A Guide to Best Actor 2013

With only 3 more sleeps until Oscar night, it seems I really need to finish my analysis of the acting categories. Here's a look at Best Actor.

This year's Best Actor race seemed to have received more talk about the big stars that didn't make the cut: Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips and Robert Redford in the one-man show of All is Lost, than about the ones that did. Still not sure how Hanks didn't make the final 5, particularly with an amazing scene that everyone mentions as some of his best work ever. Living legend Redford (who has only ever received one acting nomination, for The Sting) just never got the traction with his film that early buzz indicated. And although general censuses seems to agree that McConaughey will take home the gold Sunday, there seems to be a case for any of the other actors winning...except Bale. That's just not happening.

* * *

Christian Bale American Hustle

Age: 40
Previous Oscar Nominations: Bale won Best Supporting Actor the last team he teamed up with David O. Russell in The Fighter (2010)
The Role: Irving Rosenfeld, a con artist in the 1970s that is somewhat based on the real-life Melvin Weinberg and his involvement with Abscam. "He wasn't necessarily in good shape and he had this comb over that was rather...elaborate."
Why He's Here: For the longest time it seemed that the Academy was ignoring Bale. Despite great performances in American Psycho, Rescue Dawn, and all the insane amount of weight he lost in The Machinist (do NOT goggle those pictures. You will have nightmares), it just wasn't enough to receive the Academy's attention. He finally won with his first nomination and it looks like Oscar's love of David O. Russell has found its way over to Bale as well. His nomination was the biggest surprise of the 5 guys here, but it looks like his tricks of gaining and losing weight (this time gaining and herniating a disc in the process) are finally getting noticed. He also sports one of the absolute worst hairstyles in all of cinema. Which translates to praise for a lack of vanity. But, for all the physical transformation, there's not much that seems believable with the character nor Bale playing him. The accent is shaky and I just kept thinking, if they wanted a fat, bald guy why not just have cast a fat, bald guy?

Bruce Dern Nebraska

Age: 77
Previous Oscar Nominations: Dern was previously nominated once before for Best Supporting Actor in Coming Home (1978)
The Role: Dern plays Woody Grant, a man that thinks he's won a million dollars and goes on a road-trip to Nebraska with his son (Will Forte) to retrieve it. He enjoys long walks along the highway and is prone to losing his teeth along railroad tracks.
Why He's Here: God bless, Bruce Dern. I hated your movie, sir, but I'm somehow alright with this nomination because you seem like a generally nice person that is completely honored to receive it. But, make no mistake about it–Dern wanted it and he campaigned hard. Hitting every news outlet and film festival (early buzz started when he won Best Actor for the film at Cannes) and playing up the fact that he's been a great character actor for so long but never had that breakthrough role that would have made him a star like his friend Jack Nicholson, Dern charmed his way onto voter's ballots. Dern, who is known for more wild, crazy-eyed characters is pretty subdued in Nebraska. He's a man of few words and usually that word is, Huh? I can't say that I'm necessarily impressed with his work in the film which is so subdued that it borders on comatose, but there's a world-weariness to the performance that seems authentic.

Leonardo DiCaprio The Wolf of Wall Street

Age: 39
Previous Oscar Nominations: This is the fourth acting nomination for DiCaprio. He was previously nominated for Supporting Actor for What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993) and Best Actor in The Aviator (2004) and Blood Diamond (2006). He has yet to win. He's also nominated this year as one of the producers on Wolf of Wall Street
The Role: The real-life Wall Street broker Jordan Belfort who created the firm Stratton Oakmont and was arrested for money laundering and securities fraud. He also had a taste for the finer things in life: hookers, blow, and Quaaludes. A lot of Quaaludes.
Why He's Here: Leo just seems like one of those people that will win an Oscar one day. I'm just not completely convinced that this is that time. After winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor...in a Musical or Comedy, which isn't really what the Academy goes for, it seemed the internet was filled with "Could Leo Win?" pieces. The film definitely has its haters that take issue with the way Jordan gets away with his crimes and how it glamorizes his hedonist lifestyle. But the film never intends to be a morality tale, but presents a story without judgement. Whatever your issues with the tone of the film (or the length), there's no denying that DiCaprio is having the time of his life in it. He's never been more exciting on film and seems to throw himself into the role with abandon. After self-serious work in films like Revolutionary Road and J.Edgar (ugh), it's a pleasant change to see this side of DiCaprio. After winning at the Golden Globes, he joked that he never thought he'd win an award for comedy, but his comedic skills were on full display in the film. Particularly the scene in which he is so hopped up on so many Quaaludes that even trying to get to his car is a laborious effort. It was one of my favorite moments in film of the past year and if his efforts result in a win Oscar night, I wouldn't complain.

