Computer Problems..

will delay my final predicitons until tommorow morning, noon at the latest, at least until I can get a new charger for my lap top. On a happier note, I am in D.C. for the innauguration ! Luckily I had the forsight to make the trip here on wednsday, and to make super early reservations at the hotel.
Either way I hope you oscar watchers are ready for tommorow...with a new era in american history and my final predix coming, you would be forgiven for being crazy with excitement.

-T.J.P

FINAL Oscar Predictions to come on Monday

Even with the news that the nominations announcement will be on Thursday this year, I am going to follow the great Kris Tapley's example of posting them on Monday as I had planned.
You only live once, right ? So I'm going with my gut feelings for the rest of the year, and I hope to have fun doing it.

Meditations.... On the BAFTA Nominations and the BAFTAS in General

BAFTAs have never really held that much importance to me. Maybe because of how different the British culture and way of thinking is compared to here in the U.S., maybe it's because I dont have BBC and, thus, cannot view them ever. One thing I am sure of, however, is the fact that the Orange Film Awards, or whatever they call them, are frequently a pretty good prognosticator of what is to come on Oscar night. Last year, both Marion Cottilard and Tilda Swinton were first awarded at the baftas along with Daniel Day-Lewis and Javier Bardem. In case you werent counting thats a 4-4 matchup in the acting categories. They also awarded Forest Whitaker, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Jamie Foxx in the three years before that, and in the Best Actress category, the Brits awarded both Helen Mirren and Reese Witherspoon matching with Oscar the last three years running. In the supporting categories the Baftas and Oscar both agreed over Alan Arkin and Javier Bardem the last two years, and the only time the two bodies disagreed on Supporting Actress since 2001 was in 2005 when Rachel Weisz recieved a lead actress nod instead of supporting.
Now, Best Director has been split up frequently between the Oscars and BAFTA, only matching up 3 times in the last decade, agreeing upon the Coen Bros. last year, Ang Lee in 2005 and Roman Polanski in 2002. So that is a category best left up to the DGA.

Finally, the Best Picture is...wait, Best Film ? Either way BAFTA can be confusing on this one. With three Best Film awards handed out each year, for Best Film, Best English Film and Best Film In A foreign Language, it can be very hard to find simmilarities with the Oscars, only agreeing 4 times since Shakespeare In Love won in '98. what does this mean ?

When it comes to Acting, BAFTA and OSCAR are best buds, but anywhere else, they always find a way to split up.

So..here are my thoughts on this year's BAFTA nominees. In the major categories only...for now.

Best Film

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
“Frost/Nixon”

“Milk”

“The Reader”

“Slumdog Millionaire”

Basically, this year has been boring as shit for movies if the same 4 keep getting nominated. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk and Slumdog Millionaire are getting nominations. I'd stake anything on that fact. Well...not anything, but I'm pretty sure about it.

The Reader's inclusion does not suprise me at all, as I predicted it yesterday, but even though I did predict a Dark Knight snub I didnt expect it. I still say it makes it on Tuesday morning though.

Slumdog Millionaire takes this with ease, with more than ease. I'd just give the movie it's award now, so as to not make viewers waste their time.

I'm calling for a Slumdog Sweep, right here and now, you heard it here first.

Best Director

Clint Eastwood, “Changeling”

Dvid Fincher, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Ron Howard, “Frost/Nixon”

Stephen Daldry, “The Reader”

Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire”

This category shocked me. I loved Changeling but I did not expect at all that Clint would get a nod for it, and Ron Howard's inclusion was one I should have forseen. Instead, I opted for Sam Mendes and Chris Nolan. Why ? Because they are two beloved British directors. Duh..

On a side note, is it just me or is The reader building momentum ? Watch out for it, it could be the dark horse.

Just give it to Danny Boyle already, we all know that we're going to see a Slumdog sweep.

