We waited on this for a long time, I’m not sure why. That’s right, it’s Oscar pick time. Frankly, I was never too thrilled with the nominations this year, and I’m not even sure if I’m going to watch this year. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to give you readers what you deserve. And that means my picks. So, here they are:
I’m just going to do the big awards, because I don’t think anyone really cares what I think about the other awards anyway.
Supporting Actress – Penelope Cruz
This is always the hardest category to call. I mean, Viola Davis was great but was only in the film for a scene. Taraji P. Henson was good in Benjamin Button, the only best picture nom. out of these women. But Penelope Cruz has gotten a lot of praise for her work and even won the BAFTA. I think it’s going to her.
Supporting Actor – Heath Ledger
Duh. I do think it’s nice that Robert Downey Jr. got himself a nomination, but this is in the bag for Ledger.
Lead Actress – Kate Winslet
She’s due, right? That’s what they say. Meryl Streep gets nominated for every role she takes, and Anne Hathaway got plenty of praise for her performance, but I think it’s got to be Winselt.
Lead Actor – Mickey Rourke
So this is the big award of the night. Sean Penn v. Mickey Rourke. Neither of them have done much to win over the Academy. Now I respect what Penn did in Milk, but I still truly believe that Mickey Rourke was miles beyond what everyone else was doing this year. Most years. If he doesn’t win this award, I’m going to be quite disappointed.
Best Director – Gus Van Sant
Uh, I’m pretty much flipping a coin here. It’s going to be GVS or Danny Boyle. I choose Van Sant because, well, I liked Milk more than I liked Slumdog Millionaire. But I could easily got either way.
Best Picture – Slumdog Millionaire
I firmly believe Milk is the best film out of all these nominees. But Slumdog, now this is a film that has a strong enough following behind it to take the win. Everyone thinks it’s the greatest thing ever.