My 2011 Oscar Picks

Here are my picks for the 2011 Oscars.

Best Picture: The Social Network

For me this was a close tie between The Social Network and 127 Hours (with Inception in a close third). But I’m sure it will go to The Kings Speech, for whatever reason.

Best Actor in Leading Role: James Franco

James Franco deserves this more than anyone else. His performance in 127 Hours literally brought me to tears in the end. Jesse Eisenberg was basically just playing himself and Colin Firth was playing another British character (like in all of his movies). And while Jeff Bridges was solid, I don’t give any credit to remakes during the Oscars. I also note that Ryan Gosling was screwed over for not getting a nom for Blue Valentine. If he was nominated I would’ve put him as the winner.

Best Actor in Supporting Role: Christian Bale

This one is pretty much in the bag. I didn’t even see the movie, but I knew from the moment I saw the trailer that Bale did something special here. His ability to continuously transform his body for each role is scary. I also think Joseph Gordan-Levitt deserved a nominated for Inception.

Best Actress: Natalie Portman

Blue Valentine was really screwed over this year. It was easily better than 90% of all the movies nominated. Michelle Williams (and Ryan Gosling) nailed it, giving a bone chilling performance that had me grinding my teeth in discomfort. However, this is Natalie Portman’s year, and while I want to see Williams win, I won’t be disappointed seeing Portman winning either.

Best Actress in Supporting Role: Hailee Steinfeld

While I don’t believe True Grit belongs in the Oscars since it’s a remake, I think Hailee is the best out of the group of nominations. Given her age and experience, she gave a mind blowing performance.

Best Animated Film: Toy Story 3

Directing: Darren Aronofsky

If the Coen Bros win this, I think it will be the biggest disappointment in Oscar history. The fact they are nominated for this True Grit (which is a remake and in some instances a frame by frame replication of the original) is dumbfounding. My second pick would be David Fitchner on The Social Notwork.

Best Documentary: Exit Through The Gift Shop

I hope this wins for two reasons. One, I want to see who accepts the award, and second, it was the most surprising doc of the year (real or not).

Music: Inception

There was a surplus of excellent soundtracks this year. Both Inception and The Social Network was solid. Tron was left out for some reason, but also had one of the best soundtracks.

Visual Effects: Inception

This is a category that is impossible to predict. Each nomination has solid vfx work in its own right. While Alice in Wonderland was highly creative, it didn’t add to the story.Inceptions rotating hallway fight was amazing.

Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network

This one is also pretty much in the bag. Aaron Sorkin is king. Again why is True Grit nominated for this?

Original Screenplay: Inception

If Inception deserves anything, it’s this one.