Best Picture:
“Crash”
While “Crash” attempts to be a very experimental, controversial, yet realistic film, it received mixed reviews from various critics. The plot line is all over the place. It’s difficult to follow the numerous storylines that connect in one way or another. However, there is so much “stuff” going on that you really have to pay attention to every single detail of the film. Written and directed by Paul Haggis, also the writer of “Million Dollar Baby,” “Crash” attempts to explore racial tensions in Los Angeles. However, the confusion of the plot kills the phenomenal idea for the theme of this film. “Crash” does deserve its place in this category. However, its chances of winning the Oscar are about fifty/fifty.
“Brokeback Mountain”
A film with two gay cowboys in love with an explicit sex scene in a tent on a “brokeback” mountain has Oscar written all over it. “Mountain” has an overwhelming chance to take the win for Best Picture simply because of the controversy and publicity it has received. Almost every actor in this film has received an Oscar nomination including: Best Actor (Heath Ledger), Best Supporting Actor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Williams). “Mountain” will definitely sweep the Oscars this year.
“Capote”
“Capote” is the story of Truman Capote, the infamous author that captured the story of a family murdered in Kansas by getting close to their murderer, Perry Smith. Capote’s story became his greatest novel “In Cold Blood.” Although the conflicting character of Capote expresses some sympathy for Smith, he also wants a clean end for his novel. “Capote” shows the duality of an iconic American, further blurring the line between good and evil. Nominated for five Academy Awards in major categories including: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay based previous material and Best Director, “Capote” struck out at the Golden Globes taking home only one award for Best Actor and wasn’t nominated for Best Picture-Drama. Perhaps “Capote” will have better luck next time around.
“Good Night, and Good Luck”
The audience follows the journey of journalist Edward R. Murrow in “Good Night, and Good Luck” as he battles Senator Joseph McCarthy’s witch-hunt for communism. Director George Clooney appears in the film as Fred Friendly, Murrow’s producer, addressing issues similar to those that exist today, particularly society’s treatment of those suspected of having a link to terrorism. Although, nominated for four Golden Globe awards, “Good Night” had a disappointing night leaving empty-handed. In addition to its nomination for Best Picture, it is up for five additional awards including, George Clooney for Best Director.
“Munich”
“Munich” is the story of the aftermath of eleven Israelis murdered at the 1972 Olympics. The government of Israel sends a group of mussed agents to kill those responsible for the attack. This is Steven Spielberg’s fourth nomination in this category; however, winning one out of the four for “Schlinder’s List” proves that his motion pictures are either hit or miss. Remember “Amistad?” This is the second film of Spielberg’s career where he leaves behind his childish, imaginative side and shows a variety of complex human emotions through the actors. Although “Munich” seems to be a good candidate, it didn’t even receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture-Drama. Nominated for five Academy Awards, it will be a close call for “Munich.”
Editor’s Pick: “Crash”
Best Actor:
Phillip Seymour Hoffman in “Capote”
Hoffman’s character in “Capote” portrays Truman Capote’s life while researching a Kansas family for his book, “In Cold Blood.” Most audiences might remember Hoffman as the sloppy child actor, still “living the dream” as Ben Stiller’s eccentric friend in the comedy “Along Came Polly.” Hoffman has made a career as a character actor, whose face is unforgettable in several films such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” He is the true actors’ actor, performing consistently on both the Broadway stage as well as in the movie circuit. Hoffman’s performance seems to be cleaning out the award shows by receiving the Golden Globe award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama and the Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Leading Role. There is no way he will be going home without an Oscar.
David Strathairn in “Good Night, and Good Luck”
Strathairn plays Edward R. Murrow, a popular journalist in the 1950’s, who challenges Senator Joseph McCarthy. Strathairn gives a truly moving performance, leaving the audience looking for the “Murrow” in our society. The soft-spoken actor has appeared in films since the 1980’s with notable performances in “A League of Their Own” and “City of Hope.” Strathairn is forever endearing, but probably not endearing enough to seize the Oscar in this category from the hands of Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
Terrence Howard in “Hustle ‘ Flow”
Known for playing the onscreen bad boy, actor Terrence Howard, who plays the aspiring rapper/pimp, D’Jay, is up for Best Male Actor. This movie takes viewers on the journey of a young man and new father who is determined to make it as a rapper in the tough streets of Memphis, Tenn. Pimping young women to make money, D’Jay dedicates most of his time to creating and shopping demo tape. He encounters many hardships along he way and continues to “Hustle and Flow.” One key characteristic of a solid actor is versatility and because he actually emerged himself as a believable actor, displaying intensity and musical knowledge on the mic definitely increases his chance of taking home Best Male Actor.
