Year in Advance Oscar Predictions: Best Actress 2015

For being my favorite category (the past two Best Actress winners, Cate Blanchett and Julianne Moore, rank as some of my favorite actresses of all time), year after year, this is always my worst category in predicting. Unlike Best Actor, which is usually made up of big names in Best Picture contenders, Best Actress performance seem to be left out of the major categories far too often. Which makes trying to predict so far in advance more difficult for the lead actresses. Of the 5 contenders this past year, only one (Jones) was in a Best Picture nominated film and 3 out of the 5 (Cotillard, Moore, and Pike) were their film's sole nomination. And while it's great that the Academy is looking to diverse films to fill out this category, it does have a hint of prejudice about it - stories where women are at the center aren't seen as viable contenders for Screenplay, Picture, or Director. But like Blanchett said in her acceptance speech last year, movies with woman at the center are not a niche, people do want to see them. And as a self-identifying actressexual - boy, do I! The 5 women I've chosen as my year in advance predictions have all been nominated before and three of them have even won in this category, but they're all performances I'm eagerly anticipating. And even if they don't make Oscar's final five spots, with these women in the lead, they're sure to be fascinating.

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Best Actress

Cate Blanchett Carol

Jennifer Lawrence Joy

Julianne Moore Freeheld

Saoirse Ronan Brooklyn

Lily Tomlin Grandma

Cate Blanchett Carol

The Role: Blanchett plays the titular Carol. Set in 1950s New York City (but shot in Cincinnati, Ohio - go figure), Carol Aird is a wealthy Manhattan wife and mother trying to live the picture-perfect post-war life. She has had relationships in the past with women and she begins a romantic affair with a shopgirl (Rooney Mara). While divorcing her husband, Carol must decide if her relationship is worth losing custody of her young daughter...

Why She'll Be Nominated: Does all this sound familiar? Well, it should because I already predicted that Blanchett would be scoring her 7th career nomination for this performance...last year. I hesitated to include it last year because it hadn't started filming yet. Instead of trying to rush completion on it for the end of year 2014, the new plan seems to be to roll it out to film festivals this year before an eventual (awards season friendly) fall release. Cannes seems like the most likely debut for the film. With two wins already, Blanchett is definitely an Academy darling and the last time she worked with director Todd Haynes she scored a supporting nomination for playing a Bob Dylan-esque folk singer in I'm Not There. Blanchett has been compared to Meryl Streep often and it seems that if anyone can take on the Oscar Queen's title, it's her. She's already earning early raves for her villainous turn as Cinderella's stepmother in the Disney live-action film coming out in March. It seems very likely that the accolades will continue this year with this more Oscar-friendly performance.

Jennifer Lawrence Joy

The Role: The Best Actress winner teams up again with her Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle director David O. Russell starring as the real-life Joy Mangano, a Long Island single mother who hit it big with selling her inventions on QVC in the early '90s, particularly the Miracle Mop and the network's all-time best seller, Huggable Hangers.

Why She'll Be Nominated: Although I personally was not a fan of either of the films that Lawrence and Russell worked on previously, there's no denying that the Academy was crazy for them. Both films earned nominations for its stars in all four of the acting categories, including back to back nominations for Lawrence, making her the youngest actress to score three Oscar nominations. So it's safe to say that anything that pairs them together is definitely on the Academy's radar. At only 24, I'm not sure why Russell keeps casting Lawrence in these parts that she is clearly too young to play, but there's no denying her star power and goofy likability make her a favorite among critics and audiences. Thanks to the enormous success of The Hunger Games franchise, she's also a bonafide money maker. She's so popular that paparazzi are grabbing pictures of her every day on set for this film - a biopic about a woman and her mops. It seems pretty certain that she'll "mop the floor" with the other contenders to score a fourth nomination...(Are y'all prepared for more mop puns coming our way for the next awards season?)

Julianne Moore Freeheld

The Role: The newly crowned Best Actress winner (yay, Juli!) plays Laurel Hester, a New Jersey police officer. After being diagnosed with lung cancer, she takes on the Board of Chosen Freeholders in her town in New Jersey, fighting to have the right to leave her pension to her partner Stacie (Ellen Page). 

Why She'll Be Nominated: The true life story of Laurel and Stacie's struggle was already the subject of a 2007 documentary short film of the same name that won the Academy Award in that category. With the Oscar-winning material being brought to life with one of our finest actresses, it seems a reasonable assumption that Moore's portrayal is an Oscar contender. After 4 previous nominations without a win and no nominations since 2002 (despite work in The Kids Are All Right and A Single Man that seemed worthy of nominating), many had given up hope that Moore would ever be invited back by the Academy. That all changed on Sunday night when Moore won Best Actress for Still Alice. It seems that the win could actually help booster her profile with this film, reminding the Academy how long they had been overlooking her before and rewarding her with another nomination so soon after the win just to show that, yes, they neglected her too much in the past, but they wanna make it up to her. And her role in this film seems like it might be impossible to ignore.

Saoirse Ronan Brooklyn

The Role: Irish actress Ronan plays Eilis Lacey, a young Irish girl that leaves her home in Ireland to come to Brooklyn in the 1950s for a better chance at life. She falls in love with an Italian-American boy (Emory Cohen) even as another suitor back in her home country (Domhnall Gleeson) makes her decide where her heart lies.
   

Why She'll Be Nominated: The film, which already debuted at Sundance this past January, entered into a bidding war with the studios, eventually selling to Fox Searchlight for $9 million - the most for any film this year at the festival. The romantic melodrama earned wonderful reviews, almost all of which singled out Ronan's performance as the highlight of the film. A previous nominee in the supporting category for her work in Atonement (2007), Ronan also appeared in the recent Oscar winner The Grand Budapest Hotel, proving that even at her relatively young age, the Academy is well-versed in her work. Based on the novel by award-winning Irish author Colm Tóibín, adapted by Nick Hornby, and directed by Tony award nominated director John Crowley (his film work includes 2007's Boy A), the film might have flown under the radar if had not been for its reception in Sundance. But now that we are aware of Ronan's strong work in it, the Oscar buzz has an entire year to build. 

