Every year, once the Oscar nominees are announced, we ( or maybe I) wonder who’s gonna be back. Will there be another chance for the perceived front runner who did not win to get a shot at the Oscar again? There are times when losing consecutively makes you the overdue in Oscar’s eyes (Renee Zellweger), or they simply think you still have a shot next time that they’ll take you for granted every single time (Meryl Streep?). So I looked up the history of actors getting repeat nominations after their first one, and here’s what I got for an eleven year span.

NOTE: I did not include last two years’ batch (Bridges-Bullock-Waltz-Mo’nique and Firth-Portman-Bale-Leo), as I find it too short a period to base it. Anyway, here’s what I got:

Out of 20 acting nominees, only ____ returned as nominees,

 72nd Academy Awards: 13 (Crowe, Penn, Washington, Bening, McTeer, Moore, Streep, Swank, Caine, Law, Jolie, Keener, Morton)
73rd Academy Awards: 11 (Bardem, Crowe, Harris, Rush, Linney, Bridges, del Toro, Finney,Dench, Harden, McDormand)
74th Academy Awards: 10 (Penn, Smith, Wilkinson, Dench, Kidman, Zellweger, Kingsley, Mirren, Tomei, Winslet)
75th Academy Awards*: 4 (Day Lewis, Kidman, Zellweger, Streep)
76th Academy Awards: 4 (Penn, Depp, Theron, Hounsou)
77th Academy Awards*: 7 (Depp, di Caprio, Bening, Winslet, Blanchett, Linney, Portman)
78th Academy Awards: 6 (Hoffman, Ledger, Dench, Clooney, Adams, Williams)
79th Academy Awards: 5 (Cruz, Mirren, Streep, Winslet, Blanchett)
80th Academy Awards*: 3 (Clooney, Bardem, Hoffman)
81st Academy Awards**: 6 (Pitt. Leo, Streep, Adams, Cruz, Davis) 

* – only 19 acting nominees due to double nominations **- only 19 acting nominees due to a posthumous nomination

From the looks of it, getting a repeat Oscar nom in a year isn’t as easy as one must expect. I mean who would have thought that Tom Hanks last nomination was already 11 years ago? Same goes for Julia Roberts. And you know we’re still waiting for that second nomination for Imelda Staunton and Keira Knightley. Also, it seems two to three winners per year must expect their win as their last Oscar nomination.  So if we take into consideration those factors, here’s my answer to the twenty acting nominees:

BEST ACTOR
Demián Bichir – Surprisingly, I can see a Javier Bardem type of projects for Bichir, and I can see him being the go to guy for villanous roles. I wouldn’t close his Oscar windows yet, so I’d say YES

George Clooney – Come on, this is Mr. Clooney. He’s one actor the Academy loves to nominate. So YES

Jean Dujardin – Dujardin’s too hammy in The Artist, and while he was perfect in it, I don’t think he’ll get an acclaimed role like this one. He’s one of the frontrunners, so he won’t be bothered once he won, but so far, it’s NO

Gary Oldman – Many people think that since he got in already, it will be easier to reward him again. On the other hand, it can also go to another direction. Now that he got nominated, people can probably stop whining about him being ignored by Oscar. He can still do well with supporting roles so a Christopher Plummer, so I’d flip and say YES

Brad Pitt – He keeps getting better roles, as he ages. I’m sure Oscar will give in soon. YES

BEST ACTRESS
Viola Davis – She’s likely to win this year, and basing from Halle and Whoopi, Oscars have a hard time nominating black actresses multiple times. However, she’s slowly building her resume within the Academy. Right now, I’d say NO

Glenn Close – Who knew she’d get in 22 years after her last nomination? However, this was supposedly her best shot. Right now, NO

Rooney Mara – Don’t be fooled as she might be your typical next A-list actress and Hollywood’s future. But we also said that to Keira and Carey and Ellen and Anne. How many of them received follow up noms so far? Nada. So I’d say NO

Meryl Streep – Duh. And I quote Cameron Tucker, “Meryl can play Batman, and she’d still ace it” So it’s a big YES