Chiwetel Ejiofor 12 Years a Slave

Age: 36
Previous Oscar Nominations: This is his first nomination
The Role: The British Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup, a free man in New York that was kidnapped and sold into slavery in rural Louisiana in the 1840's. Northup wrote about his true story for the book published in 1868 that the film is based on, which will soon be be taught in schools.
Why He's Here: It seemed for the longest time that Ejiofor was always just on the verge of a bigger break. He's been one of those actors that the media hypes as the next big thing, but the films he was in (although, great) never really panned out in making him a star. But his skills as an actor have never been in question. He has 5 Golden Globe Nominations, an Olivier award for his performance in Othello in the West End, and was honored with the OBE (Order of the British Empire) by the Queen for services to the arts. With his work in 12 Years a Slave, it seems that audiences (and the Academy) have finally caught up with him. And his performance in the film (which recently won him a BAFTA award) is perhaps the crowning achievement in a long line of accomplishments. So much happens surrounding Northup that Ejiofor knows that just being present and engaged is almost enough. But within his face is written the struggle and endurance and, despite it all, the hope that his nightmare will end. He is a powerful presence on screen, but the key to his survival is bringing a calm to that inner tempest while still allowing us as an audience to see the fire burn in his eyes.

Matthew McConaughey Dallas Buyers Club

Age: 44
Previous Oscar Nominations: Can you believe this is his first nomination? None for Failure to Launch? (But, seriously, he should've been nominated for Magic Mike.)
The Role: As the homophobic, HIV positive Ron Woodroof, McConaughey lost 40 pounds to play the real-life man. Woodroof sought non-FDA approved HIV medications and sold them to other people suffering from the disease in the 1980's.
Why He's Here: One word: McConaissance. The man once known for his golden bod (let's not forget the naked bongo drum playing) and the go-to leading man for every formulaic romantic comedy is now being taken seriously as an actor. After winning the Golden Globe, SAG, and countless other awards, he is also the frontrunner to win an Oscar. Over the past years, it seems that McConaughey has actively sought out roles and films that challenge or excite him. This year alone, in addition to his Oscar-nominated role, he received praise in Mud and The Wolf of Wall Street, showing that he really is stepping up his game as a respected actor. And his turn in Dallas Buyers Club is the sort of role that attracts the Academy's attention. In the film, the sight of such a gaunt McConaughey is almost too shocking to watch. His commitment to the role in full display in his weight lose. But, the film never really connected for me and as good as it is to see McConaughey challenge himself, the performance never really astonishes in the way his physical appearance does.

Will Win: Alright, alright, alright. It's McConaughey for the win
Should Win: That one is tougher to call. I would say Ejiofor or DiCaprio

And the Oscar Goes To...Not These Films

Over at The Film Experience, my fellow contributors and I had another one of our nifty monthly polls. In light of all the fall Film Festivals giving us our first look at Oscar hopefuls (Telluride wrapped up this weekend, the Venice Film Fest wraps up on Saturday, overlapping Toronto which starts tomorrow, and the NYFF starts on September 27 where I'll actually be seeing some films including the Gala Tribute to Cate Blanchett! Man, I'm exhausted just typing all that. That's a lot of festivals. I almost forgot what I was trying to say) this month's poll focused on those films that looked so hopeful on paper or early in the season then went on to disappoint come Oscar time. We bring you the 10 Biggest Awards Season Flops.

The rules were that the film couldn't have received more than 2 nominations and could not have been nominated for Best Picture nor could it have won in any category (which means Nine was not eligible. It received 4 nominations, you guys!) As my own personal rule, I also decided to not include films that were nominated in the acting categories or Director. I found that the films usually fall into two types: Good to great movies that for some reason or other never caught on with voters and films with Oscar buzz that ended up being huge stinkers.