Lily Tomlin Grandma

The Role: Playing the grandma of the film's title, Tomlin is Elle Reid a feminist poet and lesbian that helps her granddaughter raise the funds necessary to have an abortion.

Why She'll Be Nominated: Lily Tomlin is just one award short of the elusive EGOT. For those of you not familiar (um, how did you get here then?!), it's winning all four of the major entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. The one award missing for her title? That would be the golden "O". Nominated only once before in Supporting Actress for her performance in Robert Altman's masterpiece Nashville, if she is nominated for her star turn in this character study, it will have been 40 years between nominations. Also shown at Sundance and judging from my friend Nathaniel at The Film Experience, it is certainly an Oscar-worthy performance from the legendary actress. And with her Netflix series alongside Jane Fonda also coming out this year, it could be a very good time to be a Lily Tomlin fan. I'd love to see her get nominated, especially if we get to see her reunited with Joy's David O. Russell at all the awards ceremonies. We all know how well the two of them get along... 

Other Possibilities: Angelina Jolie By the Sea, Carey Mulligan Suffragette, Zoe Saldana Nina, Meryl Streep Ricki and the Flash, Kate Winslet The Dressmaker 

A Year In Advance Oscar Predictions 2014: Best Actress

My picks for Year in Advance Oscar Predications continue with a look at Best Actress. There are definitely some familiar faces on my list this year, with no less than 3 out of the 5 women that just competed in this category this past year. Is it too soon for them? Well, one of them is named Meryl Streep, so...And Oscar favorites Cate Blanchett and Amy Adams will be hard to ignore with these roles. Throw in an It girl about to have a busy year and an underrated actress set to potentially hit big with an anticipated adaption of a wildly popular book and you have the actresses that make up my early choices.

Best Actress

Amy Adams Big Eyes

Cate Blanchett Carol

Rosamund Pike Gone Girl

Emma Stone Untitled Cameron Crowe Film

Meryl Streep Into the Woods

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Amy Adams Big Eyes

The Role: Adams plays real-life artist Margaret Keane who created kitschy paintings of children with large eyes that became all the rage in the 1960's. The only problem was that her husband (Christoph Waltz) took all the credit for their creation and success. After their divorce, she sued him for plagiarism and the case made its way all the way to federal court where the two had  to compete in a live paint-off.

Why She'll Be Nominated: With 5 nominations and no win yet, Adams is rapidly approaching "overdue" territory. She just received her first nomination in this category for American Hustle where she was seen as the only viable option to dethrone Cate's inevitable victory, so it seems like we should start seeing a "Give Amy the Oscar" campaign happening very soon. Big Eyes is being directed by Tim Burton who is usually hit or miss with the Academy, but he's reunited with the writers of his biggest award winner, Ed Wood. The film is also being distributed by The Weinstein Company who will no doubt be heavily campaigning for Adams. Amazingly, all of Adams' previous nominations were for fictional characters. So perhaps the key to the win is this based-on-a-true-story tale.

Cate Blanchett Carol

The Role: The recent Best Actress winner plays Carol Aird, a wife and mother in 1950's New York City that starts a romantic and sexual relationship with a young shop girl named Therese (Rooney Mara). While in the midst of a divorce from her husband, Carol and Therese embark on a road trip out West.

Why She'll Be Nominated: Although she just won her second Oscar (out of a total 6 nominations) it's safe to say that the Academy likes her. They really like her. Maybe another nomination back-to-back is a little much, but the reason I think she'll land another so quickly is because of the pedigree of the film and the potential of the role. Blanchett is reteaming with her I'm Not There director Todd Haynes, a man that knows his way around a period piece, but more importantly knows his ladies. This is his first project since directing Kate Winslet to an Emmy win in Mildred Pierce and he's also adapting the film from Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt. The last time Cate appeared in a Highsmith adaptation we got her scene-stealing role in The Talented Mr. Ripley. With The Weinstein Company behind this one as well (Harvey won't stop until he gets credit for ALL the nominations!), my only hesitation in predicting this is that it starts filming this week in Ohio and may not be ready in time for the end of the year. 

Rosamund Pike Gone Girl

The Role: The British actress takes on the role of Amy Dunne, a former New Yorker that moves to her husband's home state of Missouri after he loses his job writing for a magazine. Amy despises her new life in Middle America and her marriage becomes strained with her husband (Ben Affleck). On the day of their 5th wedding anniversary, she goes missing...

Why She'll Be Nominated: Rosamund Pike has been steadily working for years in supporting parts of prestigious films where her costars get all the credit (Pride and Prejudice, An Education, Made in Dagenham). Hopefully with this film (she won the part over such big name stars as Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman, and Reese Witherspoon–who is a producer on the film), she will have the chance to have her profile elevated and stand out for her talent. It sure doesn't hurt that Gone Girl is based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn (who adapted her work for the big screen and apparently drastically changed the ending). But the main potential to catch Oscar's attention is the involvement of director David Fincher at the helm. His past three movies (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Social Network, The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo) have all scored acting nominations and with Amy being the most complex and juiciest part, it seems like a safe bet that Pike will be continuing that nomination streak.

Emma Stone Untitled Cameron Crowe Film

The Role: In a film that was at one point titled Deep Tiki (um, good thing we're still searching for a title), Stone stars in this Hawaiian set romantic dramedy as Air Force pilot Captain Allison Ng. She teams up with a disgraced US weapons consultant (Bradley Cooper) to oversee the launch of a spy satellite. 

