It's about time, it's about space, it's about Sandra Bullock in the strangest place. (Yes. I just stole the theme song from the 1966 TV Series It's About Time.)
If one word could describe the films of 2013 it's quite simply, Gravity. Regardless of what you thought of the film (that's you Peggy at the Movies) when Cinephiles look back at the year 2013, Gravity will reign supreme. No doubt about it. The single best movie going experience of the year.
Now for my should win/will win rant.
Best Picture
Should win - Gravity. What it has going for it; Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, technical prowess, emotional music, Producers Guild winner, stunning visual effects, human transcendence, stunning visual effects, Sandra Bullock's short shorts, a visionary director and it made a little bit of money - Worldwide: $703,989,531 according to Box Office Mojo.
Will win - I have no idea. It's really a three way race. Gravity deserves it.
12 Years a Slave checks a lot of boxes for the older Academy voters (period piece, true story, repression, white man guilt) but I can not honestly say it is an enjoyable moving going experience. I wouldn't want anybody I know to sit thru that film. Slave torture porn. You want to know about the extraordinary person and excoriating circumstances that is Solomon Northrop? Read the book, in his own words and be truly moved. This is a very manipulating film.
American Hustle might prevail because it seems a fresher choice than Gravity or Slave (which both may have been out front for too long). But honestly? Who fucking knows.
Best Director
Should win/Will win- Alfonso Cuaron - Gravity. One of the sure bets of the evening. Having already won the Director's Guild and the Golden Globe. His to lose
Best Actor
Should win - Chiwetel Ejiofor. That being said above about 12 Years a Slave, no one can deny this incredible actor's performance. You can't take your eyes off him. There is scene where he sings at the funeral of a fallen wronged man. The camera lingers on him and I think that scene is one of the best in the film, or any film this year, and it's all him.
Will win - Matthew McConaughey - Dallas Buyers Club. It's America and he will win. He has swept every other award except the BAFTA, England's Oscars, where neither he or Jared Leto were nominated. And Oscars are as American as Baseball. Texan wins in a good performance enhanced by body manipulation. All I have to say to Oscar voters on this; suckers.
Best Actress
Should win/Will win - The exquisite Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine. She won this the day she signed the contract. She knew it. Her agents knew it. Fucking Woody Allen knew it. And they all were right. If there is an upset, I would suspect it would come in the form of Amy Adams. But that would suck.
Best Supporting Actor
Should win - Bradley Cooper - American Hustle. For a guy who got fucked by Michael Ian Black in Wet Hot American Summer, he sure has come a long way. Back to back Oscar nominations for this handsome little devil. Honestly, his abs should have won an Oscar in The A-Team. Yowzers! Seriously though, here is a guy that didn't rely on body manipulation to escalate his performance. And I'm not counting those wigs.
Will win - Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club. Fantastic performance in a great movie. However, Oscars are not a reality weight loss TV show. Ask Jennifer Hudson.
Best Supporting Actress
Should win - Jennifer Lawrence - American Hustle. Ok. Yeah. Perhaps I have a hard on for J. Law. Can you blame me? Have you seen her? She's just so goddamn likable, like me. She can make history (read this post) and she was great in this (read this post) and this is the category I'm most excited for.
Will win - Lupita Nyong'o - 12 Years a Slave. I won't be mad at her if she wins. I'll leave it at that.
All other categories?
Gravity and Frozen. All you really need to know.
Peace.
