Sunday, March 4, 2007

2007 Predictions: The First Batch (Best Actor)

Back to the first round of predix...

BEST ACTOR
Johnny Depp-Sweeney Todd-This will definitely be a hit-or-miss thing, as all Tim Burton films are. I was really, really apprehensive when I heard that Johnny would be playing the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, but I've kinda cozied up to the idea now. A Golden Globe nod is assured, but I'm on the fence about this one. But if it's a hit, Johnny Depp will get his Oscar at last...

Joaquin Phoenix-Reservation Road-This one seems a LOT more likely. The Academy proved they loved Joaquin when they gave him a totally undeserved nod for Gladiator, and this, if it gets the right reviews, could easily gain him a win.

Denzel Washington-American Gangster-Assuming this is in fact a leading performance, Denzel will probably be nominated if the film is successful. Oscar loves to give recent winners nominations to prove that they didn't award a lightning-in-a-bottle performance, and he hasn't been nominated since he won for the second time in 2001. Sigh. Such a good actor. I wish he would make good movies again.

Tom Hanks-Charlie Wilson's War-Even if the film doesn't get a Best Picture nod, Tom will be able to get a nomination if the film and his performance do well with critics. After all, he is an Academy favorite.

Alan Rickman-Snow Cake-I was introduced to this film by someone who found the trailer on YouTube. Gosh, I love that website. Just look at it.



Assuming it doesn't get an NC-17 rating (and I highly, highly doubt it will), it's pure Oscar bait for acting categories.

IN THE RUNNING
(In No Order)
James McAvoy-Atonement-The breakout star of 2006, McAvoy has to get a nomination somewhere, right? Not really. This movie looks really bad, frankly, and he'll probably sign onto something in the last minute that could give him a nod. Or not. There's always next year. Besides, I think this is a supporting performance anyways.

Chris Cooper-Breach-It's been called the first great performance of the year, but so was Aaron Eckhart in "Thank You for Smoking." If he campaigns a LOT, he could be nominated and even win, but the fact that we can see it now-in early March-is never a good sign for an Oscar contender.

George Clooney-Michael Clayton-Eh, maybe. I need geniune reviews first. Yes, Oscar loves rewarding past winners, but this really, really, really, really, really isn't the right film for it to happen in.

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