Oscar Predictions 2003
Basically it’s the year of the two horse race, with two main contenders racing for the prize. So here are my predictions. There are three predictions. The Oscar Prediction, then who I think should be rewarded out of the nominees with My Pick, and then My Personal Pick which is who should win but most likely wasn’t nominated. So here is my form guide:
Best Picture
Two Horse Race
Chicago
The Hours
Dark Horses
Gangs of New York
The Pianist
Scratched
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Comments
When the nominations were first announced it seemed like a close race, but now it seems that Chicago will take home the top gong. The Hours may be the only other film which could topple the musical. Gangs of New York ran too hard too early, while The Pianist didn’t appeal to enough people. The Lord of the Rings: TT, well, it seemed like a good idea at the time but now it just looks like entertainment compared with the other films.
Oscar Prediction: Chicago
My Pick: The Pianist
My Personal Pick: Punch-Drunk Love
Best Actor
Two Horse Race
Daniel Day-Lewis - Gangs of New York
Jack Nicholson - About Schmidt
Dark Horses
Adrien Brody - The Pianist
Michael Caine - The Quiet American
Scratched
Nicolas Cage - Adaptation
Comments
Danny and Jack will come close and end up neck and neck by the finishing line. I think Day-Lewis has more staying power than Nicholson, and more awards, so expect him up on the podium. Brody may be fine in The Pianist but again, the film didn’t appeal to as much people as Gangs of New York. Caine is indeed quiet, his nomination is his win. And as for Cage, well, Adaptation wasn’t nominated for Best Picture so he doesn’t really look like having a chance.
Oscar Prediction: Daniel Day-Lewis, Gangs of New York
My Pick: Daniel Day-Lewis, Gangs of New York
My Personal Pick: Nicolas Cage – Adaptation
Best Actress
Two Horse Race
Nicole Kidman - The Hours
Renee Zellweger - Chicago
Dark Horses
Julianne Moore - Far From Heaven
Salma Hayek - Frida
Scratched
Diane Lane - Unfaithful
Comments
Could be a three horse race if the precusors are anything to go by. Moore has won the most awards yet failed to pick up the major ones. Which means Kidman and Zellweger go head to head. If the Oscars had any decency they’d give it to Kidman, what Zellweger did was just sing. It wasn’t a special performance nor does it deserve this award. Hayek and Lane are just making up the numbers.
Oscar Prediction: Renee Zellweger, Chicago
My Pick: Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven
My Personal Pick: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Secretary
Best Supporting Actor
Two Horse Race
Chris Cooper - Adaptation
Christopher Walken - Catch Me If You Can
Dark Horses
John C. Reilly - Chicago
Ed Harris - The Hours
Scratched
Paul Newman - Road to Perdition
Comments
Harris has the respect of the Academy but Cooper has the showy performance. This category has always been a tough one to crack, the Academy always surprises so basically anything can happen, and probably will. Reilly has a lot of support and has the Chicago train on his side, while Walken is a favourite among movie-goers. Then there is Newman, who is one of the classiest actors ever to grace our screen. So basically anyone can win.
Oscar Prediction: Christopher Walken, Catch Me If You Can
My Pick: Chris Cooper, Adaptation
My Personal Pick: Chris Cooper, Adaptation
Best Supporting Actress
Two Horse Race
Meryl Streep - Adaptation
Catherine Zeta-Jones - Chicago
Dark Horses
Julianne Moore - The Hours
Kathy Bates - About Schmidt
Scratched
Queen Latifah - Chicago
Comments
It looks like Zeta-Jones will win, if the Chicago juggernaut strikes then Zeta-Jones should be having a good night. Her only competition comes in the form of Streep and Moore. Which would prove the best fight all night. Will the Academy be likely to give Streep her another one to throw onto the pile, or will they prefer Moore? Who knows, but Bates and Latifah have nothing to worry about. Bates just didn’t have enough screen time and Latifah hasn’t paid her dues.
