Commentary: 2012 Academy Awards (Predictions)

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2012 marks the very first year that I have successfully managed to watch every film that's up for consideration in the Academy Awards Best Picture category. That means I am now fully prepared for fooling people into believing that I know what I'm talking about. Whether a personal favorite wins or loses, it's always fun to make a guessing game out of Hollywood's biggest night. So without further adieu, here are my predictions for the films and respective people that will win a naked golden man trophy.

Writing (Original Screenplay)

Woody Allen's habit of turning down ceremony invitations had me wondering about The Academy possibly snubbing him out of thin-skinned retaliation. I could see that happening to young blood, but I think Allen has too much respect from his peers to have that happen to him. Midnight in Paris is a wonderful screenplay that deserves an award and I think it will get one with or without Allen's presence.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

I was impressed with Moneyball's success with adapting subject matter for a niche audience into a drama that outsiders can appreciate.

Visual Effects

Although I felt Rise of the Planet of the Apes was overrated in the visual effects department, it seems to have enough favoritism to make it the front runner. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 might give it a run for its money, but that's all it will amount to.

Sound Editing and Sound Mixing

These are actually two separate categories but the awards usually go to the same winner anyway. I'm going with Transformers: Dark of the Moon because the Academy loves loud stuff. (As you can see, I put a lot of thought into these answers.)

Music (Original Song)

"Life's a Happy Song" should be the real winner but Bret McKenzie's Oscar will be for the second best song from The Muppets. "Man or Muppet" for the win.

Music (Original Score)

This category always drives me crazy because The Academy usually chooses films that have almost no original score at all or ones that hint that the Academy doesn't understand the difference between "songs" and "scores". From what I understand, the voting process is open to all Academy members; even those who have never worked in the music department. So maybe I'm not far off. Having said that, if the projected winner (Ludovic Bource) takes the trophy, I won't be upset because the context of a silent movie makes his work challenging and successful results very noticeable.

Makeup

The makeup award usually goes to movies that have weird looking creatures. There are plenty in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, right Potter fans? Throw me a hint here, people. I've got nothing.

Oops. Wrong movie.

Foreign Language Film

A Separation is the only foreign picture being talked about in the U.S. mainstream press. So it wins.

Film Editing

I project a close race between The Artist and Hugo with The Artist barely edging out.

Directing

It's rare for the director of the Best Picture Winner not to receive his reward.

Costume Design

Mark Bridges probably had some fun on this project. The Artist wins again.

Art Direction

I would give it to Hugo but something tells me The Artist has this one locked up.

Cinematography

If The Tree of Life doesn't win this, art is dead. Okay, maybe not dead. But it will definitely get its feelings hurt.

Animated Feature Film

With Pixar out of the running, this category has become interesting for the first time in a long time. I'm going with Rango because it's well respected by the critics and the masses.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Octavia Spencer because of her many memorable scenes in The Help. Melissa McCarthy is only there to help prolong the affirmative action campaign to get more females in comedic starring roles.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Jonah Hill isn't quite ready yet but I'm happy for his success nonetheless. I bet even he wasn't expecting this honor to come so soon. Max von Sydow was solid in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. But I think Christoper Plummer will win because the media is manipulating me into feeling foolish for choosing anyone else.

Actress in a Leading Role

Nothing against Viola Davis, but she clearly did not play a lead role. That will cost her come consideration. Meryl Streep has the biggest producer-backed campaign but she's being taking for granted at this point. I'm going against the odds by choosing Michelle Williams.

Actor in a Leading Role.

George Clooney's big night has finally arrived.

Best Picture

Everyone and their ancestors are choosing The Artist and so will I.

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal will appear in a sketch opener where he occupies the worlds of all nine Best Picture nominees. This will be followed by a musical number monologue. He will then more or less disappear for the remainder of the night.