Michelle Williams – She’s giving me a next Cate and Kate vibes when it comes to nominations, so YES

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Kenneth Branagh – He’ll probably get in for another category, but so far, I’d say YES

Jonah Hill – Who could have thought? Jonah friggin Hill. If he gets in for here, then it’s not impossible. Maybe for a movie in 2045 perhaps? I won’t give up with this one. I’d say YES

Nick Nolte – Three noms and counting for Mr. Nolte. He might get in for the future, but so far, I’d say this is his last nom so NO

Christopher Plummer – He’ll be winning come Oscar night. That will be his last. NO

Max Von Sydow – Luckily nominated, but I don’t think it will still be followed. He’s 82, after all. Chances are not on his side so NO

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Bérénice Bejo – Foreign film performers (aside from Penelope Cruz) rarely get repeat noms. Catherine Deneuve, Salma Hayek, Adriana Barazza, Rinko Kikuchi, and Marion Cotillard are still waiting for follow up noms so I’d say NO

Jessica Chastain – I see her as the next Amy Adams, redhead that the Academy loves to nominate. I’d be surprised to not see an Oscar for her by the end of the decade. So it’s YES

Melissa McCarthy – I love you so much, but you got lucky with this one. I think you’ll still focus on your TV career so NO

Janet McTeer – It’s a surprise follow up twelve years after her Tumbleweeds nomination. In supporting maybe, but I’m not counting on it much so NO

Octavia Spencer – She’ll be so winning, and like what I said, black actresses rarely get follow up Oscar noms (only Whoopi Goldberg and Viola Davis overcame this). Also, chances are less likely if you’re a black actress who won in Supporting (Jennifer Hudson, Mo’nique) so NO

So I say nine names will hear repeat noms in the next few years: Demian Bachir, George Clooney, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Jonah Hill, and Jessica Chastain. My NGNG chocies were Bachir and Hill, while any of the remaining seven might be seeing their names for the last time. I’m actually on the fence about McTeer, Nolte, and Davis, but choosing 12 is a stretch already.

Let’s see what my results are. In the meantime, what’s your say with this? Who do you think will reap follow up noms from this batch?

Tomorrow, the whole actors guild will be handling out their choices for the best in movie and television performance of the year in the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Here’s my rushed predictions for tomorrow’s event:

THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
The Artist
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
The Help
Midnight in Paris

WILL WIN: The Help Obviously the runaway winner from the start, The Help is an actors film and the acting is probably what the strongest asset of the whole movie. With almost all the character actors and some movie stars in its cast, The Help will obviously win this one fair and square. There’s no even denying that this is one of the best wins in this category once it wins tomorrow.

SPOILER: The Artist Every once in a while, this category usually resembles the Best Picture at the Oscars so good ensembles get elevated with the strength of the film (Slumdog Millionaire, No Country for Old Men), so if there’s a chance that the Artist is THAT well received, it might snatch this from the Help.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
DEMIÁN BICHIR / Carlos Galindo – “A BETTER LIFE” (Summit Entertainment)
GEORGE CLOONEY / Matt King – “THE DESCENDANTS” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
LEONARDO DiCAPRIO / J. Edgar Hoover – “J. EDGAR” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
JEAN DUJARDIN / George – “THE ARTIST” (The Weinstein Company)
BRAD PITT / Billy Beane – “MONEYBALL” (Columbia Pictures)

WILL WIN: George Clooney, “The Descendants” Despite winning four SAGs already, all of them were for best Ensemble for ER. Clooney hasn’t won an individual SAG yet, and nothing for Clooney as the movie star. So this is the perfect year where he gets in the frontrunner status.

