Yes, folks. It's that time of year again where we all weigh in on just who we believe will walk away with the statuette of no genitalia (apologies to Dustin). And I am just amazed that Mike and I have so many similar choices, yet again.
Seems every year when we do this, we have more than a few we agree on. But this year is downright Twilight Zone-ish. I think we only differ on about 4 or 5 picks.
Of course, being a competition, I could have easily dragged by feet and waited for Mike's Oscar offering. But no! I made my Oscar picks about 2 or 3 weeks ago at the Academy Awards site. And yes, it's timestamped, so I can prove that our similarities in life are wearing off on Oscar. Which, since I hold Mike in such great esteem, is pretty cool.
As our picks are so similar, and our reasons for it almost as identical, there's really no need for me to add too much, as Mike pretty much said it for me. But.......
BEST ACTOR: Clint Eastwood in MILLION DOLLAR BABY - Just a sensational job by Eastwood. Can't knock everyone else, but really just see him taking this.
SUPPORTING ACTOR: Morgan Freeman in MILLION DOLLAR BABY - Like Mr.Smith, I've enjoyed this guy since Electric Company. I have to laugh that Mike knows that bit of trivia, but I guess I'm not too suprised.
BEST ACTRESS: Annette Bening in BEING JULIA - Having been ROBBED of this statue previously, and once again turning in just a brilliant performance, she'll probubly be hosed again. Because I'm almost certain Hillary Swank is going to take this. Still, I have to give the nod to Bening.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Virginia Madsen in SIDEWAYS - Looks like I take heads, Mike, as I just don't see Virginia losing. I'll agree it's a coin toss, but my flip side was Natalie Portman.
BEST DIRECTOR: Clint Eastwood for MILLION DOLLAR BABY - Clint Eastwood has gone from Actor to Star to Director to Star Director to Oscar Winner and now, with this, to encompassing legend. Eastwood in a laugher. No one else is even close.
Best Picture MILLION DOLLAR BABY - Yeah, I pretty much think this could sweep 90% of what it's nominated for.
Writing (Original Screenplay) ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
Writing (Adapted Screenplay) SIDEWAYS
Animated Feature Film THE INCREDIBLES
Documentary Feature BORN INTO BROTHEL
Foreign Language Film THE CHORUS
Music (Score) THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
Music (Song) "Learn To Be Lonely" from THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Art Direction THE AVIATOR
Cinematography THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
Costume Design LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
Film Editing THE AVIATOR
Makeup THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
Visual Effects SPIDER-MAN 2
Till next week take care and God bless
Matthew