Why She'll Be Nominated: 2014 is looking to be a busy year for Emma Stone. She has no less than 4 major films debuting this year, starting with the sure-to-be-huge sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man, the lead in Woody Allen's 1920's set Magic in the Moonlight (which could potentially help her awards traction), the first comedic film from Oscar nominated directer Alejandro Gonzaléz Iñárritu, Birdman, and this film, that could be her best shot at her first Oscar nomination, from Academy Award-winning writer/director Cameron Crowe. Crowe's most recent films haven't exactly fared well with Oscar the way his previous efforts have, but this film sounds more along the lines of Academy favorite Jerry Maguire and less like We Bought a Zoo. And for some reason, I'm getting a very Silver Linings Playbook vibe from it (maybe that's just because of the presence of Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper) and that film was loved by the Academy in a big way. The film also stars Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, and Alec Baldwin, but it seems like Stone, who is well-liked in the industry and seems poised for a nomination soon, especially as the object of affection in this adult rom-com, is the best bet for recognition. (Hey, it worked for Jennifer Lawrence.)

Meryl Streep Into the Woods

The Role: Careful the choices you make, Children will listen...to Meryl Streep as a signing witch that curses a Baker and his Wife to remain childless. She also just happens to have Rapunzel locked in a tower and is really just looking for the potion to turn her young and beautiful again (much like every actress in Hollywood). 

Why She'll Be Nominated: Eh, perhaps you didn't see the name? It's Meryl fucking Streep. She gets nominated for everything! (I know that's not technically true, but it's a pretty safe bet that if she's in something that's being released at the end of the year and even remotely Oscary–she's getting a nomination.) Director Rob Marshall brings this musical fairy tale to life adapted from the Stephen Sondheim Broadway show. Bernadette Peters, who played the Witch in the original production, didn't manage a Tony nomination (although Vanessa Williams did in the most recent Broadway revival), but the role is the show's flashiest and the Witch has all the best songs ("Last Midnight" and a new one written just for Meryl and the film). And perhaps you didn't notice that Meryl Streep will be playing the part? Plus she gets to play both haggard, old wench and glamorous diva in the same performance. So, should I put her down for double nominations for this role?

Other Possibilities: Jessica Chastain Miss Julie, Angelina Jolie Maleficent, Nicole Kidman Grace of Monaco, Carey Mulligan Far From the Maddening Crowd, Reese Witherspoon Wild

A Guide to Best Actress 2013

Tomorrow is the big night and I've saved the best for last...Best Documentary Short Subject! No, wait. That's not right...

In a year filled with great performances by younger actresses (Brie Larson Short Term 12, Greta Gerwig Frances Ha, and Adèle Exarchopoulos Blue Is the Warmest Color) the Academy decided to go older than they usually do. (Funny, they usually love a hot new thing.) And this year's Best Actress category is the oldest lineup ever. If shoulda-been-nominated Emma Thompson had found her place here for Saving Mr. Banks over Amy Adams, it would have been even older and made up entirely of previous winners! As it stands, for the first time since 1994's lineup, the category now consists of all previous nominees. And despite a late surge in support for the only actress yet to win, Amy Adams, the category has been locked up since the summer. Blanchett for the win! Oh, I'm supposed to wait until the end for that...

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Amy Adams American Hustle

Age: 39
Previous Oscar Nominations: This is Adams' first nomination in the leading category. She's been nominated four times previously in the Best Supporting Actress category: Junebug (2005), Doubt (2008), The Fighter (2010), and The Master (2012). She's the only one of the actresses in this category not to have previously won.
The Role: Con Artist Sydney Prosser. Or is it wealthy English aristocrat Lady Edith Greensley? Either way she has an intense disdain for bras or tops that button up. Really just trying to get over on all of these guys.
Why She's Here: I love that David O. Russell is able to tap into different aspects of Amy Adams that haven't been utilized on screen before. The first time they worked together in The Fighter may actually be my favorite of her nominated performances (she should've won over Melissa Leo's showboating). Who would have thought the actress that gained famed for playing a Disney princess brought to life (Man, she was good in Enchanted. The Academy really dropped the ball not nominating her for that...) and corned the market on naive, idealist roles could be so believably jaded and tough? With her role in this film, she's never been sexier, using her femininity to its full effect and using it to seduce the characters on screen as well as the audience. I know people have said that her English accent isn't very convincing, but isn't that exactly the point? Sydney is putting on the accent like she does so many of her plunging-necklined gowns–as a tool in her arsenal of distraction. She is playing a part and making it up as she goes along. Which is essentially what the film is all about. Of the 4 nominated performances from American Hustle, this is the one that has grown in my esteem since first seeing it in December.

Cate Blanchett Blue Jasmine

Age: 44
Previous Oscar Nominations: Blanchett won previously for Best Supporting Actress for playing Oscar's most honored actress Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator (2004). She first hit Oscar's attention with a Best Actress nomination for Elizabeth (1998) and gained another nomination for the sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007). That same year she was a double nominee with a supporting nom for I'm Not There. And received another supporting nomination for Notes on a Scandal (2006).
The Role: Jasmine French (she changed it from Jeanette, which just didn't have enough panache), a wealthy New York socialite that ends up penniless when her Wall Street husband (Alec Baldwin) is arrested. She moves in with her sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins) in San Francisco as her life and mental stability begin to unwind. Really just wondering who she has to sleep with around here to get a Stoli martini with a twist of lemon...If only her Xanax would kick in.
Why She's Here: With her role in Blue Jasmine, Cate Blanchett may have given the best performance of her career (and she's already an actress with some pretty great performances to her credit). As Jasmine, Blanchett is acting dynamite–risky, exciting, and you're never exactly sure of when she's gonna blow up entirely. Delusional and self-centered, Jasmine is a challenge to like, but her unraveling is endlessly fascinating to watch. It seems that Blanchett hasn't been on screen nearly enough these past years, due to her work as the artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company. It was time well spent as she puts her theatrical experience and technical skills to full effect in this role, calling to mind her work as Blanche in Streetcar (the best star performance I've seen on stage). In the past months, some have questioned whether the film should be honored due to the resurfacing of scandals in Woody Allen's private life. But to not honor this performance with the Best Actress Oscar would be a travesty against Blanchett's impeccable work.