Joaquin Phoenix in “Walk the Line”
Perhaps the most demanding role of his career, Phoenix strutted his stuff as Johnny Cash in the biography of the late rockers life. Directed by James Mangold (“Girl Interrupted”) and written by Mangold as well, “Walk the Line” proves to be a serious contender in this year’s Oscars, with Phoenix leading the film to victory. Phoenix has come a long way since his past efforts, including “Signs,” “Ladder 49” and “Gladiator” and “Walk the Line” proves the extent of his talent.
Heath Ledger in “Brokeback Mountain”
That hottie from “A Knight’s Tale” cut his hair, put on some spurs and shifted his sexual identity for this one. The story called for some dry love on some cold nights with “Donnie Darko,” and Ledger even added his own ridiculous Johnny Cash-esque voice into the mix. Though you probably are, I’m not totally convinced that they even loved each other in this movie. Though it might be because of the script, I think it has more to do with this guy’s acting. He’s probably going to win, though.
Editor’s Pick: Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actor:
Matt Dillon-“Crash”
Where has he been? Dillon was barely in the film, as were most of the actors. His performance was mediocre, but not worth an Oscar, let alone an Oscar nomination. He played a corrupt, racist cop. Hasn’t he always played the jerk in his movies (“There’s Something About Mary”)? The Academy must have felt the need to add him as a nominee for Best Supporting Actor because “Crash” is up for Best Picture. His chances of walking away with a win are very slim to none.
Jake Gyllenhaal-“Brokeback Mountain”
Again, this seam to be a “Brokeback” year. Gyllenhaal has a very strong chance of winning this Oscar because he took on such a provocative and risqué roll, unlike past roles such as the geeky student in “The Day After Tomorrow.” Gyllenhaal has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor who’s not afraid to take a chance, going all the way back to his impressive beginnings with “Donnie Darko.” This chance will most likely make him a winner.
George Clooney-“Syriana”
Playing the opposite of his usual suave, handsome charming character (he was once People magazine’s sexiest man alive), he tackles a role of an ignored, overweight normal guy named Bob. “Syriana,” filled with separate story lines, makes it difficult to focus on Clooney’s character; but how can one (especially the ladies) ignore such a gem? He should win for an excellent performance, including a life-like torture scene where his nails are pulled out one by one. Clooney beat the cowboys at the Golden Globes for Best Supporting Actor; maybe he can do it again.
William Hurt- “A History of Violence”
William Hurt plays a tiny role in the story of a small town man who, confronted by criminals, kills in self-defense and brings out a hidden past. This nomination seems to be a ploy to promote a film that is not doing so well. Hurt has appeared recently in “The Village” and as the classically beloved outcast in “The Big Chill.”
Paul Giamatti-“Cinderella Man”
Giamatti, in “Cinderella Man” portrays the role Joe Gould, the manager of the down-on-his-luck boxer Joe Braddock. As the fighter struggles to regain his luck in the ring, Gould sticks by his side. Although Giamatti appears to be a heartless business man, he does believe in the character of Braddock and accompanies him to victory. Giamatti takes a risk in this role and displays his acting versatility by playing a role entirely different from his depressed, calm character in “Sideways.” His performance was definitely notable; however, it does not compare to some of the other actors in this category.
Editor’s Pick: George Clooney
Best Actress:
Judi Dench- “Mrs. Henderson Presents”
Dench, who would probably be handed a nomination for sneezing in a film, previously won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress as Queen Elizabeth in “Shakespeare in Love,” spending all of 15 minutes on screen. Dench is up for her performance as Laura Henderson in “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” playing a rich widow that starts a performance hall, eventually endorsing nude venues. This is her third nomination in this category. However, Dench did not snag the Golden Globe for Best Actress-Comedy.
