Best Screenplay (Original and Adapted) predictions.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
1. The Master
Yes, my obession with PT Anderson's latest will thrive. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association will give it the prize, which will boost it's chances. The film is very divisive, but those who love it, LOVE it.

2. Django Unchained
The main thing hindering Tarantino is the fact that he already won for Pulp Fiction. Dually noted, one of the main things helping him is the fact that he's the guy that wrote Pulp Fiction. Also, the film won a Hollywood Film Award prize, if that is saying anything.

3. Zero Dark Thirty
Chassy is praising the script, saying its the best script she has ever read. I don't think she read Sunset Boulevard.... Anyways, this film will appeal to the same Hurt Locker fans, and Sony/Annapurna have been intentionally adjusting the release date. They know they have something special on their hands.

4. Amour
It's a foreign film, and a great one. The last great foreign film was A Separation, which managed to nab a nomination. This will appeal to the same crowd, and more.. or Amour?

5. Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson last got a nomination 11 years ago with his masterful Royal Tenenbaums. He's well overdo for a nom, and will get it.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
1. Argo
Ben Affleck's Argo is the frontrunner in many categories right now, and Weinstein might have overstayed his welcome. Also, Terrio's script is razor sharp and undeniably memorable.

2. Silver Linings Playbook
Next month this film could be the frontrunner, but right now it is where it is at... Critics are loving it, and so are audiences, but will this film's topic bid well with the Academy?

3. Lincoln
Two names: Spielberg and Tony Kushner. You can figure out its popularity by itself.

4. Life of Pi
Give praise to David Magee for adapting a very difficult script out of the impossibly difficult Life of Pi. This will be treated like 127 Hours.

5. Beasts of the Southern Wild
This film feels so unabashedly original, it will get a screenplay nomination just because it exists. I have problems with the script, but a victory for this film could redefine independent film forever. No joke.

The cycle must continue, I will repeat my predictions, and add reviews for coming films like Flight, Skyfall, Lincoln, and Life of Pi.

Best Actress predictions

BEST ACTRESS:

1. J. Law for Silver Linings Playbook.
She's young. They're in love. I mean 'They' as in the Academy. She basically was the main reason Winter's Bone got the nomination for Best Picture. Silver Linings is a crowd pleaser, and being the main star of The Hunger Games is only going to help her.

2. Marion Cotillard for Rust and Bone
Since Missy C has been a winner of Best Actress before, for a French film. Isn't Rust and Bone a French film? This year's Best Actress pickings have been reasonable slim, and her nomination is  near lock. Also, being a French goddess and being in The Dark Knight Rises is only going to help her.

3. Quevenzhane Wallis for Beasts of the Southern Wild
The best thing of Wallis' performance is that she was a natural Southern. She was born for the role. It was so unusual to see something so human in such a fantasy. The only thing limiting her nomination is her SAG ineligibility.

4. Emanuelle Riva for Amour
The old farts in the Academy will vote for her for what she's done (Hiroshima mon amour). The others will vote for her because she has an amazing performance in this foreign film. The main thing limiting her is the fact that the film is foreign. That probably could limit Marion Cotillard.

5. Tie between Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) and Naomi Watts (The Impossible)
JC is one of the stars that's taking Hollywood by storm, who can do art-house and blockbuster with ease. Zero Dark Thirty looks to be both. The film has yet to be seen, but Annapurna Productions and Sony has faith in the film. Naomi Watts has been praised for many performances, but has only nabbed one nomination, all the way back in 2003. So Chassy is only getting more popular, and Watts is losing her footing. However, The Impossible is a disaster true story tale, which will appeal to all members. Zero Dark Thirty is definitely going to get some controversy for its themes. However, it will appeal to those who voted for The Hurt Locker. I am conflicted.

Screenplay nomination predictions due tomorrow.

Two new awesome posters from 'Django Unchained'.

Argo (2012): The years' crowdpleaser. (3½ Stars Out of Four)

Best Supporting Actor predictions.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
1. Leonardo DiCaprio, Django Unchained
Leo, one of the most popular actors in Hollywood has yet to win an Oscar. This time, though, he's got everything he needs. A meaty, controversial role, Weinstein, Tarantino, and Star Power.

2. Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln
When reading reviews of Lincoln, the praise is aimed always at Lee Jones and Day-Lewis. He's won before, been nominated multiple times. Expect him to be nominated again.

3. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
PSH is probably the best character actor working today, along with Tilda Swinton. He's got Weinstein,but his performance be overshadowed by Phoenix, and Harvey might be busy getting the win in for Leo.