Sandra Bullock Gravity

Age: 49
Previous Oscar Nominations: Sandy won Best Actress for 2009's The Blind Side
The Role: Bullock plays Dr. Ryan Stone, an astronaut that finds herself adrift in space after a meteorite shower hits. She is the lone surviver (RIP Clooney) and must find her way back to earth.
Why She's Here: America loves Sandy a lot more than I do. Her win for The Blind Side may be may least favorite in recent years (It's kinda fitting that she won the Razzie the same year). But, she's so likable and charming that the public, and now the Academy, seem to equate likability with dramatic talent. She has a natural effortless in her comedic roles, like this past year's The Heat, which definitely helped in securing her a nomination this year. It also helps that Gravity was also a huge hit from a respected director. The film is an astonishing technical achievement with not much in the way of plot or complex characters. I actually don't mind that the film is simple, it gives us more time to focus on the wonder. But, her character is a stand-in for the audience, giving a human face to all the surrounding spectacle. Even the backstory of having a daughter that has died seems more of a necessary add-on as opposed to an essential part of the storytelling. But Sandy does everything asked of her with full commitment, ultimately making us care about the fate of Ryan Stone.

Judi Dench Philomena

Age: 79
Previous Oscar Nominations: This is Dench's 7th nomination. She won for Best Supporting Actress in Shakespeare in Love (1998) and was previously nominated for Best Actress for Mrs. Brown (1997), Iris (2001), Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005), and Notes on a Scandal (2006) and Best Supporting Actress in Chocolat (2000)
The Role: The real-life story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman in search of the fate of the son that was taken from her and given up for adoption while she lived within a nunnery. She loves a breakfast buffet, but worries about the size of American portions. Her favorite film is Big Momma's House.
Why She's Here: I might be in the minority of actually liking this film and Judi Dench in it. While nothing groundbreaking or edgy, it's a sweet story told with simplicity, heart, and humor. It's the kind of film that you can see with your Grandma. Dench is typically good, which is pretty much the norm. The one distraction being her Irish accent which seems to come and go throughout the film. (Unlike Amy Adams, this character requires an actual accent that is supposed to be believable.) She sells the comedic bits with ease, doing her best to make the simple character not as dumb as she seems. And just looking at Dench's face is enough to see the decades of hurt and longing that she's held on to. It's a solid performance from a great actress. It may also be the one performance from these nominees that will be hard to recall in a year.

Meryl Streep August: Osage County

Age: 64
Previous Oscar Nominations: This is the first nominations for the newcomer...just kidding. This is Meryl's record-breaking 18th nomination. But she's been breaking the record since nomination number 13. She has won three times before: Best Supporting Actress Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and Best Actress for Sophie's Choice (1982) and The Iron Lady (2011). And here's the rest. Yep, I'm gonna list them all. Best Supporting Actress: The Deer Hunter (1978) and Adaptation (2002) Best Actress: The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), Silkwood (1983), Out of Africa (1985), Ironweed (1987), A Cry in the Dark (1988), Postcards From the Edge (1990), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), One True Thing (1998), Music of the Heart (1999), The Devil Wears Prada (2006), Doubt (2008), Julie and Julia (2009)
The Role: Violet, The pill-popping matriarch of the Weston family. Dying of cancer, she isn't afraid to say what's exactly on her mind. It's just truth tellin'...
Why She's Here: Because she's Meryl Streep and get's default nominations for just being in a film. Look, Meryl is always going to be considered the greatest actress of our time. She loves acting. She loves creating characters that are each different from the other, whether with a different accent or a change in the register of her voice. She loves to change her physicality, literally transforming into different people. She makes big choices with how she portrays characters, which is why the reward is so great–she goes full-throttal, not afraid to fail. It's just that she always seems to be better than the actual movies that she's in. With August, many have complained that she's too over the top, but that's what is asked of the character. I do feel that on stage, the role was played more biting, with a brittleness that cut like glass (which would have been great to see from Jane Fonda or Sigourney Weaver in the role). Meryl just never comes across as caustic enough. She has a natural warmth that shows that she cares even when she's saying horrible things. It definitely brings a humanity to the part, but just never feels right for the character.

Will Win: Cate Blanchett, the part is too great not to win
Should Win: Blanchett, Blanchett, Blanchett. Sure to rank as one of the best wins of all-time...

My Oscar Ballot 2013

For some strange reason, I have yet to be asked to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I can't think of why. Perhaps my invitation got lost in the mail. But how else will they be able to factor in my choices for the best of the year? Luckily, over at The Film Experience, we've submitted our own Oscar ballots. Check back on Tuesday at The Film Experience, after the votes have been counted, to see who our collective winners are. In the meantime, below is the ballot I submitted for consideration. And I have to say that it was a lot harder to compile than I thought. I kinda felt like I was just picking the same movies over and over again in a different order. But, I looked over a list of all the films released over the year, and these were definitely the ones that I thought were the best of the year.

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Best Picture

1. Her

2. 12 Years a Slave

3. Frances Ha

4. Gravity

5. Frozen

6. The Wolf of Wall Street

7. The Place Beyond the Pines

8. Stories We Tell

9. Inside Llewyn Davis

10. Before Midnight

Best Director

1. Steve McQueen 12 Years a Slave

2. Spike Jonze Her

3. Alfonso Cuarón Gravity

4. Sarah Polley Stories We Tell

5. Martin Scorsese The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Screenplay

1. Spike Jonze Her

2. Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig France Ha

3. John Ridley 12 Years a Slave

4. Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke & Richard Linklater Before Midnight