Only 4 from my personal ballot made the list, so I'm sure there were a lot of votes spread out from various films. I had a tough time with my list as usually if a film loses their awards buzz I'll have forgotten it as quickly as an Academy member forgets releases from the early part of the year. I'm surprised by the inclusion of Bobby on the list as I felt like it never had any sort of real potential, awards-wise (Golden Globe nomination, I hear you say. The Tourist and Burlesque, I answer you). I'm also saddened by the spots held by The Crucible and Into the Wild as I really loved those movies at the time and wish they had gotten more Oscar lovin'. Anyway, here is my list:

1. J. Edgar (2011)

2. Beloved (1998)

3. Australia (2008)

4. Zodiac (2007) (which I did the write up for on TFE)

5. The Ides of March (2011)

6. Man on the Moon (1999)

7. All the King's Men (2006)

8. The Ice Storm (1997)

9. Love and Other Drugs (2010)

10. Bright Star (2009)

In conclusion, I leave you with the number one biggest flop as chosen collectively by Team Experience (and it just so happens to have been my choice for #1 as well). A couple years old, but still damn funny:

One of these days, Leo. One of these days...

Shakespeare On Screen: Romeo + Juliet

Guys, I am just beyond excited for Baz Luhrmann's take on The Great Gatsby hitting theatres (in 3D?–oh, I mean, in 3D!!!!!!!! But still, a little bit of a question mark) this Friday! It even made my list of most anticipated films of the summer. So, in honor of Baz's latest, I'm taking a look back at his previous films all this week. That's right everyone. It's Baz Luhrmann week here at The Film's the Thing! Tonight is a look at his second film, the modern day retelling of Shakespeare's tale of star-crossed lovers played by Gatsby himself, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Homeland's Claire Danes (The world's best chin-quivering crier!) This is also the start of a monthly series I hope to do called Shakespeare on Screen. So, let's dive right in–literally–as we take a closer look at Baz's version of the most famous scene from one of Shakespeare's most produced works: The Balcony Pool Scene.

I have to admit, I was not the biggest fan of this movie when it was released back in 1996. I was a precocious teenager (some may say pretentious) when it came to theatre, film, and Shakespeare in general. Growing up in Omaha, my parents used to take us to see the free Shakespeare on the Green every summer. We were studying his work in high school, I felt like it was a subject that I was beginning to have some understanding of. And after seeing a production of Taming of the Shrew set in the Wild West, I had decided I was a purest in regard to the Bard's work and the context in which it was presented. The fact that Baz Luhrmann had set Romeo and Juliet in the present day, with guns and hawaiian shirts was too much for me. But, the thing that did me in at the time was that instead of Juliet wondering where for art her Romeo was from her balcony window, she was flailing about...in a swimming pool! Blasphemous!

As the years have passed, I definitely become more lenient in my Shakespeare adaptions. After all, what would be the point of the same interpretation? The works of Shakespeare have endured for hundreds of years for a reason. They are still being performed because they still have something to say and each new generations finds a new way to present it. What Baz did with his take was to make it relevant to a younger audience that wouldn't be interested in Shakespeare otherwise. With his trademark quick cuts and CM's neon-tinged art direction, he made it seem fresh and new and not some museum piece that would put people to sleep.

But, getting back to the pool scene, it does still feel a little bit like a gimmick. So much about the way he changed the play to fit the world of his film–the prologue being read by a newscaster on the nightly news, the guns having the brand name Sword–works for me. But, putting the two of them in a pool feels like he was trying to do something different just for the sake of doing it. After all, balconies still exist in the modern world.

At the start of the scene, after Romeo has climbed the garden wall, he sees a silhouette at the window of a, yep, balcony. But instead of giving us the traditional setting, Baz winkingly plays with our expectations by making the silhouette at the balcony not belong to Juliet, but to her Nurse (played by British actress, Miriam Margolyes. I didn't even realize it was her until this recent viewing! I thought it was actually a Latina actress. Range!). This bit of comedy, while funny, doesn't set the right tone for the rest of the scene. It's a little like Baz is biting his thumb at us, saying I know what you want and you're not gonna get it.

The reason the balcony exists is to give a barrier between our two lovers otherwise they would just have at each other and there would be no tension, no drama, and nowhere for the story to go. On the commentary of the film, Baz said that the water in the pool, was supposed to create that barrier. But, there's little resistance in a pool and after he said that I noticed that the two made-out and clung to each other for an awfully long time. That water didn't seem to be bothering them at all. Also, how would a pool prevent them from having sex? If reality dating shows have taught us anything, it's that once two people get into a body of water, all beats are off!

Once they're in the pool, the sound of the water and the actors' breathlessness at trying to keep afloat hinders what should always be the essential of any Shakespeare production, regardless of the setting: the text. In casting two young Americans who had virtually no prior experience with Shakespeare, they already had their work cut out for them. But he seems to be doing them a disservice by putting extra obstacles in their way. Although both game, sometimes the text does get away from the actors and the words sound a little jarring coming from such flat, nasally voices. Danes fairs better than DiCaprio in this scene and I love the flirtatious way she delivers the line, "Nor any other part belonging to a man."
Of the few scenes that Romeo and Juliet actually share together, this is the only one in the film that relies heavily on the text. Most of the others are more visual and I find their initial meeting at the Ball to be more romantic then this scene. But the two have chemistry and their youthful energy makes up for a lot. And to an entire generation, the balcony scene will always be associated with the two floating about in a pool.