Best Actor

Frank Langella, “Frost/Nixon”

Dev Patel, “Slumdog Millionaire”

Sean Penn, “Milk”

Brad Pitt, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”

I completely bombed these in my predix, only forseeing Langella and Penn making it in, along with Leo DiCaprio, Michael Sheen and Michael Fassbinder. When I saw the long lists, I cant believe that I didnt suspect that both TCCoBB and The Wrestler would score acting nods. And most suprising, pleasant but suprising, was Dev Patel making it in. This clearly means that Slumdog is this years Belle of the ball.

I'm gonna have a bit of fun and predict that Dev Patel steals this as part of that Slumdog sweep I was talking about. His performance wasnt he best in the group, but he benefits from being the lead in not only 2008's best picture front runner, but the lead in a british best picture front runner.

Best Actress

Angelina Jolie, “Changeling”

Kristin Scott Thomas, “I’ve Loved You So Long”

Meryl Streep, “Doubt”

Kate Winslet, “The Reader”

Kate Winslet, “Revolutionary Road”

Hmm. do you think they like Kate Winslet ? I did pretty well actually in this one, sensing that Kate would get in twice for her roles, and also picking out Meryl streep and Krisitn scott Thomas. The only gal I missed was Angie, thinking that "Of course Happy-Go-lucky will get a ton of BAFTA love, freakin' Mike Leigh directed it, how could it not." Well, needless to say, but Sally aint a Happy-Go-Lucky girl right now. The BAFTAs were supposed to be hers to lose, and I bet that seeing her film entirely pimp-slapped didnt help either.

Kate takes it, but for which film ? I liked her better in Rev Road, but I'm thinking she'll win for the movie also nominated for Picture and Director.

Best Supporting Actor

Robert Downey Jr, “Tropic Thunder”

Brendan Gleeson, “In Bruges”

Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Doubt”

Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight”

Brad Pitt, “Burn After Reading”

Well, kudos to me for picking Ledger and Gleeson at least. Apologies go out to Eddie Marsan, Peter O'Toole and especially David Kross, who I was dying to see get a little attention this year for his great english speaking debut in The Reader. On the bright side, I love these nominees, their so fun arent they ? Downey was a riot, I loved Gleason, Ledger was iconic yet again, Hoffman was amzing as always, and Pitt.. I've never seen the guy have so much fun on celluloid, this even tops Fight Club and Oceans 11. However, I think some well deserving actors were left off due to Pitt and Gleeson's inclusion.

Ledger takes this more easily than Slumdog in any other category.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams, “Doubt”

Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

Freida Pinto, “Slumdog Millionaire”

Tilda Swinton, “Burn After Reading”

Marisa Tomei, “The Wrestler”

Freida Pinto and Tilda Swinton aside, I like these nominees very much. I'm happy to see Amy Adams continue to get love for her excellent turn in Doubt, as well as Penelope Cruz and Marisa Tomei. Otherwise, I think the oscars will also recognize Viola Davis and Kate Winslet for The reader along with Adams, Cruz and Tomei.

I'm sticking with my Slumdog Sweep vision, and picking the unworthy Freida Pinto to win in an upset.

That's all for now folks, I'm out for the day.

Tyler j. Pratt

BAFTA Thoughts. . .

To come soon, probably by 5:00 EST

Thoughts on The Golden Globes

Best Picture/Director/Screenplay/Score: Slumdog Millionaire

I think that pretty much every prognosticator, myself included, knew that this was a foregon conclusion. I mean, if one awards body was going to award Slumdog Millionaire the globes would be that group.

Best Foreign Film: Waltz with Bashir Best Animated Film: Wall-e

Two phenominal films that deserved to win, I love that Ari Folman is coming out of knowwhere to deliver these amazingly deep and moving political statements that actually make sense and dont offend anybody. Heres to the babies.

Best Picture Comedy/Musical: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

I just wish that Woody would get over himself and show up at an awards ceremony. He's an intelligent man with a great wit who never fails to get a laugh at the few shows that he's been to.

His movie also truly deserved to win.