5. Terence Winter The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Actor

1. Joaquin Phoenix Her

2. Oscar Isaac Inside Llewyn Davis

3. Chiwetel Ejiofor 12 Years a Slave

4. Leonardo DiCaprio The Wolf of Wall Street

5. Michael B. Jordan Fruitvale Station

Best Actress

1. Cate Blanchett Blue Jasmine

2. Greta Gerwig Frances Ha

3. Brie Larson Short Term 12

4. Emma Thompson Saving Mr. Banks

5. Julie Delpy Before Midnight

Best Supporting Actor

1. Michael Fassbender 12 Years a Slave

2. Ryan Gosling The Place Beyond the Pines

3. Keith Stanfield Short Term 12

4. Matthew Goode Stoker

5. Colin Farrell Saving Mr. Banks

Best Supporting Actress

1. Lupita Nyong'o 12 Years a Slave

2. Scarlett Johansson Don Jon

3. Sarah Paulson 12 Years a Slave

4. Elizabeth Debicki The Great Gatsby

5. Léa Seydoux Blue Is the Warmest Color

My 10 Most Anticipated Summer Movies

The official kick-off of summer, Memorial Day, may still be over a month away, but summer movies are already starting in two weeks with the first big blockbuster, Iron Man 3 on May 3rd. (God, that's so soon. I was still wearing a winter coat this week.) And well I'm hardly excited for the release of that film (didn't we just see that Iron Man guy last summer? It's hard to miss you when you don't go away...), there are plenty of movies coming out that I'm eagerly looking forward to.

Summer is such a good time to escape the heat in an air-conditioned theatre to watch superheroes and things blow-up, but I just don't really have any of those movies listed here. I don't have anything against them, it's just that this summer's offerings aren't looking that appealing to me. (I mean, a 6th edition of the Fast and Furious franchise? C'mon.) I will say that I'm curious to see the new Star Trek mainly for future Oscar Nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch, and I liked the last one (people who actually like Star Trek said it wasn't Star Trek. Maybe that's why I liked it.) I'll also give Elysium a chance (although it looks an awful lot like Neill Blomkamp's last film, District 9. Now with Jodie Foster!) And I'm interested in the Superman reboot, Man of Steel (although, the last Superman was hoooorrible. And I don't know if I can get on-board with a red-headed Lois Lane, a female Jimmy Olsen named Jenny Olsen, and, most importantly, a Superman without the red briefs). Also, none of those movies need the help of some little blog writing about them–people are gonna see them regardless.

So without further ado, here are 10 films that are an alternative to the typical summer fare. And it just so happens, they're the 10 films I'm most excited about seeing this summer.

The Great Gatsby (May 10)

God, it seems like I've been waiting for this movie since last December...Oh, wait, I have. When news came that the release was being pushed from Christmas 2012 to May 2013, most people saw it as a bad sign. But, the same thing happened with the release of Moulin Rouge! (December release pushed back to summer) and I'd say that things turned out pretty well for that film (Best Picture nomination! 2 Oscar wins! And have I mentioned that I love it?!). So, I'm not too worried about this one. And with every new trailer and song release (Beyonce covering Amy Winehouse!), I'm getting more and more excited. There's Carey Mulligan on the cover of Vogue! A collaboration between the film's costume designer (and Baz's wife) Catherine Martin with Brook's Brothers! There's interviews with Baz giving very Baz-like answers to questions about the soundtrack! The only problem I have is, why do all the posters and trailers keep telling us it's from the director of Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!? Don't people recognize a Baz Luhrmann film when they see it? They're pretty distinctive...

Stories We Tell (May 10)

I'm so annoyed that I waited so long to get tickets to see this when it was playing here in New York as part of the New Directors New Films series. Director/Actress Sarah Polley was there for a Q & A! I love a good Q & A...with a good moderator. Once they open it up to questions from the audience it can get kinda dicey...Although, calling someone who was two well-received films already (Away From Her and Take This Waltz) and an Oscar Nomination for Screenwriting, a new director seems kinda like cheating. Since the festival is for first-time filmmakers. Anyway! It's Polley's first documentary (new genre!) and she focuses on her own story–the rumor that her actress mother had an affair and that the father she grew up with isn't her real father. I've heard nothing but good things about it since it was at the Toronto Film Festival last fall. I find it interesting that her first documentary is an extension of her other films in that it focuses on what I love most about fiction–the storytelling.

Frances Ha (May 17)

I actually already saw this film back in October at the New York Film Festival. That's right, I'm putting a film I've already seen on a list of films that I can't wait to see. But, that's how much I enjoyed it! I really want to see it again, but most importantly, I want to get the word out for people to go see it! Director Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale and Greenberg) collaborated with the star of the film (and his girlfriend) Greta Gerwig on the screenplay about a twenty-something modern dancer in New York trying to find her way as she aimlessly drifts through life. Eh...that kinda makes it sound like every other coming of age story. Or Girls. Did I mention it's really funny and that Greta Gerwig gives her best performance to date?! She's really the reason to watch. Her natural charisma and skills as a physical comedienne are in full-force here. It's her star-is-born moment.

Before Midnight (May 24)

Alright Hollywood, you win. There is a trilogy that I'm interested in seeing that's being released over the Memorial Day weekend. Only this one is one is an adult, talky, comedic drama about a couple's relationship, that I've been invested in for almost 20 years. So, just to be clear, it's not The Hangover III.
   After their courtship in 1995's Before Sunrise and their rekindled romance in 2004's Before Sunset,      Ethan Hawke's Jesse and Julie Delpy's Celine are back! Taking place 9 years after the last film, the couple is now married with children and the film focuses on sustaining a relationship for the long run after the initial spark of attraction has faded. I adore the first two films and love that we get to see where these characters grow and develop over the years. I would be happy if we visited them every 9 years. Julie Delpy actually joked about that saying the last film would be like the Oscar-winning Amour.

The Bling Ring (June 14)

It was just announced this week that this latest film from director Sofia Coppola is set to open the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes this year–a part of the festival that focuses on young talent and promotes the use of innovation. I'm not sure how a director in her 40's who's releasing her 5th film in 14 years fits the description, but who understands the goings-on of the French anyway. The film is based on the real-life events of a group of girls in LA who stole from the homes of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.
  It's been 10 years since the success of Lost in Translation brought Copploa recognition as a director. Her films after that haven't exactly lived up to the hype of that film. I, for one, am a fan of her polarizing Marie Antoinette film, but feel that Somewhere tread on too-similar ground that she already covered more interestingly in Translation. But, that being said, I enjoy her aesthetic and still look forward to her films. This one sounds like it could be interesting–they're already doing a great job of selling it with the trailer and poster. And for me to want to see a film starring Emma Watson (an actress I usually find wooden and forgettable) is already saying a lot!

