Only a few hours to go until Hollywood's big show kicks off, so it's time for my last minute final predictions of who will walk away winners in some of the major categories.
BEST PICTURE
Boyhood
A month ago I thought this was a shoe in. Now, I really strongly considered going with Birdman and I think that may in fact win, but I have been riding the Boyhood train ever since I saw it last summer, so why jump off now? My favorite film of the year so rarely also wins Best Picture. Let's hope it happens here.
BEST DIRECTOR
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Birdman
Logically, you would think if I am picking Boyhood to win Best Picture, that the Academy would also award Linklater with director as well. This used to be pretty much a guarantee, that the two categories would align on Oscar night, but over the last few years the split has become a much more regular thing, and why not? Why can't a specific filmmaker be recognized for his achievement, and a different film be recognized for it's entire vision being the "best"?
It's also possible the opposite happens, Linklater wins director and Birdman takes home picture, but I am going with this.
BEST ACTOR
Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything
Despite the obvious love from the Academy towards Birdman, I still think Eddie Redmayne walks away with the trophy tonight. Voters love when an actor literally transforms for a role, and Eddie Redmayne pulls off something incredible turning himself into Stephen Hawking.
BEST ACTRESS
Julianne Moore, Still Alice
The best performance by anyone in 2014. Enough said.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
The chances I get this pick correct = 100%. J.K. Simmons is not only going to win, but in my world it is the only correct choice in the category. Brilliant, dynamite stuff by a man I have been a fan of for quite some time, thrilled to see him get recognized tonight.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
Much like with J.K. Simmons, this is a guarantee. Without a doubt the Academy will recognize the amazing performance by Patricia Arquette, which happens to be the character I connected with the most in my favorite film of 2014.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson has quite the unique, brilliant mind, and I will be thrilled if I am correct and his words are honored with the trophy tonight. The Academy seemed to really cozy up well inside The Grand Budapest Hotel considering it's 9 nominations, and between its screenplay and a few of the other awards like production and costume design, it won't go home empty handed.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Graham Moore, The Imitation Game
Remember, this isn't who I want to win, it's how I think actually will. If it were up to me, either Paul Thomas Anderson or Damien Chazelle would be walking on stage tonight to accept this award, but the snoozefest, sorry, film The Imitation Game seems destined to walk away with a win in this category.
BEST EDITING
Boyhood
12 years of filming portrayed seamlessly over the course of less than 3 hours, with a fluidity that feels like pure damn magic. Yep, I not only think Boyhood will win for its editing, I am rooting for it.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki, Birdman
Had to include this category so I could embrace my man crush on Lubezki for the second straight year. Give Chivo the damn trophy!
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Ida
Ida is a pretty darn good film, but Winter Sleep isn't even nominated. Therefore, I boo this category as a whole. Boooooo.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Citizenfour
Not only will Citizenfour be recognized for being a great film (it is), but it is also seen as important and admirable for the courage it took to ever make it in the first place. I have a good feeling a speech regarding Edward Snowden being an American hero is coming a few hours from now.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
How To Train Your Dragon 2
While this wouldn't be my choice (Princess Kaguya!!!!!), I also won't complain a bit seeing as how How To Train Your Dragon 2 ended up in my top 15 of 2014.
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