Best Original Song: The Wrestler

Bruce Springsteen accepts his golden globe by being the coolest guy in the room, as always.

Best Supporting Actress: A double shot of Winslet is fine by me, and when it's a suprise the taste of it is even sweeter. Kate was so sweet and honest up at that podium that I almost shed a little tear. She was a deserving winner in both categories. Heres hoping that Oscar repeats the Globes next month.

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger
A sad but foregone conclusion by now, Heath gave what is without a doubt one of the most iconic screen performances of the decade. The fact that we will never see him accept an award in person makes it all the more tragic. Chris Nolan, once again. gave another eloquent tribute to a man who over all enjoyed his work and his life.

Best Actress Comedy/Musical: I missed the speech, but Sally Hawkins gave a great performance that was without a doubt the best in her category. She deserves it.

Best Actor In A Comedy/Musical: Colin was fantastic in "In Bruges" and gave the most worthy performance in his category. I wish I would have picked him over Franco last night, mostly because he was my personal favorite in the group. Extra points for giving a lyrical speech that was touchingly funny even with the cocaine jokes.

Best Actor In A Drama: Mickey Rourke

What can I say. Mickey has come a long way since his breakout role in Body Heat. He hit rock bottom and was able to scratch and claw his way back to the top, and for that we must all give him credit. Mickey's win for me was one of the biggest, most suprising nom-suprises of the night and his speech yielded two or three of the nights best moments.

The ovation met when his name was called must have hit him like a tidal wave because that was one emotional walk up to the podium. Mickey and Darren provided a great laugh with their exchange ending with a middle finger in the middle of the screen on live television, which is not common at all. Also, Mickey gave, the most touching speech closer of the night with his mini soliloquy that obviously came straight from the heart.

“Sometimes, when a man’s alone, that’s all you’ve got is your dogs.”

Finalized Globe Predicitons: Film Categories Only

The battle for Best Motion Picture-Drama seems to be a two horse race between The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Slumdog Millionaire, but I think that given Slumdogs popularity when combined with the Mumbai tradgedy and the films precursor near sweep that the edge has to go to Slumdog Millionaire.

Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical is a difficult race to predict. Usually when only one musical is nominated in this race it wins, but despite its poularity with audiences the film itself is horrible. Burn After Reading was good, but i doubt we'll see the Coen's on stage this year. In Bruges, I think is the dark horse that could upset for the win but something feels wierd about it. So that leaves Happy-Go-Lucky and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Happy-Go-Lucky is an international movie which could be a good thing but in the end I think people want to see Woody winning again.

Best Actor-Drama goes to either Penn or Rourke, its that simple. Mickey Rourke needs this more than Penn right now but I think he'll get his due at the SAG awards, not here. So, Sean Penn wins and continues toward oscar number two.

Best Actor-Comedy or Musical is another tough race in which anyone but Brendan Gleeson can win. James Franco is the hip choice, Dustin Hoffman is a beloved vet, Javier Bardem would be the obvious winner if VCB sweeps here, and Collin Farell was just absolutely phenominal in In Bruges. So who wins ? My pick is Dustin Hoffman because he's the beloved vet who you can count on for a great speech. Watch out for James Franco though..

Best Actress-Drama goes to Anne Hathaway I think because she's young, popular, and because this race is just too crowded to pick from and i'm in a lazy mood.

Best Actress Comedy or Musical goes to Sally Hawkins because she truly desrves it. She gave a marvelous performance that put a big smile on my face. However, if somehow Rebecca Hall were to win I would be xtremely overjoyed.

Best Supporting Actor- Heath Ledger. Period.

Best Supporting Actress: I would be stupid to bet against Penelope Cruz at a show that loves stars and international performers, plus she was actually pretty damn good in Vicky.

Best Director- No matter which film wins best picture, Danny Boyle has this one in the bag.

Best Screenplay- Slumdog Millionaire will wrap this one up.
Best Score- See above

Best Original Song-Bruce is bruce and always will be. The globes know that. The Wrestler wins it.