A Year In Advance Oscar Predictions 2013: Best Actor

I'm back!!!! Hello, is anyone out there? I know, I had given up hope that I would get to blogging again as well. But, here I am! I'm gonna try to blog at least once a week, so please stay with me. Also, that post about Edward Scissorhands couldn't be the last thing I did on here...

By now, everyone is aware of how the Oscars went down this past Sunday. So here's a brief recap: Seth McFarlane brought in younger viewers...but at what cost, I ask you? Everyone hates Annie Hathaway still–as a person, not an actress–and she was upstaged by her dress's weird nipple darts. Christoph Waltz won his 2nd Best Supporting Actor Oscar for a lead role and kinda doing the same thing he did in Inglorious Bastards. J.Law fell on the way to get her Oscar and the world (and by world, I mean the internets)  has decided that they have a new best friend who can do no wrong. DDL won his 3rd Best Actor Oscar and was funny, y'all! Meanwhile, Meryl Streep presented it to him all the while wondering why it took 30 years for her to get her third and only 5 measly years for D-Day. Sexist. Argo is now the Driving Miss Daisy of our time, being the first film since that gem to win Best Picture without a Best Director Nomination. But, Affleck still won, so...bygones. Whew. But, I never wrote anything about this past Oscar season, so let's pretend like it never happened. Agreed? Good.

But I'm not here to talk about the films of 2012, that's so last year. That's right, it's time to look ahead to next year's Oscars with my annual Year in Advance Oscar Predictions for acting! You can read all about how well I did this past year here and here. Let's just say Daniel Day-Lewis and Annie were both there. Just don't pay attention to that Best Actress category...yikes. Let's get started! I'll do Lead Actor in this post and come back this week for Actress and the Supporting categories.

Best Actor

Bruce Dern Nebraska

Leonardo DiCaprio The Wolf of Wall Street

Chiwetel Ejiofor Twelve Years a Slave

Tom Hanks Captain Phillips

Matthew McConaughey Dallas Buyers Club

Bruce Dern Nebraska 

The Role: Oscar favorite director, Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants) returns to his home state (I bet you can't guess what it is) in this father-son road trip film. Bruce Dern plays the distant, booze-soaked patriarch that journeys with his son (played by–wait for it–SNL's Will Forte! Did not see that one coming) from Montana to Nebraska to pick up the winnings of Publisher's Clearing House. Those giant checks are a bitch to mail. Along the way, they stop in the small town in Nebraska that Dern's character grew up in. And I don't want to spoil anything, but I'm guessing lessons are learned.

Why Him: Payne's past films have been showcases for Best Actor, picking up nominations for George Clooney, Jack Nicholson (About Schmidt), and Paul Giammati. The former Oscar nominee (Best Supporting Actor Coming Home) and father of Oscar nominee, Laura Dern, is one of those respected actors that have made a career in charactery, supporting parts. A nomination here in lead would be, in a way, an acknowledgement of his entire career which began in the early 60's. 

Are we sure this isn't a still from Revolutionary Road?

Leonardo DiCaprio The Wolf of Wall Street 

The Role: DiCaprio and Marty Scorsese team up for the fifth time in this true-life story based on the memoir of Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker in the 90's who served jail time because he refused to cooperate in a huge securities fraud case involving corruption and involvement with the mob (well, it wouldn't by Scorsese without the mob).

Why Him: The three-time Oscar nominee has yet to win and has missed out on his past two bids with J. Edgar and Django Unchained. Leo is one of those actors that does weighty, Oscary roles that don't always payoff (see those 2 mentioned films. Then again, you can skip J.Edgar), but I always predict him to be nominated because a) he really wants it and b) he's actually good. One of these days he's actually gonna win. And this may be a good year for him if May's The Great Gatsby also turns out well. Then again, there's rumors that he'll go full frontal in the film and that there's lots of graphic sex scenes. Oscar tends to be weary of male's being sexualized (poor Michael Fassbender and Matthew McConaughey), so we'll just have to see how the reception is when the film comes out.