More after the jump

A Year in Advance Oscar Predictions 2013: Best Supporting Actress

This was my best category last year. I correctly predicted 3.5 out of 5. (Adams, Hathaway, and Field are the 3. Helen Hunt is the half because I predicted her in Lead. The only one I got completely wrong was Annette Bening in the Kristen Wiig-starring, Imogen. It's coming out this summer and now being called Girl Most Likely. I tend to get excited for Bening since she acts in so little. I mean, I even predicted her for a Supporting nom for The Women back in the day. And if you've seen it you, you'll know how off that was...) This year there's no sure bets. We have a return to acting for a certain former talk show host (you're getting a car!). Two of my favorite actresses could be making their way back to Oscar after their last nominations in 2007 and 1995! A never-nominated movie star could find her first nomination. As well as a character actress that fell on the stairs to get her award long before J. Law made it cool...

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett The Monuments Men

Cameron Diaz The Counselor

Margo Martindale August: Osage County

Emma Thompson Saving Mr. Banks

Oprah Winfrey The Butler

Cate Blanchett The Monuments Men

The Role: I don't know! But, the film is being directed by Oscar winner, George Clooney, and is about an assembled group of art historians and museum curators in the 1940's trying to rescue priceless works of art before Hitler and the Nazi's destroy them. Basically it's The Avengers for the art house set. The ensemble also includes Clooney himself, Daniel Craig, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, and Best Actor Oscar winner, Jean Dujardin. Cate is the Scarlett Johansson of the group. Although, I think it's safe to assume that her art historian character won't be wearing a leather catsuit...

Why Her: This Best Supporting Actress winner (and 5 time nominee) hasn't received a nomination since her double-nominated year in 2007. And nothing she's been in since then has exactly screamed Oscar, having chosen to go more action-adventure (Indiana Jones, Robin Hood, The Hobbit) than prestige. But, her natural ability to marry the technicalities of the craft with raw talent and emotion has earned her a reputation as the actress most likely to be the new Meryl Streep. And even Streep had a dry spell with Oscar in the early 90's (She-Devil anyone?). And with the slate of new projects Blanchett has lined up, including two Terrence Malick films and Woody Allen's latest, Blue Jasmine, it seems that the actress is ready to rack up some more nominations. Her best bet seems to be this film, which seems like the type of high-brow thing Oscar voters gravitate towards. 

Real Housewife of Border-Town Mexico

Cameron Diaz The Counselor

The Role: Malkina, the femme fatale, in the Ridley Scott-directed, Cormac McCarthy-scripted film. Her character is the lover of Reiner (Javier Bardem) and, apparently, highly sexual and mysterious (well, obviously). If you go to the message board on imdb, everyone who has read the script talks about how this is the best part in the film. At one point Angelina Jolie was attached to play it. 

Why Her: No, you didn't misread the name. That Cameron Diaz. It's been a long time since the four-time Golden Globe nominated actress has challenged herself in a Being John Malkovich or Vanilla Sky and has contented herself for being one of Hollywood's highest paid actresses in popcorn-fare like Knight and Day and Bad Teacher. In fact, at this point, it seems Jennifer Lopez has a better shot at being nominated. But, early word is that Diaz nails the part, standing out in a film that includes Bardem,  Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, and Penelope Cruz. It's looking very likely that we'll have to start addressing her as Oscar nominee, Cameron Diaz. 

Margo Martindale August: Osage County 

The Role: The Emmy-award-winning actress of Justified, plays Mattie Fae Aiken, the sister to Meryl Streep's character. In a large cast of supporting characters being played by Oscar nominees Juliette Lewis and Abigail Breslin, Oscar winner Chris Cooper (playing Martindale's husband), and British thespians Ewan McGregor and Benedict Cumberbatch (playing Martindale's son), the role of Mattie Fae really stands out from the others. She is definitely a source of comic relief as the larger-than-life aunt. The role brought a Tony to actress Randi Reed when it was on Broadway and Martindale really does seem like perfect casting for the part.

Why Her: The Supporting categories weren't created until the 9th Oscar ceremony so that character actors and supporting players wouldn't have to compete against movie stars for awards. Nominating an actress like Margo Martindale, a character actress making her career in supporting roles, is the reason this category exists. She may not be recognizable by name alone, but whenever she pops up on screen like as Julianne Moore's babysitter in The Hours, or as Hilary Swank's mother in Million Dollar Baby, or, most memorably, in Alexander Payne's segment in Paris, je t'aime, there is instant familiarity and you think to yourself, 'oh, her. I like her'. Perhaps her work in August: Osage County will be the thing to bring the recognition of an Oscar nomination.

"Yes, Mary Poppins is fiction. I am not her. Now, has anyone seen my magical flying umbrella that talks?"

Emma Thompson Saving Mr. Banks

The Role: Based on the real-life story of bringing Mary Poppins to the screen, Best Actress (and Best Screenplay) winner, Emma Thompson, plays P.L. Travers, the Australian author of the books the popular film was adapted from. Travers fought with Walt Disney (played by Tom Hanks) about the way the story was being portrayed–particularly the animated segment, which she felt was too saccharine. The film also flashes back to her childhood in Australia where she grew up with a hard-nosed father (Colin Farrell) who became the inspiration for the no-nonsense patriarch of the books, Mr. Banks.