Best Animated Film- Wall-e, the biggest lock of the night.

Best Foreign Film- Waltz With Bashir because it was good, the subject is timely, and Ari Folman has at least two more great speeches in him for this season.

Meditations on the Critics Choice Awards, Part Deux

Best Supporting Actress- Kate Winslet for The Reader, this one shocked the bejesus out of me. There I was expecting the award to go to Penelope Cruz or Marisa Tomei, the two ladies who have been cleaning up during the critics awards, and if not them it was Viola Davis' to lose. I mean , these ladies are the front runners right ? I guess not as Kate Winslet finally won her first semi-major award of the season. Does this mean she's going to win the Globe now ?

Best Supporting Actor- Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight, completely deserved and 100 percent expected on my part, can there still be any doubt after this Sunday that Heath Ledger has this posthumous oscar wrapped with bow on it ? I also need to mention that beautiful speech delivered by Christopher Nolan, who said exactly what needed to be said and was a great tribute to a man who so prided his craft.

Best Actress- TIE ! Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, I loved this moment last night until before and after Anne opened her mouth. I never thought I'd get to see a big tie in my lifetime, and it was just as exciting as I expected. I think the race as of now is between these two women with Kate on the outside closing in. After Anne Hathaway wins this Sunday, it all comes down to the SAG awards.

Best Actor- Sean Penn for Milk, I deserving enough win but I thought this was Mickey Rourke's to lose as he and Richard Jenkins are this year's critical darlings. I think this win for Penn seals up the golden globes and the SAG awards, and he may be receiving his second oscar this year. On a side note, the guy was obviously drunk and stumbled throughg his speech, which is something I would have expected out of Rourke but not Penn.

Best Director/Picture- Slumdog Millionaire, I can already hear Jack Nicholson saying: " And the oscar goes to...whoa...Slumdog Millionaire". This thing is officially Slumdog's to lose, and because of that I am predicitng right here and now that Slumdog Millionaire will win both Best Picture and Director this February at the Oscars.

Meditating on the Critics Choice Awards

Last nights Critics choice awards were actually the best I've seen in years. There was just the right amount of surprises, as well as both good acceptance speeches and a horrible one , and a funny opening monologue from Jason Alexander. I  think last night was Slumdog Millionaire's coronation as this years frontrunner to win best picture as it picked up most of the awards it was up for, if not all of them. So, without further adu, here are my thoughts on this years winners.

Best Comedy Movie- Tropic Thunder, a decent choice and a decent film. I'm sad that Vicky Cristina Barcelona did not win this one, but I love to see examples of just how liked Ben Stiller is within the industry.

Best Acting Ensemble- Milk, I was pleasantly suprised to see a truly good ensemble win this year, in a year that featured some of the best ensemble acting of this decade. I would have been happy with any of the nominees.

Best Young Actor/Actress- Dev Patel, I loved his performance but I think David Kross had the most impressive debut of any other actor this year.

Best Writer- Simon Beaufoy for Slumdog millionaire, no big suprise, the oscar is his to lose.

Best Action Film- The Dark Knight, Another given.

Best Composer- A.R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire, I hated this score to be honest with you. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Alexandre Desplat should have won this, hands down.

Best Song- Bruce Springsteen's The Wrestler, Hands down the most deserving winner of the entire night. The best song from a film this year  in my opinion.

Best  Documentary- Man On Wire, biggest lock for an oscar win receives yet another award. Yawn

Best Foreign Language Film- Waltz With Bashir, Ari Folman gave the best speech of the night and truly deserves this award.

Best Animated Feature- Wall-e, loved the movie love that its winning awards.

Best Movie for TV- John Adams, didn't this come out exactly a year ago ?

Part Two: Tonight by 10, hopefully

Thoughts on The Critics Choice Awards...

will be on here by noon, so stay tuned !

Favorite FYC Ads of 2008