Handicapping Oscar winners
Now that the Academy Awards nominees have been announced, here are five things you need to know as we count down to the Oscar ceremony on Feb. 27.
HE WITH THE MOST NODS WINS. That's the tendency. Movies that dominate the nominations often win best picture. "The King's Speech," which led the pack with 12 nominations, appears in three high-profile acting categories, among others.
OSCAR SNOBBERY IS STILL ALIVE. The Academy's tendency to honor lesser-known actors and films often opens it up to charges of elitism. The most glaring example is Javier Bardem, in the leading actor category for "Biutiful," a Spanish-language drama also nominated for best foreign film. "Winter's Bone," a gritty, low-budget mystery set in the Ozarks, scored nods for best picture, best actress for Jennifer Lawrence and best supporting actor for John Hawkes. Hailee Steinfeld, of "True Grit," and Jacki Weaver, of the Australian thriller "Animal Kingdom," each received a supporting actress nod.
OSCAR SNUBBERY IS ALIVE, TOO. Just as surprising were the snubs.Julianne Moore, co-star of the comedy-drama "The Kids Are All Right," was overlooked even though the film earned nominations for best picture, best actress (Annette Bening) and best supporting actor (Mark Ruffalo). Christopher Nolan was nominated for best screenplay, but not best director, for "Inception."
SOME BETS ARE SAFER THAN OTHERS. Whatever else happens, Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") still seems a lock for best actor and Syosset-raised Natalie Portman will likely win best actress for "Black Swan." Nobody should bet against supporting actor nominee Christian Bale, who played a crack-addicted boxer in "The Fighter."
THERE ARE TWO TEA LEAVES LEFT. The first is the Director's Guild Award, to be announced Saturday. That award almost always predicts best picture Oscar. On Sunday comes the Screen Actors Guild Awards, whose top prize, best ensemble cast, often matches up with the best picture Oscar as well.
Most Popular
Top Stories