SPOILER: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist” Dujardin is The Artist’s best bet for a SAG win, and this can be a case like Johnny Depp where in two close competitors (Murray and Penn) split votes. Dujardin is probably the most likable actor this awards season and can benefit from a Clooney-Pitt split.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
GLENN CLOSE / Albert Nobbs – “ALBERT NOBBS” (Roadside Attractions)
VIOLA DAVIS / Aibileen Clark – “THE HELP” (DreamWorks Pictures / Touchstone Pictures)
MERYL STREEP / Margaret Thatcher – “THE IRON LADY” (The Weinstein Company)
TILDA SWINTON / Eva – “WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN” (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
MICHELLE WILLIAMS / Marilyn Monroe – “MY WEEK WITH MARILYN” (The Weinstein Company)

WILL WIN: Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady” Probably my no guts, no glory prediction for tomorrow, there has been no repeat winners for the Best Actress category at the SAGs since its inception in 1994. Streep already won one for Doubt in 2008, and if we base it on history, she’s not winning again. However, if there’s someone who’ll likely break this trend, it’s probably Streep herself. Everyone is just amazed with her Margaret Thatcher performance, and if she can win with a polarizing Doubt, she can win with this.

SPOILER: Viola Davis, “The Help” Davis is the current frontrunner especially since she’s a respected character actor who has worked with majority of the actors already. Also, The Help is an acting film, and Davis is the heart and soul of her film. The only thing that prevents me from predicting her is that I don’t see The Help winning three out of five SAG film awards, and it has larger chance of winning Ensemble and Supporting Actress.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
KENNETH BRANAGH / Sir Laurence Olivier – “MY WEEK WITH MARILYN” (The Weinstein Company)
ARMIE HAMMER / Clyde Tolson – “J. EDGAR” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
JONAH HILL / Peter Brand – “MONEYBALL” (Columbia Pictures)
NICK NOLTE / Paddy Conlon – “WARRIOR” (Lionsgate)
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER / Hal – “BEGINNERS” (Focus Features)

WILL WIN: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners” Both by age and by filmography, Christopher Plummer is the far and away the most respected veteran in the bunch. Since all of them are still SAG-less, it’s always safe to go with the current frontrunner, and that’s Christopher Plummer.

SPOILER: Nick Nolte, “Warrior” Another overdue actor who is still SAG-less, but I see the group prioritizing Plummer over him. After all, Beginners is the Oscar friendlier film from the bunch.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
BÉRÉNICE BEJO / Peppy – “THE ARTIST” (The Weinstein Company)
JESSICA CHASTAIN / Celia Foote – “THE HELP” (DreamWorks Pictures / Touchstone Pictures)
MELISSA McCARTHY / Megan – “BRIDESMAIDS” (Universal Pictures)
JANET McTEER / Hubert Page – “ALBERT NOBBS” (Roadside Attractions)
OCTAVIA SPENCER / Minny Jackson – “THE HELP” (DreamWorks Pictures / Touchstone Pictures)

WILL WIN: Octavia Spencer, “The Help” Spencer’s role is the baitiest of The Help characters, and it’s this type of role that gets awards attention. She also has won the televised precursors so far, and African-American actresses really does well in this category with three out of the last five winners (Jennifer Hudson, Ruby Dee, and Mo’nique) winning here.

SPOILER: Jessica Chastain, “The Help” Just in case everyone rallies up for all the SEVEN (yes, seven) movies that represented Jessica Chastain’s body of work this year, that might be enough to pull of a win here.

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
PATRICK J. ADAMS / Mike Ross – “SUITS” (USA)
STEVE BUSCEMI / Enoch “Nucky” Thomson – “BOARDWALK EMPIRE” (HBO)
KYLE CHANDLER / Eric Taylor – “FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS” (DirecTV)
BRYAN CRANSTON / Walter White – “BREAKING BAD” (AMC)
MICHAEL C. HALL / Dexter Morgan – “DEXTER” (Showtime)

WILL WIN: Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” Still unrewarded here and this probably being his last chance to win for this role, sentimentality might work for Bryan Cranston this time. After all, he might get some residual love for Malcolm in the Middle, there’s no fresh new actor nominated alongside him, and I don’t think this three time Emmy winner will end up SAG-less for this iconic role. Let’s see.

