Cate Blanchett, I’m Not There—Two things the academy loves: quirky, ambitious films and Cate Blanchett. Todd Haynes’ Dylan-inspired odyssey is both and Blanchett is the best of the bunch of the ensemble actors in the film.

Rudy Dee, American Gangster—Sentimentality aside, this is one that I just don’t get. It wasn’t a bad performance—it just wasn’t memorable. The fact that she won the SAG Award doesn’t make it any better. If she does manage a win here, four more deserving actresses would be robbed.

Saoirse Ronan, Atonement—A brilliant performance by a promising young actress. She just did not have enough screen time to justify a nomination here, much less a win. Look for big things in the future from her.

Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone—One of the most chillingly vile characters of the past year and Ryan nails every seedy part of her. As the alcoholic, drug-addicted mother of a missing child, she is unrelenting in her raw power.
The ethical questions that linger after the conclusion of the film are a direct result of the honest performance of Ryan.

Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton—The third acting nomination from this film and Swinton more than holds her own against Clooney and Wilkinson.

“And the Oscar goes to…”
Amy Ryan. A performance that sears itself into your memory. None of her competitors here have the same effect. If anyone else walks off with the win, there is truly no justice.

BEST DIRECTOR

Paul Thomas Anderson, There Will Be Blood—Ambitious and creative, the visionary Anderson just keeps getting better. It’s hard to imagine that he is going to do even greater things in the future.

Ethan and Joel Coen, No Country For Old Men—The stark vision, eccentricity and quiet landscapes are all product of the genius minds of the Coen boys.

Tony Gilroy, Michael Clayon—Not a bad effort for the first-time director. A masterfully crafted legal thriller, beautifully acted and deserving of great praise.

Jason Reitman, Juno—With a great script and a fantastic group of actors, it’s easy to look good. Time will tell if the promise Reitman demonstrates here is legit.

Julian Schnabel, The Diving Bell And The Butterfly—Memorable film that owes much of its beauty to the masterful work of its director. One thing for certain if he wins: Sean Young will not be on his list of ‘thank yous.’

“And the Oscar goes to…”
Joel and Ethan Coen. For sheer ambition and the sheer magnitude of the film. No Country For Old Men could not have been made by any other director than these two guys.

That’s it. I’ll be keeping track of my picks at home along with all of you. Oh, by the way, one more pick just for the heck of it: Original Song has to, I repeat has to, go to “Falling Slowly” from Once. It may sound cliché but it would be a travesty of justice if any other song walks off with the trophy.

Now, let the show begin!

Continue: 1 2 3