Chiwetel Ejiofor Twelve Years a Slave

The Role: The real-life story of Solomon Northup, a freed slave in New York in the early 1800's who was kidnapped and sold into slavery for, well, 12 years in Louisiana. His story was written as a memoir that became a best-seller at the time. Steve McQueen (Hunger, Shame) directs the film with a cast that includes Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, and everyone's favorite puppy-purse-carrying, youngest Best Actress nominee, Quvenzhane Wallis.

Why Him: And you thought Quvenzhane was hard to pronounce...it's Chew-It-Tell Edge-Oh-For. And the British star of stage and screen already has 3 Golden Globe nominations, won an Independent Spirit Award, and is an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for drama...so, yeah, he's got some acting chops. He may not be a name that people know, but I'm guessing that with this role, which seems tailor-made for Oscar, it could be his first shot at wider recognition and his first chance at a nomination.

Ready to board the HMS Oscar

Tom Hanks Captain Phillips

The Role: Oscar nominated director (and director of the last two Matt Damon-starring Bourne films), Paul Greengrass works with Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips, the real-life story (I'm beginning to sense a theme. Oscar loves a true story) of the 2009 hijacking of an American cargo ship by Somali pirates. He offered himself as a hostage and was rescued by the Navy Seals.  

Why Him: The Academy used to love Tom Hanks. Hell, America loved Tom Hanks. And it's not that we don't love the two-time Best Actor Oscar winner any less. It's just that he hasn't really done much lately that reminds us why we love him. His last Oscar nomination was way back in 2000 for Castaway. But, Hanks playing a real-life hero, shot in the gritty style of Greengrass seems like exactly the type of thing that will welcome him back to the Oscars. Hanks is also playing Walt Disney this year in Saving Mr. Banks. Playing the most Oscar nominated person in history could do the trick as well, but I'm giving the edge to this film.

Guys, THIS is McConaughey. Who knew?

Matthew McConaughey Dallas Buyers Club

The Role: Loosely based on the (you guessed it) true story of Ron Woodroof, a womanizing, boozer, who contracts AIDS in the 1980's. He starts taking an alternative treatment not yet approved by the FDA and with the help of his doctor (played by Jennifer Garner) starts selling the treatments to other patients to give them a chance at a longer life.

Why Him: Alright, alright, alright...2012 marked everyone's favorite shirtless bongo player as more than just the male lead in every bad rom-com, but as the gifted, diverse actor we all thought he would be after A Time to Kill. With Killer Joe and his shoulda been nominated performance in Magic Mike, we began to see that he was capable of more. He just had to realize it for himself. And 2013, should be the year that he's rewarded with his first nomination. McConaughey lost over 30 pounds to play the dying man and if there's something Oscar loves more than a true-life story, it's a physical transformation that shows a dedication to the craft. Good notices in the Sundance film Mud and a supporting role in Wolf of Wall Street should only help in making 2013 the year of McConaughey: Serious Actor. 

Other Contenders: Christian Bale Out of the Furnace, Daniel Bruhl The Fifth Estate, Idris Elba Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Michael B. Jordan Fruitvale

Epically Epic: Titanic

100 years ago today, the Titanic made history as the unsinkable ship hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. And ever since that fateful day, people–and Hollywood–have been fascinated by this tragic event. Just 29 days after the sinking, a silent film was released called Saved From the Titanic starring actress Dorothy Gibson, who actually survived the incident. That was just the beginning of countless film and television movies have been made since about the tragedy (including the latest that aired last night and tonight on ABC from Downton Abby's Julian Fellowes. The first season of Downton even begins with the event.) But, the most poplar telling of the story, by far, is James Cameron's 1997 film that won 11 Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and became the highest grossing film of all-time (it has since been replaced by another Cameron film, Avatar). 

I saw the film the day that it opened on December 19, 1997. Thanks to her performances in Sense and Sensibility and Heavenly Creatures, I was a huge Kate Winslet fan already and told my friends that we had to see her latest performance in Titanic as soon as possible. I was in High School at the time and the film definitely had a huge impact on me. I lost count how many times I saw it in the theatre (it's somewhere around 12) and I don't even know how many times I've seen it in total. I haven't seen the theatrical release in 3-D that just came out, yet. But, I plan on it. Even though over the past 15 years it has become fashionable to bash the film (I'll admit, the dialogue isn't the best, but it's a lot better than Avatar's), it still has a hold on me as a film lover.

"Just pretend you're listening to James and then, when he's not looking, run..."