SPOILER: Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights” By getting a surprise nomination despite his series finishing already, Chandler’s first nom might be his lucky charm. After all, FNL is the the type of actor’s show that voters can sympathize with. Plus, he just won the Emmy last September.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
KATHY BATES / Harriet Korn – “HARRY’S LAW” (NBC)
GLENN CLOSE / Patty Hewes – “DAMAGES” (DirecTV)
JESSICA LANGE / Constance – “AMERICAN HORROR STORY” (FX)
JULIANNA MARGULIES / Alicia Florrick – “THE GOOD WIFE” (CBS)
KYRA SEDGWICK / Dept. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson – “THE CLOSER” (TNT)

WILL WIN: Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife” Literally the queen of SAGs, it is really hard to bet against Julianna Margulies. And while I acknowledge that her competition is very strong this year, it’s difficult to bet against this role of hers which is so far, still unbeatable in this category. I’ll probably be wrong here, but I’m just sticking with the safe choice.

SPOILER: Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story” Clearly the best performer and star of American Horror Story, it is really hard to bet against Jessica Lange. After all, she still hasn’t won any SAG yet, and voters clearly love to play catch up with the veterans. I just can’t predict her yet since Margulies is here in this category. But she’ll probably win this one tomorrow.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy – “30 ROCK” (NBC)
TY BURRELL / Phil Dunphy – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
STEVE CARELL / Michael Scott – “THE OFFICE” (NBC)
JON CRYER / Alan Harper – “TWO AND A HALF MEN” (CBS)
ERIC STONESTREET / Cameron Tucker – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)

WILL WIN: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” See analysis for Juliana Margulies and replace all Juliana Margulies with Alec Baldwin and The Good Wife with 30 Rock.

SPOILER: Steve Carell, “The Office” They still nominated Michael Scott one last time. This probably means a support for the underrated Carell. Also, who doesn’t want to see him give a farewell overdue speech (which should have had happened during the Emmys. Oh well).

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
JULIE BOWEN / Claire Dunphy – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
EDIE FALCO / Jackie Peyton – “NURSE JACKIE” (Showtime)
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon – “30 ROCK” (NBC)
SOFIA VERGARA / Gloria Delgado-Pritchett – “MODERN FAMILY” (ABC)
BETTY WHITE / Elka Ostrovsky – “HOT IN CLEVELAND” (TV Land)

WILL WIN: Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family” Now this is my heart speaking more than my brain, but I’m just dying to see a Sofia speech. Besides, I think she’s overdue to win an individual award after two Emmys noms, two Globe noms, and two individual SAG noms. This category loved Megan Mullally, and Vergara fits the bill of loud mouthed upstaging supporting role.

SPOILER: Betty White, “Hot in Cleveland” But then again, we might go more with the voters’ hearts more than their brain and stick with legendary White. After all, they nominated her twice this year, and they can easily rubberstamp this category with another win from her.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
LAURENCE FISHBURNE / Thurgood Marshall – “THURGOOD” (HBO)
PAUL GIAMATTI / Ben Bernanke – “TOO BIG TO FAIL” (HBO)
GREG KINNEAR / Jack Kennedy – “THE KENNEDYS” (REELZ CHANNEL)
GUY PEARCE / Monty Beragon – “MILDRED PIERCE“ (HBO)
JAMES WOODS / Richard Fuld – “TOO BIG TO FAIL” (HBO)

WILL WIN: Laurence Fishburne, “Thurgood” Star of an HBO film? Check. Respected veteran? Check. Still SAG-less? Check. That gives Fishburne the advantage in this category, and I think voters will respond to him as well.

SPOILER: Guy Pearce, “Mildred Pierce” Emmy winning and Globe nominated performance might be hard to resist for the SAG voters this year. This is also a way to reward the underrated Guy Pearce.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
DIANE LANE / Pat Loud – “CINEMA VERITE” (HBO)
MAGGIE SMITH / Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham – “DOWNTON ABBEY” (PBS)
EMILY WATSON / Janet Leach – “APPROPRIATE ADULT” (Sundance Channel)
BETTY WHITE / Caroline Thomas – “HALLMARK HALL OF FAME: THE LOST VALENTINE” (CBS)
KATE WINSLET / Mildred Pierce – “MILDRED PIERCE” (HBO)

WILL WIN: Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce” The SAG loves ’em Kate, and this is an iconic role which so far capped Emmy and Globe victories for her. This is probably an easy win for the very capable Kate Winslet.

