but the splendid Melissa Leo (the grizzly mama in “The Fighter”) may have done herself a disservice by taking out her own “for your consideration” ads in the trades. That may not sit well with voters–and could leave room for Amy Adams, Hailee Steinfeld or even Helena Bonham Carter to ascend to the podium. Sorry Jacki Weaver, no one saw “Animal Kingdom.” You’re staying in your seat at the Kodak.
Were these people robbed? Julianne Moore for “The Kids Are All Right”–she was the perfect partner for Annette Bening, who could still walk away with the Best Actress statuette if Portman isn’t a lock–and for supporting actor contender Mark Ruffalo. And then there’s Ryan Gosling in “Blue Valentine”–the other half of the breaking-apart couple with Michelle Williams, whom voters thought worthy of a nom for best actress. There are more…
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