Like most great American traditions, award shows have become increasingly bountiful and hopelessly irrelevant, ever more out of touch with the true filmic community that has expanded throughout the globe since its inception.
These shows try to do little more than exploit the least offensive films of the past year in the most opulent fashion imaginable.
This year is no different, with the 84th annual Academy Awards, which will be held once again at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
In an effort to appeal to the younger demographics they taped Billy Crystal, who hasn’t been in a significant movie since the ‘90s to host the event.
This year, “Hugo” leads all films with 11 nominations, followed closely by “The Descendants” and “The Artist” at 10 a piece. What follows is a list of nominations, followed by who deserves to win, and who will likely win out of pity and or self-preservation. Tune in Feb. 26 to find out who got shafted.
Actor in a leading role
George Clooney
Jean Dujardin
Gary Oldman
Brad Pitt
Demian Bichir
Actress in a leading role
Glenn Close
Viola Davis
Rooney Mara
Meryl Streep
Michelle Williams
Rooney Mara deserves to win here, as she gives the performance of a lifetime in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,” offering her mind as well as her body on a platinum platter for those willing to negotiate the torturous ride. Michelle Williams will likely win though, as she’s clearly come into her own over the past two years, earning her the prestige of being considered amongst Hollywood’s elite.
Supporting actor
Keneth Barangh
Jonah Hill
Nick Nolte
Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer will win for his role in “Beginners,” but should really be nominated for his role in “Dragon Tattoo,” in which he painstakingly spills out his heart under a complex narrative.
Best Picture
“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
“Extremely Loud”
“The Help”
“Hugo”
“Midnight in Paris”
“Moneyball”
“The Tree of Life”
“War Horse”
“The Tree of Life” deserves to win Best Picture, based on the sheer audacity of the project alone. Collapsing space and time into a gut-wrenching family drama, Terrence Malick is one of the greatest living directors of his time.
“The Descendants” will likely win however, with George Clooney providing one of his more genuine roles in recent memory. The film shot in Hawai‘i is commendable for not portraying Hawai‘i in the paradisiacal way, which is typical of most Hollywood films.
Supporting actress
Jessica Chastain
Melissa McCarthy
Octavia Spencer
Bernice Bejo, her stellar performance elevates this larger than life tale to eloquent proportions, enthralling the audience with her wide-eyed charm and intricate beauty. That being said, Octavia Spencer will likely win because “The Help” is the most unremarkable film in competition.