Oscar Prediction: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago
My Pick: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago
My Personal Pick: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago
Best Director
Two Horse Race
Rob Marshall - Chicago
Martin Scorsese - Gangs of New York
Dark Horses
Roman Polanski - The Pianist
Stephen Daldry - The Hours
Scratched
Pedro Almodovar - Talk to Her
Comments
Scorsese long over due but could the Chicago train be on track for more awards? I think Scorsese should win but then again, does the young Marshall have what it takes to take it away. Like the other categories, this is hard to predict. Polanski, well, they’ll already have the war controversy on their backs so they won’t want a sex offender one as well. Daldry just isn’t a strong front runner, he is more a consistent runner-up. And then there is Mr. T & A himself, who should be grateful if not shocked that he was even included when there were so many other strong contenders.
Oscar Prediction: Too Close To Call - Martin Scorsese/Rob Marshall
My Pick: Roman Polanski - The Pianist
My Personal Pick: Spike Jonze - Adaptation
Best Original Screenplay
Two Horse Race
Far From Heaven
Gangs of New York
Dark Horses
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Talk to Her
Scratched
Y Tu Mama Tambien
Comments
Well, this is a weak race. Very weak. When Gangs of New York is considered to be the front runner, you know it is weak. But saying that, anything could win.
Oscar Prediction: Far From Heaven
My Pick: Y Tu Mama Tambien
My Personal Pick: Punch-Drunk Love
Best Adapted Screenplay
Two Horse Race
The Hours
Adaptation
Dark Horses
Chicago
The Pianist
Scratched
About a Boy
Comments
Yeah, um, About A Boy, no chance. The Pianist, hmmm, not strong enough. Chicago, well, it was mostly singing. Adaptation, too weird but Kaufman was snubbed for Being John Malkovich, which leaves us with the very hard to adapt The Hours.
Oscar Prediction: The Hours
My Pick: Adaptation
My Personal Pick: Adaptation
Best Animated Feature
Two Horse Race
Lilo & Stitch
Spirited Away
Dark Horses
Ice Age
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Scratched
Treasure Planet
Comments
Hopefully Disney won’t overpower quality, that’s all I am asking for.
Oscar Prediction: Lilo & Stitch
My Pick: Spirited Away
My Personal Pick: Spirited Away
Best Original Score
Two Horse Race
The Hours
Frida
Dark Horses
Catch Me If You Can
Road to Perdition
Scratched
Far From Heaven
Comments
This is a tough one to call because all are very good although the best is missing. I think that a surprise will occur, like always in this category.
Oscar Prediction: The Hours
My Pick: Catch Me If You Can
My Personal Pick: Signs
Best Original Song
Two Horse Race
The Hands That Built America - Gangs of New York
I Move On - Chicago
Dark Horses
Lose Yourself - 8 Mile
Burn It Blue - Frida
Scratched
Father and Daughter - The Wild Thornberrys Movie
Comments
Well, Chicago may be on a roll and could prevent U2 from collecting. If not, then expect a surprise with Eminem’s Lose Yourself getting the nod.
Oscar Prediction: The Hands That Built America
My Pick: Lose Yourself
My Personal Pick: Silent Sigh – About A Boy
Best Film Editing
Oscar Prediction: Chicago
My Pick: The Pianist
My Personal Pick: Adaptation
Best Cinematography
Oscar Prediction: Road To Perdition
My Pick: Road To Perdition
My Personal Pick: Road To Perdition
Best Art Direction/Set Decoration
Oscar Prediction: Gangs of New York
My Pick: Road To Perdition
My Personal Pick: Road To Perdition
Best Costume Design
Oscar Prediction: Chicago
My Pick: Chicago
My Personal Pick: Chicago
Best Makeup
Oscar Prediction: Frida
My Pick: The Time Machine
My Personal Pick: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Best Sound
Oscar Prediction: Chicago
My Pick: Road To Perdition
My Personal Pick: Signs
Best Sound Effects Editing
Oscar Prediction: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
My Pick: Minority Report
My Personal Pick: Minority Report
Best Visual Effects
Oscar Prediction: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
My Pick: Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
My Personal Pick: Minority Report
Best Documentary Feature
Oscar Prediction: Bowling for Columbine
My Pick: Bowling for Columbine
My Personal Pick: Bowling for Columbine
