Oscars Best Picture Race: 2010

The Oscars race this year is proving to be uber-exciting! From the logo I've created above, it is quite apparent which movie is 2010's front-runner for Best Picture. That category (with a whopping 10 nominees) has got to be the most talked-about one currently. I'll be providing a picture-by-picture low-down =)

Among them, you'll also find my prediction for the acting (both leading and supporting), directing, animated feature and even visual effects awards.

Read on to find out. Here are my two cents' worth!


In alphabetical order:

AVATAR
Looks like over-hype can really pit some naysayers against a film. Besides a box-office boast of over US$2 billion, James Cameron's Best Director win at the Golden Globes was termed 'cocky' by some. But c'mon, let's face it, there's almost zero possibility that Avatar won't walk away with the grand prize.

Due credit must also be given for it being ground-breaking. From the technology involved to the sweeping new world of Pandora, almost everything from Avatar is simply amazing and unforgettable. It's not the best film of 2009 (imo, that would be Inglourious Basterds), but it's certainly one of the most memorable.


THE BLIND SIDE
Truthfully, this movie doesn't belong here. It's probably a nice, feel-good film, but it doesn't deserve to be up here competing with the greats. Sandra Bullock solely carried this movie - along with its box-office gold - right to the top.

Other films that could've replaced The Blind Side: Invictus (hello? Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman weren't good enough baits?), Moon [above] (a criminally-underrated sci-fi that is low on budget but high on suspense), Star Trek (perfect writing and casting, with mind-blowing action and visuals) or, since the Academy is going mainstream, (500) Days of Summer (beautiful lead-actors and humour).


DISTRICT 9
Besides Moon, this was the better-known sci-fi that is destined to be a cult classic. With a provocative story-line and premise, it is nice to see the panel recognise such a distinct genre film. But there is virtually no chance for this film to take home any Oscar, as I am betting (and sincerely hoping) that Star Trek wins the Visual Effects prize.


AN EDUCATION
I smiled when this was nominated as well. Contesting for Adapted Screenplay and most notably, Best Actress for the pretty Carey Mulligan, this is a well-written movie about the lessons in life that just can't be learnt in the classroom. I'm just happy this got into the list of 10 greats.


THE HURT LOCKER
Why did I write in my SGClub article that this film should win? Well, simply because it swept all the major Guild Awards for Best Picture, that's why. Those awards are benchmark for predicting Oscar wins, but let's not forget that often, the Oscars operate alone, and I'm still sticking with my notion that the Academy favours box-office successes (see wikipedia for the track record).

But what I didn't get to do in that article was explain why it probably deserves to win over Avatar. Granted, Avatar is amazing, but The Hurt Locker took directing to another notch. The nail-biting tension you feel as the characters attempt to disarm the ticking bombs [above] as well as the drama displayed by the actors can only come from a seasoned director, which is Kathryn Bigelow, incidentally Cameron's ex-wife.

I've read many movie writers' articles, and they are predicting the academy will give each an award: Avatar for Best Picture and The Hurt Locker for Best Director. That'd be nice =)


INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
I didn't really like Kill Bill, and I was too young to enjoy Pulp Fiction, but this Quentin Tarantino WWII flick absolutely rocked in every sense. True, everything is outrageous, but it is outrageously fun. Although it was not the right year to compete for this prize, the Basterds already have my utmost respect.

And also, Christoph Waltz [above] will win Supporting Actor. There is no doubt whatsoever.


PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL 'PUSH' BY SAPPHIRE
The best things to come out of this movie are probably lead actress Gabourney Sidibe as the overweight and abused teenager, and the scene-stealing monstrous mother portrayed by Mo'Nique [below].

The supporting role by the rapper-turned-TV host, like in Inglourious Basterds, cannot lose.


A SERIOUS MAN
Many are hailing this to be the Coen Brothers' best work, even though No Country For Old Men was already honoured in this category back in 2008. But it is no surprise, seeing that the material here this time around apparently mirrors some of their Jewish upbringing. The directing here is flawless and their trademark dark comedy is present as well. However, chances are low for the Academy to award them again when their previous win was only in recent memory.


UP
This delightful audience and critiques' fave is in here probably because Wall-E didn't make it last year. Anyway, it should be contented with the Animated Feautre Oscar (which it will take home), making it Pixar's 5th win.

Trivia: Up is only the second animated flick to be nominated for Best Picture after Disney's Beauty and the Beast [above] in 1992.


UP IN THE AIR
An early contender in the Oscars race back last year when a certain James Cameron film wasn't released yet, the film is directed by the man who brought us the quirky flick, Juno.

This morally-uplifting tale features one Best Actor and two Best Supporting Actress nominations [above], with George Clooney being a serious contender to vie with Jeff Bridges for the leading role award.
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Okay, that's all! Hope you enjoyed it =) I am OO: Oscars-Obsessed. Been reading articles online about predictions and the lead up to the ceremony itself, which is next Monday!

Can't wait!