4. Alan Arkin, Argo
Alan Arkin was probably given the Oscar in 2006 because it was assumed he would 'kick the bucket'. Nope, he's still around and at his deadpan best in Argo, a film that will get double-digit nominations, guaranteed.

5. Robert DeNiro, Silver Linings Playbook
The older members are going to love this. Rob, in a downhill recently, has just got the right film to bring him to the top. He has his best part and performance of the past decade, and the Academy will love him for it. Also expect the nominations for this film to be in the double-digits.

Best Actress predictions due tomorrow.

'Zero Dark Thirty' trailer #2.

This just might make the cut for Best Picture... I'm tellin' ya, this looks pretty great.

'Freedom is mine': Hugh Jackman in 'Les Miserables'

'Django Unchained' trailer #2.

I got to admit, this movie looks pretty sweet. Plus, Jonah Hill's little cameo was pretty funny. I hope DiCaprio takes the gold for this one. It would do Tarantino and himself a mighty good deal.

Why is Fox Searchlight releasing 'Hitchcock' in 2012?

Ever since the announcement last September, I could not figure out for the life of me why Fox was releasing Hitchcock this year, right after The Sessions played at TIFF. I think I've figured it out.

They don't have faith in the picture.

The Session, from what I've read is a drama with comedic scenes, but that does not seem the case, judging by the trailer. Fox has not picked up another Little Miss Sunshine. If I ever get around to seeing The Sessions, there's a chance I might like it more than LMS.

Best Supporting Actress predictions.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
1. Anne Hathaway for Les Miserables
Like J. Law for Silver Linings Playbook, Anne Hathaway's star power is going to help her get the gold. Once nominated, and not hated for hosting the Oscars, and I have adamantly stated that Les Mis is not going home empty-handed... the stars are aligning for her win.

2. Amy Adams for The Master
Though praise for her performance is muted due to Hoffman and Phoenix, Weinstein will push Adams for the nomination. Star power, and being nominated four times before does not hurt. If Les Mis falls, expect Adams for the win.

3. Helen Hunt for The Sessions
This film is going to be difficult for the Academy. A main subject in the film is sex, which was a big no-no last year (Shame anyone?), so it seems Fox Searchlight is trying to market it as a comedy. Helen's role is quite clearly a lead, but it seems Fox doesn't even have faith in itself. Hopefully the Supporting Actress nom goes through.

4. Sally Field for Lincoln
Even if her role is not that meaty, the Academy will nominate her. They like her, they really really like her.

5. Scarlett Johansson for Hitchcock
It seems I am probably one of the most adamant supporters of Hitchcock, mainly because I think that it might be something special. Others are predicting Maggie Smith for Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, but that film was from May, and Fox might be busy pushing Helen Hunt for The Sessions. ScarJo has the star power and the younger voters of the Academy will give their vote to her.

Check back tomorrow for Best Supporting Actor
predictions. While your at it, why don't you guys find out why the Academy really likes Sally Field.

'Hitchcock' trailer

At least we get a trailer before the film premieres at AFI Fest.

Best actor predictions.

BEST ACTOR:
1. Hugh Jackman for Les Miserables
This is another very bold prediction. No, I do not think Day-Lewis will win an unprecedented third Oscar for Best Actor, and I'm pretty sure the Academy loves Hugh. Nor do I think Les Miserables will go home empty handed.

2. Bradley Cooper for Silver Linings Playbook
The weird thing is that I'm starting to like Bradley Cooper as an actor now. He is doing more challenging roles, later seen in The Place Beyond the Pines and David O'Rusell's previously titled American Bulls***. When Silver Linings takes the top prize, it's going to take more than that. Also, Bradley's got Harvey with him.

3. Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln
For the greatest actor of our generation, the academy might feel inclined to give some love to Danny. They probably won't give him a third Oscar, no man has ever won three Oscars for Best Actor in the first place. He will definitely be nominated, though.

4. Joaquin Phoenix for The Master
This is a very obvious nomination. After winning Best Actor in Venice, and only receiving love for this challenging role, he will be nominated. For those who don't like the film, however, they won't give him the boost for the win.

5. Anthony Hopkins for Hitchcock
Anthony Hopkins won Best Actor in 1991 for his terrifying work in The Silence of the Lambs. He is almost synonymous with horror (and Merchant-Ivory,), and if he does even OK as the Master of Suspense, he will be nominated.

I hate to leave Ben Affleck off for Argo (being in Daredevil and Gigli kills, man,), but something inside me tells me he has a better shot than Spielberg for Argo. Something also tells me that Lincoln  might be ignored, a la Amistad.

