It's An Oscar Jamboree!

The end of the film year is nigh (though my patriotic inner-self tells me that the year ended on the night of the BAFTAs). This Sunday, the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences wraps up a splendid year for world cinema. Many new and unexpected twists are expected at the Kodak Theatre this year, not least the producers attempting to shave a whole hour off the ceremony's bloated girth.

What won't be as surprising are the winners on the night, many of which could have been settled as locks several moons ago...

So predictions are as predictions will always be, pointless and ultimately fruitless apart from those categories which still have some sort of lottery attached;


Rourke Vs Penn

A monolithic acting face off. Probably the most exciting category of the night and to be honest either winning would greatly ameliorate what is certain to be a dour night in award terms. Many pundits would claim that Rourke is the sentimental choice, Penn the actors' choice. But that is a disservice to both men, who will have a much larger voting base and could conceivably cancel each other out. I love both performances (the Leading Actor category is arguably the strongest category in the field) but I just feel Penn will edge the voting.

Winslet Vs Hathaway Vs Streep

Not as uncertain as Rourke/Penn but another category which won't necessarily mean victory for Winslet. As with the Leading Actor race, Streep won the SAG award (voted for by actors, the largest group in the Academy) and Hathaway has picked up a few critics awards during the award season. But with Winslet having won the Golden Globe and BAFTA I won't be the one to back another actress!

Cruz Vs Tomei Vs Davis

Davis winning would not be the biggest surprise to be honest. Cruz still remains favourite in my view though Tomei could also nick the prize.

I think the other races are pretty much signed, sealed and delivered. Slumdog will win at least six prizes including Best Picture (the most boring line-up since Chicago won a few years back). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button should win two or three techies including visual effects and make-up. Wall-E for animated film, Waltz with Bashir for foreign language film and Man on Wire for documentary.

Another indicator for the night will be the two sound categories (mixing and editing). If Slumdog wins both then we're looking at the first clean sweep since Return Of The King in 2003.

Ones To Watch #13 - Nine

#13

Nine (dir. Marshall)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Stacy Ferguson, Kate Hudson & Sophia Loren

Studio: The Weinstein Company

Would you just look at that cast! You don’t need me to tell you the extent to which it must have taken to put this ensemble together…

Nine, directed by Chicago director Rob Marshall, is based on the musical of the same name, with the original play written by Mario Fratti who was inspired by Federico Fellini’s 8½ (for me the greatest film ever made). The play was called Nine as “when you add music to 8½, its like half a number more”.

Personally I can’t reimagine 8½ as a musical. The whole notion sounds ridiculous, however, the play has been running strongly since 1982 achieving countless awards since its conception.

So, what is the potential banana skin? Well, my largest gripe is with director Rob Marshall. Chicago was a fun though dramatically limited film with some excellent song-and-dance scenes scattered throughout. That it won Best Picture over The Pianist at the Academy Awards shows what numbnuts the members can be (no doubt a conversation for another morning…). Marshall’s follow up feature, Memoirs of A Geisha, was silkily woven but ultimately singly layered and lacking in any sort of emotional resonance. You just get the feeling that without a strong script Nine could end up following the same path.

BUT! And what a marvellous and intriguing BUT! Daniel Day Lewis in the lead role is the most exciting casting choice of 2009 and Nine will hopefully provide another chance to watch the Cruzster (tm) steal the limelight.

Just for those enticing subplots alone, Nine would make my top 20.

Boyle-In-Show

Last night's BAFTAs threw up nothing with regards to major surprises so i'll keep my grating short and rough!

Key Points:

1. Slumdog looks set for a sweep come the Oscars claiming 7 BAFTAs. Arguably it was a lock in for 4 awards (Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay & Music). On top of this it picked up the awards for editing, sound and cinematography. Best Sound?!! Bizarre...but definately signs of a sweep.

2. Mickey Rourke knows how to give a speech! Even though he didn't know what he was saying, it delivered a little menthol cool into the night. His remark about enjoying seeing Marisa Tomei naked brought the house down! He's probably the favourite for the Leading Actor Oscar now.

3. Winslet & Cruz both solidified their positions as the favourites for their respective Oscar categories (although not locks) and they both seemed genuinely rapturous with each other's victories.

4. Brangelina sulked...until Jagger stole the show!

5. Amy Adams and Marisa Tomei. Just divine.

6. Sharon Stone presenting the award for 'Best British Film'. I won't say more...

7. Finally, placing the In Memoriam segment directly after Heath Ledger's posthumous victory smacks of insensitivity. His performance should be honoured on its own merits and not as a token gesture as a result of his death.

Thats my lot!

Stay tuned for; my Top 20 Anticipated of 2009, Discs to Spin and the week's new releases all in the next few days!

Divaliciously & Deliciously Devilish