The 2012 Oscar nominations were released early Tuesday morning. “Hugo” and “The Artist” are dominating the awards with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively. Five of the nine films nominated for best motion picture were among the list of my predictions. Let’s see if I can do better with the winners.
Best Motion Picture of the Year
“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
“The Help”
“Hugo”
“Midnight in Paris”
“Moneyball”
“The Tree of Life”
“War Horse”
This one’s a toss-up for me. Although I think a few of these movies deserve the title, the Academy will most likely recognize “The Artist” or “The Descendants.”
Achievement in Directing
Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”
Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”
Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
Terrence Malick, “The Tree of Life”
Woody Allen did a spectacular job with “Midnight in Paris.” However, it couldn’t have been easy to direct a silent movie. I’m going to guess Michel Hazanavicius.
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Demián Bichir, “A Better Life”
George Clooney, “The Descendants”
Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
Gary Oldman, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”
Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”
Although Brad Pitt and Jean Dujardin deserve recognition for their work in “Moneyball” and “The Artist” respectively, George Clooney will probably get the Academy’s acknowledgment.
Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs”
Viola Davis, “The Help”
Rooney Mara, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”
Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”
Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn”
I’m going to guess Michelle Williams in “My Week With Marilyn.” Her performance was flawless.
Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Kenneth Branagh, “My Week With Marilyn”
Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”
Nick Nolte, “Warrior”
Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”
Max von Sydow, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
I think Christopher Plummer will take this one. After all, he did win a Golden Globe for his role.
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Bérénice Bejo, “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain, “The Help”
Melissa McCarthy, “Bridesmaids”
Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”
Octavia Spencer, “The Help”
Even though I don’t think she’ll win, I’m going to go with Melissa McCarthy. Her performance in “Bridesmaids” was too great to overlook.
Original Screenplay
“The Artist,” Written by Michel Hazanavicius
“Bridesmaids,” Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
“Margin Call,” Written by J.C. Chandor
“Midnight in Paris,” Written by Woody Allen
“A Separation,” Written by Asghar Farhadi
Kristen Wiig is a genius. Need I say more?
Adapted Screenplay
“The Descendants,” Screenplay by Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash
“Hugo,” Screenplay by John Logan
“The Ides of March,” Screenplay by George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
“Moneyball,” Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, Story by Stan Chervin
“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” Screenplay by Bridget O’Connor and Peter Straughan
“The Ides of March” should win the award. It was a brilliant film.
Original Score
“The Adventures of Tintin,” John Williams
“The Artist,” Ludovic Bource
“Hugo,” Howard Shore
“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” Alberto Iglesias
“War Horse,” John Williams
“The Artist” has this one in the bag. I’d be shocked if it didn’t win. The score is what made the film interesting, in my opinion.
Original Song
“Man or Muppet” from “The Muppets,” Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
“Real in Rio” from “Rio,” Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown, Lyric by Siedah Garrett
Although I haven’t seen either film, I think “Man or Muppet” will probably take this one.
For the rest of the nominations, visit oscar.go.com.