2014 Oscar Predictions
KRIS STIVERS
THE SIGNAL
On March 2, the 86th Academy Awards (better known as The Oscars) will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Ellen DeGeneres will be hosting the ceremony once again; she previously hosted in 2007.
A lot of great films were nominated this year, including: “12 Years a Slave,” “American Hustle,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Philomena,” “Captain Phillips,” “Nebraska,” “Her,” “Gravity” and “Dallas Buyers Club.”
Ever since the nominees were announced in January, there has been much speculation about who would take home a golden statuette. Having seen nearly all of the films that were nominated in major categories, I have my predictions.
Since 2009, the Academy has allowed up to ten nominees in the Best Picture category, previously there were five. This year we have nine films from which to choose. This has made predicting the winner a little more difficult. Regardless, after last Saturday night, my decision was made. I had the opportunity to see Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” at the UHCL Film and Speaker series, and I was completely blown away.
I am absolutely convinced it will win Best Picture. The other nominees just do not compare. It has been quite some time since a movie has impacted me the way that “12 Years a Slave” did.
I enjoyed McQueen’s previous films, “Shame” and “Hunger,” but with “12 Years a Slave” he has finally mastered his craft.
Even though McQueen did a phenomenal job, the Best Director award should go to Alfonso Cuarón for “Gravity.” It’s difficult to imagine how challenging it must have been for him to direct this technical and artistic marvel, while managing to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. He definitely gets my vote.
For Best Actor, it would be nice to see Leonardo DiCaprio win for his portrayal of Jordan Belfort in Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Consistently a great actor, DiCaprio outdid himself with this role. He played the part with such intensity. He completely owned it.
Unfortunately, DiCaprio has a history of being snubbed by the Academy. If history repeats itself this year, it is likely that the award will go to veteran actor Bruce Dern for his performance in “Nebraska.” The odds are certainly in his favor. I am still rooting for Leo though.
The Best Actress category is somewhat of a toss-up for me. On one hand Sandra Bullock didn’t just steal the show in “Gravity;” she was the show. She practically carried the film on her own with her fantastic performance. On the other hand there’s Cate Blanchett, whose portrayal of a woman who suffered a complete mental breakdown in Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” was probably my favorite of the year.
There were so many great films and actors this year and so many tough choices to make. Nonetheless, bets have been placed and in a few days, we will see who comes out victorious.
I know I will be anxiously watching with fingers crossed. Be sure to tune in to ABC this Sunday at 6:00 p.m. (Central).
Also, join me on Sunday night as I will be live tweeting my comments from The Signal’s twitter account. Mention @UHCLTheSignal or use the hash tag #SignalOscars to join the conversation.
