The Oscar quest...and my picks

It began months ago...

Sometimes...you're lucky and you end up seeing a few by accident. But most of the time, you have to wait for the list to come. And then...it begins.

Many hours later, you might have an opinion or two. But can you really call anything that is art the best? I believe it was Dustin Hoffman who brought this to everyone's attention when he won his first best actor award for his performance in Kramer vs. Kramer. And I tend to agree with him. At the end of the Sunday night, you won't be seeing the best walk away with shiny gold naked men.

The best of the best in any art form is what the individual viewer or listener prefers. And there is a lot of people with a lot of opinions and tastes.

Why is the Academy the group that gets all the attention? I don't know.

But based on what they said...here is what I would do if I was voting.

***note...due to limited funds I was unable to see everything. I hope to catch a few more before Sunday at 8pm. My picks could change before then. If you are in a pool, do not use my opinion to try and win a few bucks.****

For best actress in a supporting role...the envelope please.
Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener. I don't quite understand how she is a supporting performer. She is THE WOMAN in the film. I would say more about her performance...but this is a thriller filled with lots of twists and turns. I fear that any extra information would spoil someone's viewing pleasure.

For best actor in a supporting role...the envelope please.
I love love love Paul Giamatti. He has been screwed countless times over the years. He is a treasure to spend a few hours with. That being said my pick is...
George Clooney for Syriana. He is one of the few real "stars" that we have. He could do his thing in any era. Reminds me a lot of Bogart...but with much better range. Many will argue with me that he always plays George Clooney. I disagree. He is constantly challenging himself and doing the broadest range of material. And he hit one out of the park with this one.

For best actress in a motion picture...the envelope please.
Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line. Normally, I am not a fan. Too much of that warm and fuzzy romantic comedy garbage. There is no need to fill the void left by Meg Ryan. But, it does get you job security. But...she and Joaquin saved this movie. It was filled with so many stupid and predictable moments. Shit that just made everything fit nicely together. Although I didn't know him, I am sure that Johnny Cash's life didn't play out that way. I thank god that Ms. Witherspoon burst on to the screen with pure grace and humor...and a killer singing voice. When you act and sing well, you get the nod from me always.

For best actor in a motion picture...the envelope please.
Playing a real person is a skill. Playing a real person well is remarkable. I give Reese the actress award because she saved the movie about a music god from sucking. But I won't be so kind to Joaquin. Or to Phillip Seymour or Mr. Strathairn. So that narrows down the list for me to two people.

Terrance Howard in Hustle and Flow or Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain?

The pimp or the gay cowboy?

I have to go with the gay cowboy.
Heath Ledger is just...simply amazing. I still get chills when I think about the performance.
Of all the nominees, this is the only one that I would have called the best of the year even without the list.

And finally...the best picture

BATMAN BEGINS!!!!!

But since that isn't nominated...

Brokeback Mountain. It is the perfect example of what should be the norm in films.

Unfortunately more often then not, we are stuck with hacks making crappy remakes of horror movies that weren't that good when they were first made. And if not, PG13 movies with lots of farting.

Maybe the people shouldn't have the power. They are the ones that keep letting these things get made. If you don't go, it might stop. The more you spend on it, the more the cycle will continue.

Sounds like the war on terrorism. Hmmm.

posted by HOOTEE @ 10:50 PM