In honor of the 100th anniversary, I decided it would be a perfect time to take another look at the film. (It's also the start of a monthly series I'm starting called Epically Epic, in which I'll explore some of cinema's most sweeping epics. Next month Giant). So, join me as we explore the film that launched Leo and Kate's careers into the stratosphere, revolutionized the way computer graphics were used in film, and gave us a song so good, it makes Kate wanna puke...

Are you ready to go back to Titanic?

A Year in Advance Oscar Predictions 2012 Part 2: Supporting

The Supporting Categories are always a bit difficult to predict. Last year, I didn't even get a single one of my Supporting Actress Nominees right. I did have Viola Davis there, but she was nominated in Lead (that counts, right?). And that's the problem with Supporting. You never know how big the part is going be or if the actor is feeling they have a better shot at a nomination if they campaign in a certain category regardless of screen time. Ethan Hawke is the main character in Training Day, but he was nominated in Supporting to make way for Denzel in Lead. We'll have to wait and see where my picks land next year, but I'm feeling good about these. Take a look:

Best Supporting Actor

Bryan Cranston Argo

Russell Crowe Les Misérables

Tom Cruise Rock of Ages

Leonardo DiCaprio Django Unchained

Christopher Walken Seven Psychopaths

Bryan Cranston Argo The Role: I'm not really sure. IMDB lists his name as Jack O'Donnell, so that's helpful. But, the movie is the true life story of the rescue of 6 US diplomats held hostage in Iran in 1979. The United States and Canada collaborated to get them back by posing as a film crew scouting locations for a fictional film. Why Him: Well, it could really be anyone from this movie. (Alan Arkin is my second choice from this film.) This is Ben Affleck's third time as a director and both his previous films brought Supporting nominations (Amy Ryan for Gone Baby Gone and Jeremy Renner for The Town). But, I ultimately decided on Cranston because I feel like it's his time. He already has three Emmys for Breaking Bad, but has never received an Oscar nom. He was great in last year's Drive and this year appears in 5 films. This category was made for character actors and he's the man of the moment.
Russell Crowe Les Misérables The Role: 'And I am–Javert. Do not forget my name. Do not forget me, 24601!' He plays the inspector, Javert, who spends his life tracking down Jean Valjean. Why Him: In the early 2000's, Crowe was that rare combination of movie star and real actor. His Best Actor Oscar win for 2000's Gladiator seemed like a promise of things to come. But, he hasn't been nominated since 2001's A Beautiful Mind. Part of the problem is Crowe, himself. His temper and pompousness started to turn a lot of people off. It had looked like he was on his way to a nom for Cinderella Man, but then he had to go and throw a phone at a hotel clerk. That was 7 years ago, I feel like Hollywood is ready to embrace him again. Also, Javert is a great part–even better than Valjean, in my opinion. He's doing something new by appearing in a musical and he has a great number, 'Stars', that's an emotional powerhouse. 
Tom Cruise Rock of Ages The Role: Stacee Jaxx, a larger than life musical superstar in the film version of the Broadway musical. Why Him: The musical is set in the 80's and the songs used are all the songs you love from that decade (Journey! Bon Jovi!)–nothing about it really appeals to me. The only reason I'm predicting this role being nominated is because it's Cruise playing it. He's come a long way past the whole jumping on Oprah's couch incident. He had a huge hit with Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, showing that he's still a big name draw. And his role in Tropic Thunder, which brought him a Golden Globe nomination, displayed a new side to him and showed he was ready to have fun. The three-time Oscar nominee has never won. I think people will be excited about him in such a different part and that the Academy will feel the need to reward him.
Leonardo DiCaprio Django Unchained The Role: DiCaprio steps out of his comfort zone playing the villain in Quentin Tarantino's latest. He's a sadistic plantation owner in the deep south who owns the titular character's wife. Why Him: Like Cruise, this three-time nominee has never won an Oscar. Long considered to be one of the best actors of his generation, many feel he's overdue. He was even being predicted for a nom for last year's snoozefest, J. Edgar, even after the film got bad reviews. Luckily, the Academy came to their senses and a nomination didn't happen. Christmas Day 2012 is a big day for the actor who not only has this film, but the title role in The Great Gatsby also being released. Two such high-profile roles are sure to be noticed, but I'm leaning toward Django for the fact that it's something we've never seen from him before and Tarantino has a way of getting actors nominated. 
Christopher Walken Seven Psychopaths The Role: A criminal named Hans that kidnaps a dog from a powerful gangster (Woody Harrelson). Why Him: Walken is teaming up on writer/director Martin McDonagh's second film. The two worked together on the Broadway play, A Behanding in Spokane, which brought Walken a Tony nomination. The combination of McDonagh's black comedy and Walken's...weirdness are a perfect pair. His surprise second nomination for Catch Me If You Can shows that the Academy likes Walken. I think they wouldn't mind giving him another nomination in something.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams The Master