Why Her: The go-to thinking-man's actress of the 90's hasn't received a nomination since her Best Actress nom and Best Adapted Screenplay win for 1995's Sense and Sensibility. It seems about time that she's welcomed back into the fold. As a writer herself, the role seems like a good fit for her and just the sort of true-life story that gets nominated. The part could, most likely, go lead. In which case, I could see her bumping off Julia Roberts in my predicted five there. But, the addition of flashback and the parts showing the team at Disney (including Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak playing Mary Poppins songwriters, the Sherman Brothers) creating the film makes me think that there's a good case for it to feel more like an ensemble. Frankly, I just want Thompson to get another nomination. It's a shame that Meryl Streep is casting director's only choice for good roles for women over 50 (she was apparently in talks to even play this role), so I'm just excited to see Thompson given the chance to tackle what sounds like an interesting role. But, a fifth acting Oscar nomination sure couldn't hurt...

Yep, Lenny Kravitz is in this as well. 

Oprah Winfrey The Butler

The Role: Director Lee Daniels (Precious, The Paperboy), brings to the screen the based-on-a-true-story tale of a White House butler who served under eight presidents. Oprah, in her first big-screen acting role since 1998's Beloved, stars as the wife, Gloria Gaines, to the titular butler (Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker). The film also boasts an all-star cast which includes Robin Williams as Eisenhower, James Marsden as JFK, John Cusak as Nixon, Alan Rickman as Reagan, and Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan. 

Why Her: Because she's OOoooooOOpppPPPrRRRRaaAAAAHHHH!!! Before she was the most influential person on television, champion of literary works, philanthropist, and famous enough to just be known by simply her first name, Winfrey was a Best Supporting Actress nominee in The Color Purple. If anyone has watched her talk show, they know that in addition to her crusade to find the best you, she loves the movies–and Oscar in particular. She even held her show on the Oscar stage the day after the ceremony for many years, talking to the 4 acting winners. It seems like a safe bet to say that she would like to win one herself. She had even wanted to play Viola Davis's Oscar-nominated part in Doubt. But because the part is so small and Oprah being such a known personality, director John Patrick Shanley felt that it would take the audience out of the film. That shouldn't be the case with The Butler where it seems everyone has shown up for a small role. And with The Butler, Winfrey is playing a role that Oscar loves to nominate in this category: the supportive/suffering wife (just look at Adams, Field, and Weaver from just last year). Now that she's no longer in America's home daily, it seems that she'll be able to disappear into the role (well, as much as she can) and maybe even get that second nomination. If it doesn't happen, I have a feeling she'll be okay...

Other Contenders: Amy Adams Untitled David O. Russell Film, Jennifer Garner Dallas Buyers Club, Nicole Kidman The Railway Man, Julianne Moore Carrie, Carey Mulligan Inside Llewyn Davis

A Pictorial Celebration in Honor of Cate Blanchett's Birthday

Casting Cate

Deadline is reporting that recent Oscar winner and movie-making legend, Woody Allen (perhaps you've heard of him), wants Cate Blanchett to star in his next film set in Copenhagen.

"Fine, Woody, I'll do the Copenhagen film. Just stop looking at me like that. You're frightening me."

(He also apparently would like Bradley Cooper in the cast as well...Yeah, maybe there's still some time to rethink that one. I feel like Bradley Cooper is always in talks for these major films with serious directors, but on what merits? A bunch of Rom-Com Ensembles and The Hangover series? I just don't get it. And he's already done an episode of 'Inside the Actor's Studio' where he proceeded to cry the entire time and talk about the craft of acting in Wedding Crashers. Yesh.)

The pairing of Cate and Woody sounds pretty good to me. We don't know anything about the movie yet, but Cate is always the right choice in my opinion. And with her work on the next Terrence Malick movies and (possibly) this film, she'll be working with a couple of living legends in the next couple of years.

I feel like its been awhile since we've seen Cate. There was a time in the mid-00s where she was in every other movie. But, her only two films over the past 3 years were Robin Hood (which I actually shut off because I was so bored. And I never stop watching a movie. I even sat through Godzilla with Matthew Broderick) and Hanna (which she was pretty great in).

I just hope it actually works out. Of my three favorite actresses working today (Winslet, Kidman, Blanchett), not one of them has been in one of Woody's films. Both Kate and Nicole were cast in films (Match Point for Kate and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger for Nic), but both dropped out before filming. Hopefully things will be better for Cate. And Woody certainly has a knack for directing actresses to Oscars (Diane Keaton, Penélope Cruz, Mira Sorvino, Dianne Wiest–twice). Although, it's not like Cate needs another Oscar. But, if Hilary Swank has two...

There's no way to know for sure which direction the film will go either. We don't even know if it's a comedy or a drama. (I'm hoping for a comedy because I love when Cate let's loose and has some fun. But, doesn't the combo of Copenhagen and Cate just automatically equal snowy-set drama?) And his films can be wildly uneven, for every Midnight in Paris there's a Curse of the Jade Scorpion. (The man has been making a film a year since the 70s–they can't all be winners.) Fingers crossed that if a Woody and Cate pairing does happen, it'll be more like the former.

Until any concrete news is announced, we have his Rome set film this summer to look forward to. After the huge success of Midnight in Paris (Woody's most finically successful film to date), it'll be interesting to see how this one turns out. The Bop Decameron, Nero Fiddled, To Rome With Love stars Oscar nominees, Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, and Alec Baldwin, plus Oscar winners, Penélope Cruz and...Roberto Benigni. Yikes. Maybe Roberto will prove that Oscar wasn't a fluke. But from the looks of this poster, it's not looking so good...

Let's Put On a Show

Vanity Fair has a great gallery of photographer Simon Annand's work of actors backstage. It's part of an exhibit of his work in the UK at the Idea Generation Gallery and coincides with the release of a book on the same subject entitled, The Half: Photographs of Actors Preparing for the Stage. Almost all of the photos are of actors who may have become famous because of their film work, but who have a history with the stage. Some, like Cate Blanchett and Kevin Spacey, still find time to return to the theatre, and others in the photos, like Tom Hardy and Carey Mulligan, were just getting their start. I've always loved behind-the-scenes photography of theatre and film productions. There's a romanticism to trying to capture that creative energy at work while the actor prepares.