SPOILER: Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey” The scene stealer in the respected British show, the Dame hasn’t won an individual SAG yet, and if her name is too much to resist for voters, a win is very possible.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire
Breaking Bad
Dexter
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife

WILL WIN: Boardwalk Empire In case of a vote splitting, just stick with the current champs; thus, I predict Boardwalk Empire.

SPOILER: The Good Wife In case Juliana Margulies loses Female Actor: Drama to Jessica Lange, they can still reward him with the rest of the team in this category. That way. Margulies still wins another SAG this year. LOL.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
Glee
Modern Family
The Office

WILL WIN: Modern Family With no competition (where’s Team Parks and Rec!!?!?! Happy Endings!?!?!?! Community!?!?!?!?) , this is an easy repeat win for the team of Modern Family. And it’s as if they’re not the best ensemble out of this bunch.

SPOILER: Big Bang Theory Truth be told, they get boosted by being the only non winning ensemble from the nominees, and the three other nominations are so old news now.

That’s it, catch the 18th Screen Actors Guild tomorrow on Velvet, 9AM for the live telecast and 10 PM for the delayed Primetime telecast. Happy SAG day tomorrow! 🙂

Last night, the nominees for the 84th Academy Awards were already revealed, and once again, we were left with shocking gasps and surprises. While most of the expected did actually happen, it’s the shocking snubs and surprising inclusions that got a lot of people talking. Anyway, here’s a rundown of those who are vying for the golden naked man come February 26:

BEST PICTURE
“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
“The Help”
“Hugo”
“Midnight in Paris”
“Moneyball”
“The Tree of Life”
“War Horse”

How did I fare: 7/9
Notable snubs: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Bridesmaids, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Talk about surprises, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close still made the line up for Best Picture after missing everything (literally everything) except the BFCA. Everything else were just the same old predictions though aside from Extremely Loud, I wasn’t able to include Tree of Life, as I felt the Academy will solely focus on the major films that got guild support. I’m happiest for War Horse, just because I stick with it despite a lot of people underestimating it.

BEST DIRECTOR
Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”
Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”
Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
Terrence Malick, “The Tree of Life”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: David Fincher (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Bennett Miller (Moneyball), Steven Spielberg (War Horse)

So my NGNG prediction of Nicolas Winding Refn didn’t pay off (Yes I know how much they hated Drive now), but this is the actual and safe group of five that the Academy will really go with. Terrence Malick, like his film Tree of Life, is a very polarizing choice, so those who loved it (in the words of Sally Field) really really loved it. Happiest the most for Woody Allen, as he gets another Directorial nod. Imagine how epic it is for Hazanavicius and Payne to be nommed alongside Scorsese, Allen, and Malick.

BEST ACTOR
Demián Bichir, “A Better Life”
George Clooney, “The Descendants”
Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
Gary Oldman, “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”
Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Michael Fassbender (Shame), Leonardo di Caprio (J. Edgar), Michael Shannon (Take Shelter)

While I knew it that the British bloc will go for Gary Oldman and not Michael Fassy, his miss still stings. Bichir came a long way from a supporting actor in Weeds to Oscar nominated actor of A Better Life. The SAG really sealed the deal here. I wonder what the fuss about Leo di Caprio missing is (though I did predict him), but I’m happy he missed because he has no chance in hell in winning, and I don’t want him to enter the Peter O’Toole territory yet with 0 wins and 4 noms. I’m happiest the most for Gary Oldman who finally can add Oscar nominee to his credentials. Talk about a long and overdue first nomination.

BEST ACTRESS
Viola Davis, “The Help”
Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs”
Rooney Mara, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”
Michelle Williams, “My Week With Marilyn”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin), Charlize Theron (Young Adult), Kirsten Dunst (Melancholia)

And Rooney (Mara, not Ricketts) makes it. Probably the biggest surprise since Laura Linney in The Savages, as she reaped a Globe nod as her only precursor. It’s sad that it’s at the expense of mommy dearest Tilda Swinton who reaped all (YES, ALL!) major awards precursors and even a critics win for We Need to Talk About Kevin. And though it has more to do with the subject of the film, it still stings especially since Cate Blanchett made it with less precursors in 2007. And a big I TOLD YOU SO to those who doubted Glenn Close. Academy has a hard on with a gender bender role of an Oscarless actress who’s working doubly (even triply) on her passion project. Still sad that Queen Charlize isn’t here (I’m fanboying myself with her much because Legend Kidman isn’t available this year).