Samantha Barks Les Misérables

Annette Bening Imogene

Sally Field Lincoln

Anne Hathaway Les Misérables

Amy Adams The Master The Role: Mary Sue Dodd, wife to Philip Seymour Hoffman's religious leader. Why Her: With three nominations in this category over the past 7 years, it's safe to say the Academy likes her (they really like her–Sorry, Sally Field, stole your line). And playing the long- suffering wife (I'm just guessing the role is long-suffering. I'm also guessing she has an affair with Joaquin Phoenix's drifter character who becomes her husband's right-hand man) is one of the guaranteed ways of getting a nomination in this category. I was really skeptical of Adams taking on such a tough character in The Fighter after playing so many innocent ingenues, but I think she really pulled it off and showed her versatility. Working with Hoffman and director Paul Thomas Anderson are a really great way of showing what she's capable of.

Samantha Barks Les Misérables The Role: Eponine, the tragic waif whose love of Marius goes unrequited.  Why Her: Because it's not Taylor Swift! I've actually written a lot about the casting of this character because it really is the breakout role. When people think of Les Miz, I feel like Eponine and her song, 'On My Own', are the first things that come to mind. It's character we can all relate to. Who hasn't been in love with someone who didn't feel the same way? And when you're young, it seems like the most important thing in the world. I'm not really familiar with Miss Barks as an actress, but I'm glad that a musical theatre performer is playing this role. The Academy loves to honor young actresses in this category and give a nomination to a fresh face. This year, I think that part will be fulfilled here.

Annette Bening Imogene The Role: The gambling addict mother who has to take custody of her daughter (Academy Award Nominee, Kristen Wiig) after she fakes a suicide. Why Her: Because The Bening has never won! (Luckily, Bening-award-thief, Hilary Swank is nowhere to be seen this year.) The four-time nominee is highly regarded, but just can't seem to actually win the damn thing. Bening is usually seen as a very serious actress, so it'll be fun to see her cut loose with this trashy, comedic character. And having Wiig onboard after the huge success of Bridesmaids will only help her chances. I just hope she wins soon. Living in a world where Annette Bening doesn't have an Oscar just seems wrong.

Sally Field Lincoln The Role: Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Lincoln. She sat next to her husband at his assassination and may have suffered bipolar disorder. See, I told you the long-suffering wife role is a reoccurring theme. Why Her: After a six year absence from film, the two-time Best Actress Oscar winner is making her way back to the big screen. It seemed like we lost her to television and Boniva commercials. Along with the sure-to-be summer blockbuster The Amazing Spiderman, Field is back to dramatic work with this role in Spielberg's film. I'm not sure how large the role will be in the film, but I feel like Sally as Mary Todd Lincoln is pretty great casting. The combination of Field, the subject material, and the film's high-profile, I think, will be hard to ignore. 

Anne Hathaway Les Misérables The Role: The poor, young mother, Fantine, who turns to prostitution to support her daughter. Why Her: The hooker with a heart of gold is another character in the Oscar wheelhouse. And this one (thanks to Susan Boyle) has another popular song to sing–'I Dreamed a Dream'. I feel like as a teenager you identify with Eponine, but as you get older you sympathize with Fantine. It's not just love that's a struggle, but all of life. 'Now life has killed the dream I dreamed'. And Miss Annie Hathaway, who will be bringing those lyrics to life, will be having a big year. In addition to Les Miz, she's also starring as Catwoman/Selina Kyle in a little film you may have heard of called The Dark Knight Rises, which will only raise her profile more. The one-time Oscar host (oh, god, why!? At least she tried her best. I blame Franco) and one-time nominee has been showcasing her singing voice on the ceremony for a couple years now. It was only a matter of time before she did a musical. The role of Fantine will certainly showcase both her singing and acting chops. Plus, over the past four years, this category has honored two actresses from the same movie. I'm fine with having Annie back at the Oscars, but keep her away from hosting duties... 

'I'm just a little confused why I haven't won yet. I'm really good.'

