A Reel Opinion: Oscar Picks, Episode I

In this first Episode of Reel Speak’s Oscar picks for the year that was 2012, this Blogger will make his selections for the Best Acting categories. 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

The sentimental favorite in this category may very well be Sally Field, who is no stranger to the Academy. However, Field need only ask her BFF Meryl Streep just how difficult it is to keep that momentum going with the Academy over the years. After her, the entire field is evenly matched, with the exception being Anne Hathaway…whose tearjerking, heart-wrenching, singing-live-on-set performance in LES MISERABLES makes her the major favorite. Even those who weren’t crazy about the film loved her. 

Winner: Anne Hathaway

BEST ACTRESS

Very tough category with no real standout. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, with a nomination in every acting category, is the odds-on favorite with Jennifer Lawrence. However the real story here may be with Emmanuelle Riva (AMOUR) and Quvenzhane Walles (BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD). Riva, who will turn 86 years old on Oscar night, is the oldest nominee ever, and Walles, at the age of 9, is the youngest. The Academy seems to love those age-related stories. Besides that…Riva was asked to do a lot emotionally and physically; doing more than what actresses in their 20’s can pull off. AMOUR had a lot of heart to it, and Riva was at the center of it. 

Winner: Emmanuelle Riva

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

This is the Heavyweight Division Championship Battle Royale category, with all five men (DeNiro, Jones, Arkin, Hoffman, and Waltz) having won Oscars before. Jones, Hoffman, and Waltz have been cleaning house during the award season, but DeNiro and Arkin are in films that the Academy really seems to love. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK is up for a lot awards, but its strength seems to be in its actors. PLAYBOOK has to win something major, so it might as well be the Godfather of the Academy.

Winner: Robert DeNiro

BEST ACTOR

This Blogger has been saying for many years that Daniel Day-Lewis is the greatest actor of all time. If he wins Best Actor his weekend, he will be the first ever to win three in this category; giving strong validation to this Blogger’s claim. Besides that, Day-Lewis’ powerful, yet tempered performance as this Nation’s 16^th President is a galaxy away from the rest of the field and leaves a lasting impression. LINCOLN is up for a lot of awards but not expected to clean house, so it has to win for what it will always be remembered for. 

Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis

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In Episode II, Reel Speak will pick the major categories. The 85^th Oscars will be awarded this Sunday, Feb. 24^th.