Jacqui's take on the oscars

BEST PICTURE:
The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight In Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

I am going with the "The Help" as my will win and  "The Artist" as my should win. Both of these movies stand out for me because they were both had something unique to offer the audience. "The Help" shows a time in US history when race relations was complicated but the movie does it without being preachy or being political. It was very refreshing to see.



"The Artist" is a silent movie. Do I need to say more? There hasn't been a movie like this since 1950s is my understanding. Along with a cast of amazing ensemble actors, I am hoping this one gave the CPAs a couple long nights. 

BEST ACTOR:
Demian Bichir-A Better Life
George Clooney-The Descendants
Jean Dujardin-The Artist
Gary Oldman-Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Brad Pitt-Moneyball

Sorry Gary Oldman gets this one hands down. This was a nomination for body of work. This is a guy who can play anything and everything. The movie itself was a ensemble piece where it was hard for him to truly standout.  The other actors up there aren't what I would call "Fantastic" in their roles.



BEST ACTRESS:
Glenn Close-Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis-The Help
Rooney Mara-The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep-The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams-My Week With Marilyn

Viola Davis for the Win. Rooney Mara for the should. Both were amazing in their roles. Davis gets a slight edge for me because she played a central role.




BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Kenneth Branagh-My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill-Moneyball
Nick Nolte-Warrior
Christopher Plummer-Beginners
Max Von Sydow-Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

See Gerard's review. Pretty much, he is amazing in a very complicated role. The movie itself had issues but he anchored it.



BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Berenice Bejo-The Artist
Jessica Chastain-The Help
Melissa McCarthy-Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer-Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer-The Help

In agreement with Gerard.


BEST DIRECTOR:
The Artist-Michel Hazanavicius
The Descendants-Alexander Payne
Hugo-Martin Scorsese
Midnight In Paris-Woody Allen
The Tree Of Life-Terrence Malick


Again, "The Artist" is truly unique. Has to win for the vision of the movie.

Midnight in Paris was also great. Its my underdog. For the love of god, don't give it to Malick.