10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2012

It's the start of a new year-a time to look forward at what the year will bring. And it's looking like 2012 will bring, well, more of what we've come to expect at the movies. There's sequels (Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2) and superheroes (The Avengers) and sometimes both within the same film (The Dark Knight Rises). A pair of rival Snow Whites (Mirror, Mirror and Snow White and the Huntsman) will try to determine who is really the fairest of them all. (We all know Charlize is the answer to that!) And it seems modern twists on fairy tales (Jack the Giant Killer and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters) will definitely be having a moment. Two very different Abraham Lincoln's will be hitting the screen uniting the union (Spielberg's Lincoln) and...fighting vampires (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter). And that's just a sampling of what we have to look forward to. Join me as I present my 10 most anticipated movies of 2012 (in alphabetical order).

Anna Karenina 

(dir. Joe Wright) Fall 2012

The oft filmed Tolstoy classic is back! Watch out for trains...The famous tragic heroine has already been played by Greta Garbo, Vivien Leigh, and Sophie Marceau, just to name a few. So, why do we need another version? Well, this past year proved with Cary Fukunaga's Jane Eyre that good directors and new actors can bring a fresh take on a classic. And this new Anna Karenina comes to us courtesy of director Joe Wright (Atonement, Hanna), his muse, Keira Knightley, along with Jude Law and Aaron Johnson, working from a screenplay by Tom Stoppard. I got excited just typing that. This is Knightley and Wright's third film collaboration (he's also directed her in Chanel Commercials). Their first, Pride and Prejudice, brought a rustic beauty and lived-in, natural quality to what could have been a stuffy costume drama and also brought Knightley a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Perhaps the third time is the charm for Oscar...

Brave

(dir. Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman) June 22, 2012

Let's be honest, 2011 was not a very good year for animation. Rango was kinda weird and boring. And the scale of the characters to their environment and inconsistency on things annoyed me. Kung Fu Panda 2 was visually beautiful and fun, but felt a little like a rehash of the first film. The only Pixar movie I haven't seen is Cars. I can now add Cars 2 to that list. It seemed like the rest of America felt the same because, although successful, it is Pixar's least profitable film. Hopefully they can rebound with their 2012 offering, Brave. The film is a couple of firsts for Pixar. It's their first attempt at a fairy tale. The first time a woman has been at the helm (Chapman was replaced with Andrews late in production, but both are given credit). And it's the first time that the main character is a female. It's the story of Princess Merida in the ancient highlands of Scotland who makes a choice that affects her kingdom. With her archery skills, she must set things right. My favorite Disney animated films are the fairy tale stories (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled) so it'll be interesting to see Pixar's take on something so distinctly Disney. And the visuals are gorgeous.

Cloud Atlas

(dir. Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, and Lana Wachowski) October 2012

The directors of Run, Lola, Run and The Matrix films seem like a perfect match. In the late 90's, both films felt like something new and exciting. Bringing an entirely different approach to how a film can look visually. Over ten years later, their influence can still be seen in films today. For 2012, the three have paired up to make an ambitious film. Cloud Atlas is based on the novel by David Mitchell. Six different yet interconnecting stories span time and countries. Oscar winners, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent and Susan Sarandon join Hugo Weaving, Ben Whishaw, and Hugh Grant. Each play multiple characters that cover different genders and races. The whole thing sounds so crazy. It could either be a disaster or, if they pull it off, a masterpiece. Here's hoping for the latter.

The Hunger Games, Les Miserables, and more after the jump...

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:

But Imagine It In 3-D

Two official photos have been released of Baz Lurhmann's Australian filmed, 3-D extravagance of a required book from your high school English class. And, my, are they pretty:

"Tobey, doesn't Long Island look suspiciously like the set of Moulin Rouge..."

"Leo-can we talk about how bad J. Edgar was? But, don't speak-just hold me..."

I've always been a big fan of Baz Luhrmann's films. (Have I mentioned that I saw Moulin Rouge! six times in the theatre? I even like Australia more than most people. Although, do people talk about or even remember that movie? I bet if you asked Nicole Kidman about it she'd really have to rack her brain to recall anything.) What I love about his films are they're all distinctly his vision. He has a visual style that is unmistakable. I love how he's not afraid to make something lushly beautiful and wonderfully theatrical. So, it will be interesting to see what he does with The Great Gatsby. It's really the first time that he hasn't created his own world. He's working within the constraints of the novel. (Even though he didn't write Romeo + Juliet, it's definitely his own version. He took that story and put his twist on it.) From what I can tell, Gatsby, appears to be a more straight forward rendition. Oh, except for that whole filming in 3-D thing. You gotta hand it to a man that is using a technique usually reserved for animation and action films and apply it to an adult drama based on a classic American masterpiece. Baz certainly makes the film he wants to make. I'm just glad I get to experience them...