And the Oscar Goes To...

Well, it’s finally here…Oscar night (or on Sunday anyway). Thank God the writers returned in time to avoid a Golden Globes situation (though, Liz and I would have happily taken to job of announcing the winners. We would have kicked ass at it, too, because we are excellent readers). It’s time do a little forecasting (which, in recent weeks has become more and more predictable, but I like the predicted winners, so I’m okay with this). Here’s who I think will win on Sunday night:

Best Picture - No Country For Old Men: The best picture of the year and, after The Big Lebowski, my favorite Coen Brothers film.
Best Director – The Coen Brothers: About freaking time.
Best Actor – Daniel Day Lewis: I can’t wait for his acceptance speech. Who knew he was such a sweet guy?
Best Actress – Marion Cotillard: Julie Christie seemed unbeatable for awhile, but I think Cotillard gave a better performance and the Academy will ultimately reward her.
Best Supporting Actor – Javier Bardem: Second best villain of the year (behind Dolores Umbridge, of course).
Best Supporting Actress – Amy Ryan: This category is anyone’s guess. I think Cate Blanchett gave the best performance, but I think Amy Ryan will regain her early buzz to take it.
Adapted Screenplay – The Coen Brothers: About freaking time.
Original Screenplay – Diablo Cody: She became famous by writing a blog. We all have to root for her.
Cinematography – There Will Be Blood: I liked Atonement better, but TWBB is gorgeous, too.
Editing - No Country For Old Men
Song - Falling Slowly from Once: I’m actually excited about the ceremony performances. Amy Adams and Christen Chenoweth are singing. Rad.
Score – Atonement: One of the most incredible scores I’ve heard in awhile.
Art Direction - Sweeney Todd: Again, I prefer Atonement, but Sweeney Todd was pretty incredibly looking. Best use of the color red since Schindler’s List.
Costume – Atonement: I’m still obsessed with that green dress.
Makeup - La Vie en Rose: If only for making the beautiful Marion Cotillard looking so, well, awful.
Sound Mixing – Transformers: The sound really was amazing and nominee Kevin O’Connell has been nominated 20 times without a win. I think it’s time.
Sound Editing - Transformers
Visual FX – Transformers: Made me wish I’d seen it on the big screen.
Animated Feature – Ratatouille: Should have been The Simpsons Movie, but what can ya do?
Documentary Feature – No End in Sight: There is no way they are letting Michael Moore give a speech during an election year.

For the first time in a long time, I actually really liked all the Best Picture nominees and I think the awards will go to the most deserving films/performances (for the most part). At least a repeat of a Crash type win is completely impossible. Thank God.

Also, be sure to check out Garney's picks on his blog and on BlogTalk radio (at least listen to the first 10 minutes to hear his medley of songs about the 5 Best Picture nominees (a la Billy Crystal). It's awesome).

(And, for the record, I completely realize I take this stuff WAY too seriously. It’s because I lead a sad little life and it’s all I have.)

Happy Oscar Weekend!