Felicity Huffman- “Transamerica”
Huffman plays Bree Osbourne, a pre-operative transsexual who has been living successfully as a woman and is preparing for her sexual reassignment surgery. When Bree learns that a son she fathered in college has been arrested for hustling, her psychiatrist insists that she meet the boy and resolve their relationship before the surgery can be approved. Although a strong performance, it is unlikely if Huffman can compete with Witherspoon and Dench.
Keira Knightley- “Pride ‘ Prejudice”
Keira Knightly is nominated for Best Actress? Maybe it would make sense if she had an American accent and flawlessly used a British accent, but doesn’t she already have a British accent? Even so, there are several students right here on campus in Theatre Fairfield that can do a better accent than her natural one. Regardless of this seemingly foolish choice of a nominee, Knightley is nominated for her role as the proud Elizabeth Bennet in the adaptation of Jane Austin’s novel. This lengthy adaptation seems longer than reading the novel. They should have made a category for taking over two hours to kiss an attractive man. Then she would definitely have a chance.
Reese Witherspoon- “Walk the Line”
How could you not love Witherspoon in “Walk the Line?” This is quite possibly her best performance since her heartbreaking role in “The Man in the Moon.” She has moved from teenie-bopper movies such as “Just Like Heaven” and “Legally Blonde” to a more sophisticated role as Johnny Cash’s love interest. The most impressive move on Witherspoon’s part was taking on the challenge of singing all the songs herself. She has even admitted that she never considered herself a singer, but she did a hell of a job. She definitely deserves to take home the Oscar this year. Her chances of taking home the win are very high knowing that she also took home a Golden Globe.
Charlize Theron- “North Country”
This might be a “Monster” of a year for Theron. Although “Country,” got excellent reviews and was a highly anticipated film, the film simply did not do as well as the producers had expected. Theron gave a heartbreaking performance and her acting was impeccable as usual. “Country” did not get the recognition had deserved.
Editor’s Pick:
Reese Witherspoon
Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams- “Junebug”
Playing a child-like, out-of-the-ordinary wife in a curious family, Adams has earned her nomination in this category with her role in “Junebug.” Adam’s past roles did not allow her acting ability to shine through including “Cruel Intentions 2” and a small role in “Catch Me If You Can.” This is a bone thrown by the Academy to the independent market. She was not even nominated for a Golden Globe, so it is unlikely that she will beat out pros like Catherine Keener.
Catherine Keener- “Capote”
Keener makes her mark in “Capote” by playing Nell Harper Lee, the friend to Capote on his journey into the mind of a killer. She is most known recently for her work as the love interest in “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and appeared in “Being John Malkovich.” Always a great support to the main character, she is the most likely one to take the Oscar home.
Rachel Weisz- “Constant Gardener”
What can I say? Weisz plays Tessa, a hot bad-ass activist pregnant journalist in Africa. Even though you probably had no interest in a movie about a gardener…who is constant…it’s definitely worth seeing for Wesiz’ performance. She’s come leaps and bounds since “The Mummy” and maybe you liked her in “Envy,” “Runaway Jury” or “Constantine.” Because I did.
Michelle Williams- “Brokeback Mountain”
From “Dawson’s Creek” to the Oscars? Perhaps the Academy ran out of candidates for Best Supporting Actress. How long was she in the film for? It seems as if she was given this nomination because she got knocked up by the star of the film. Her performance was not memorable whatsoever. So it’s hard to even comment on her acting. She does not deserve to be in this category at all. Her chances of winning are about one in 200 million.
Frances McDormand- “North Country”
McDormand plays Glory, a coal mine employee who must battle both sexual harassment and a crippling illness in the Charlize Theron-led “North Country.” This is her fourth nomination. McDormand won a previous Oscar for her work in 1996’s “Fargo.” With her previous experience in film (“Almost Famous,” “Mississippi Burning”), McDormand is a solid contender for the Best Supporting Actress category.
Editor’s Pick: Catherine Keener
For full reviews of “Brokeback Mountain,” “Walk the Line” and “Good Night, and Good Luck,” check out fairfieldmirror.com.
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