Check back tomorrow for Best Supporting Actress predictions. While your at it, admire Joaquin Phoenix's performance by watching a trailer for The Master.

New poster for 'Hitchcock'

Best Director predictions.

BEST DIRECTOR
1. Paul Thomas Anderson, The Master
I am making a very bold prediction right now. I think the Academy feels the need to reward PT Anderson after There Will Be Blood, and outside of acting, the direction seems to be getting the most praise. Also, Weinstein is backing PT all the way to the finish line.

2. David O'Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
With this being the predicted winner, it would only seem right for this to win Best Director. Problem is though, I've seen lesser notices for direction, but more for the acting. Weinstein might also be busy backing PT Anderson to give enough recognition for Dave.

3. Ang Lee, Life of Pi
This will be like Hugo. The Academy will feel the need to recognize a visual film, and it will give the awards in the visual categories. Ang Lee is a big name, however, and the Academy might want to give him some more love after what happened with Brokeback Mountain.

4. Tom Hooper, Les Miserables
The main thing holding back Tom Hooper is his recent King's Speech win. He is a very bold director, especially with what he is doing in this film. He will be nominated, but probably not win.

5. Steven Spielberg, Lincoln
Just because his name is Spielberg doesn't mean he will be rewarded the gold. He might not even be nominated, like last year's War Horse. Tomorrow we will know as tonight it screens in NYFF.

I hate to leave out Ben Affleck for Argo, Kathryn Bigelow, Wes Anderson, Benh Zeitlin, Michael Haneke for Amour, or Christopher Nolan for The Dark Knight Rises. Check back tomorrow for Best Actor predictions.

New Poster for 'The Master'

I just live advertising The Master, don't I?

'Hitchcock' stills

New stills from Hitchcock. ScarJo as Janet Leigh? The teenager and film fan inside me is conflicted. In a good way.

New poster for Zero Dark Thirty

I get the feeling the film will suffer the same as United 93 did in 2006. Whatever, but I hope this film gets a BP nom.

Best Picture Predictions, post TIFF and VIFF.

BEST PICTURE:
1. Silver Linings Playbook
This film is just OWNING it. After winning the top prize at TIFF, this film is just getting nothing but love. J. Law is a lock for Best Actress, with The Hunger Games not hurting a single bit.

2. Argo
Runner-up at TIFF. 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert calling it his winner. Ben Affleck needing the love after missing it by this much for The Town. This just begs a nomination, even a win.


3. Lincoln
Who knows with this one. It's got Spielberg and Day-Lewis. Also, the Academy just eats up period-dramas, with Anna Karenina losing its chances, this film has nowhere to go but up.

4. Life of Pi
This will be the Hugo of 2011. Big name director. High visual effects praise. High praise in general actually. This could be #3 tomorrow for all I know.

5. Les Miserables
Has near-irresistible cast. I think Universal should emphasize the Tom Hooper thing a bit more. The main thing holding this bad boy back is the release day change. Is it ready?

6. The Master
Not everyone loves this movie, that's a bonafide fact. But a select few love it, and that's enough. This will play out like The Tree of Life did.

7. Beasts of the Southern Wild
This will really need the people who love this film to truly love it. Now that it has been deemed ineligible for SAG, it needs the AFI and PGA love. Quevenzhane Wallis is going to need a big boost from Fox Searchlight, but they might be busy promoting...

8. Hitchcock
This film should be higher. All Fox Searchlight has though is a poster. Since the film has been moved forward to a release date this year, Fox Searchlight thinks they have a good deal on their plate. Also, since the Academy is mainly old, white, and male, they probably love Alfred Hitchcock, and Anthony Hopkins. And the young men in the Academy probably dig ScarJo, which doesn't hurt.

Runners-up include Zero Dark Thirty, Promised Land, The Impossible, The Dark Knight Rises, Django Unchained, Anna Karenina, and Moonrise Kingdom.

Check back tomorrow for Best Director predictions...

'Not Fade Away' trailer and poster.

After owning the airwaves with The Sopranos, David Chase looks to the real box office, not the Home Box Office.

Poster is below.

'Lincoln' ramps up its Oscar campaign.

After being relatively dormant in the past 8 months, Dreamworks has ramped up the campaign considerably. Being the first film to have a freakin' Google Plus Trailer premiere/hangout. During the presidential debate, a two minute TV spot aired. You can watch it below.

In other news, the film will preimire tomorrow at the NYFF (New York Film Festival). If the reviews come out mixed tomorrow, do remember that Hugo got reasonably bland reviews until a Los Angeles re-evaluation.