I've actually had the pleasure of seeing a couple of these productions that the photographs chronicle, when they transfered to Broadway. It got me thinking about all the great actors I've gotten to see on stage. Since I always love a list, I've compiled the 10 Best Stage Performances by Film Actors (that I've seen). I'm focusing on famous actors known more for their film work since that is the main focus of the photos. So I'm gonna have to leave off the stage work of such theatrical greats as Zoe Caldwell and Patti LuPone or actors, like Fiona Shaw, Stockard Channing, and Cynthia Nixon, who have done film but aren't necessarily famous in that medium. Also, if a said one of the best performance I've ever seen was Mary Louise Wilson in 4000 Miles, that would mean nothing to you. You wanna hear about movie stars like Scarlett Johansson and John C. Reilly (neither will be on this list, but I have seen them) and I don't blame you. On to the stars!

10. Geoffrey Rush Exit the King (2009)
The Oscar winner has a tendency to go a little over the top in performances. But, you know where that works really well– on the stage where everything is exaggerated and a performance where you're going slightly crazy to avoid death! Rush won a Tony for his performance in this absurdist play by Ionesco. His comic performance definitely reached me in my cheap seats. His energy and humor are what really stuck with me.


9. Liam Neeson The Crucible (2002)
I must confess–I don't entirely remember everything about this performance. So, why have I included it here? Because it holds a special place in my heart. It is one of my favorite plays and this production (which also starred Laura Linney) was the first Broadway production I ever saw the first time I ever came to NYC. I was worried about taking the wrong subway and missing the show, so I walked all the way from NYU in Greenwich Village to 52nd Street in Times Square. Let me tell you, it's a long walk. But, I was thrilled to have seen it and I remember Liam Neeson's commanding presence on stage. His earthy, soulfulness is exactly right for the character of John Procter.


8. Jane Fonda 33 Variations (2009)
The two-time Best Actress Oscar winner has only appeared in two US theatrical releases since 1990 (Monster-in-Law and Georgia Rule. Lord, help me–I've seen them both) and the last time she was on Broadway was in 1964, so I was more than excited to see a living legend like Jane Fonda on stage. She played a Beethoven expert studying a minor piece of music of the composer while at the same time battling Lou Gehrig's disease. The play also concerns mother/daughter relationships and spans centuries as Beethoven, himself, is also a character in the play. Such a chaotic structure has the risk of getting out of control, but it was held together with Fonda's centered performance. And what a treat it was to hear that rich, honey voice in person. Her efforts were rewarded with a Tony Nomination.


7. Anne Hathaway Twelfth Night (2009)
This was definitely a hot ticket that summer as Annie was just coming off her Best Actress Oscar nomination for Rachel Getting Married. Her career had entered a new level and I think there were certain expectations that followed. This was a really smart move for her to make as taking on Viola, one of the greatest female stage roles, showcased her talents as a comedic actress–doing Shakespeare, no less–and allowed her to shine in an all-star ensemble. It really seemed like she was enjoying herself and that effortlessness came across on stage. The night I saw it, she started to cough after taking a drink of wine on stage and quickly ad-libbed, 'Tis strong. It was a charming moment that only increased my enjoyment of her performance and the production.


6. Frances McDormand Good People (2011)
When I first saw Frances on stage in The Country Girl in the role that brought Grace Kelly an Oscar (cause they're the same type...) a few years earlier, I was really disappointed. It was a ho-hum production and she never seemed to connect with the character or her co-stars. But, she was outstanding in her Tony award winning performance last year in this MTC production. This time around, she had no problems connecting with this character and she had a lived-in quality that made you believe that this was a real person. It helped that the play was so smartly written. She played a woman with a special-needs adult child in Southie, Boston. When she gets laid-off of her job at a dollar store, she reconnects with an old boyfriend who has since become a successful doctor. Her scenes in the second act with Tate Donavon as the ex and Renée Elise Goldsberry as his wife had a kinetic energy, edge-of-your-seat excitement that makes you appreciate live theatre.

The Stars do Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Tennessee Williams after the jump

Cate Blanchett: A History in Oscar Gowns

Time Capsule: Ashley Judd, 4th Best Actress of This Millennium

I used to have a magazine addiction. I would collect magazines with my favorite actors on the cover  (Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, etc. I have a 'Movieline' with Kate on the cover from 1998) or that had a cover story with a list of say the 30 greatest actors under the age of 30. When I moved out of my dorm in college, I had two suitcases. One with clothes, the other with magazines. Luckily I have weened myself off of the need to collect magazines. (Perhaps because no one really buys magazines anymore and everything is online.) Luckily, my parents- understanding my need to hoard-have safely kept my magazines waiting for me in the garage. Thank god they did because there's nothing like taking out a 12-year-old magazine and seeing how wrong we were.

I came across an 'Entertainment Weekly' dated Winter 1999. It's The 100 Greatest Entertainers 1950-2000. The list itself still holds up pretty well. The Top 10 were: 

The Beatles

Elvis

Marilyn Monroe

Steven Spielberg

Madonna

Frank Sinatra

The Cast of SNL

Michael Jackson

Lucille Ball

The Simpsons

Nothing stands out as being especially ridiculous. Probably because they went pretty classic and stuck with iconic people that everyone knows. The only ones I would argue now are SNL and The Simpsons. Not that they don't belong on the list somewhere. It's just that in the past 12 years since the list came out, both shows have still been on the air and its diminished their impact on society. There is certainly something to be said for longevity. But, watching the shows today makes you long for it's glory days. Neither is really a part of the public awareness anymore nor do they hold the same importance as they once did.  

But my favorite part was a section in the middle in which an online poll (they did those in 1999?) asked who were the next greatest entertainers of the next millennium. Such greats as The Dave Matthews Band and Seth Green took the number one spot for best musical group and television actor. But, since I always tend to gravitate to the cinematic, let's take a look at the Actor and Actress. Actress first: