OSCAR AROUND

Best Picture

Who will win?

Birdman: Although Boyhood has picked up steam in the last few weeks, look for Birdman to continue its rollercoaster journey to the Oscars. The black comedy is filmed as if it’s one long take, a style that emphasizes the theatre feel and pushes a powerful message of one actor’s attempt to stay in the limelight and feel revelant.

Who should win?

Boyhood: Produced over 12 years, Boyhood is a feat of production, filming, writing and directing. Boyhood tells a story of growing up, following the same actors over the course of 12 years. With a minimal movie budget the project would initially be theorized as a failure, but gained acclaim due to its emotional appeal and impressive acting. A project unlike any other Boyhood deserves the title of Best Picture.

Best Actress

Who will win?

Julianne Moore: Moore’s portrayal of a woman suffering from onset Alzheimer’s disease in Still Alice has already won her a SAG and Globe, solidifying her as the front runner.

Who should win?

Julianne Moore: Moore’s work is extremely moving in her ability to be genuine about a disease so many people have had experience with. Her acting abilities put her as my favorite to win.

Best Actor

Who will win?

Michael Keaton: Keaton, who won the Globe and Critic’s Choice, will likely win over the Oscar crowd too with his emotionally impressive role as a washed-up action star trying to remain relevant.

Who should win?

Eddie Redmayne: In The Theory of Everything, Redmayne’s Stephen Hawking is a rich portrayal of the science genius suffering from motor neuron disease. Even as Hawking deteriorates, Redmayne beautifully conveys the emotion and whimsy, while barely moving.

Best Supporting Actress

Who will win?

Patricia Arquette: As the single mom in Boyhood, Arquette’s unflinchingly honest approach and consistency over 12 years of filming is impressive. Her win at the SAG awards and Globes guarantees her as the top choice to win.

Who should win?

Patricia Arquette: Almost any actor would struggle to retain genuine emotion over the course of 12 years, but Arquette manages it beautifully. Her work brought powerful emotion and color to Boyhood and added a third dimension to a story about growing up.

Best Supporting Actor

Who will win?

J.K. Simmons: Although Norton’s method actor in Birdman is hilarious, Simmons’ wins at the SAG awards and Globes have made him the obvious choice to win for his role as the brutally tough music teacher in Whiplash.

Who should win?

J.K. Simmons: In his extensive acting career, Simmons has proven himself a competent and talented actor. But he revs up the intensity past out of control as the teacher who pushes his students to the edge to succeed.