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Kenneth Branagh, “My Week With Marilyn”
Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”
Nick Nolte, “Warrior”
Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”
Max Von Sydow, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Albert Brooks (Drive), Armie Hammer (J. Edgar), Ben Kingsley (Hugo)

Talk about loving ’em legends, Max von Sydow surprisingly received his second acting Oscar nomination in this year’s surprise Best Picture nominated film. Glad I stick with Jonah Hill (as many leaving him were more of their personal biases against the actor) and Nick Nolte (who I’ve always felt was a sure contender). Ben Kingsley’s surprise nod didn’t actually materialize, and Albert Brooks was left driving in the cold. Guess that SAG + BAFTA miss is something I’ll consider next time.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Bérénice Bejo, “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain, “The Help”
Melissa McCarthy, “Bridesmaids”
Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”
Octavia Spencer, “The Help”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Shailene Woodley (The Descendants), Vanessa Redgrave (Coriolanus), Carey Mulligan (Shame)

I already predicted that it would be Shailene missing the cut (refer to the SAG + BAFTA miss by Albert Brooks), but since I love that performance, I decided to stick with it til the end. And it’s officially Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy. I never thought that the Academy will go for this, and while I adore McCarthy (she seems to be the sweetest and most genuine actresses ever), I don’t feel she’s type five worthy. However, I’m not annoyed by her nomination.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
“The Artist”
“Bridesmaids”
“Margin Call”
“Midnight in Paris”
“A Separation”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: 50/50, Young Adult, Take Shelter

Call it the Joseph Gordon Levitt curse, but it seems as if his films which has great screenplays always miss the cut. First, it was the very good written 500 Days of Summer in 2009, and now 50/50. However, this is a very tricky category, and among the first time features, it was Margin Call who got the nod. I guess I must watch it ASAP. Happiest the most for A Separation, as it is my favorite film of the year, and one of the reasons why it is such is because of its very haunting screenplay.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“The Descendants”
“Hugo”
“The Ides of March”
“Moneyball”
“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: The Help, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Talk about a surprise, I thought The Help is a sure thing for this, but surprisingly, George and his friends managed to squeak in a single nod for The Ides of March. The Help, overall underperformed with nominations, as this should have been an easy nomination for them. I’m happiest the most for Jim Rash (Community’s Dean Pelton) as he’s now an Oscar nominated screenplay.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE 
“A Cat in Paris”
“Chico and Rita”
“Kung Fu Panda 2”
“Puss in Boots”
“Rango”

How did I fare: 2/5
Notable misses: Adventures of Tintin, Arthur Christmas

And boy did I suck when it comes to animated features. Probably, it has something to do with me not being a fan of them. Biggest surprise is Globe and PGA winner Adventures of Tintin, but I guess it’s more of the academy’s bias against motion capture format. I’ve also learned that Animated Feature is the extension of the Foreign Language Film, as two FLF got nominated this year. So when in doubt, go foreign. LELZ. And yes, it’s proven that Pixar is not bulletproof here, as proven by the Cars 2 snub.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
“Bullhead” – Belgium
“Monsieur Lazhar” – Canada
“A Separation” – Iran
“Footnote” – Israel
“In Darkness” – Poland

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Germany’s Pina

I did well here, though I missed Belgium’s Bullhead because I went safe and predicted Germany’s Pina both here and in the documentary feature. I’m interested the most to see Israel’s Footnote, but of course, my loyalty remains with Iran’s A Separation. Here’s hoping it won’t be jinxed ala Amelie and Pan’s Labyrinth.

BEST ART DIRECTION
“The Artist”
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”
“Hugo”
“Midnight in Paris”
“War Horse”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Missed Midnight in Paris, and yes, it deserves the nomination! oh boy did I love the art direction of that m0vie. That’s a big and very welcome surprise!

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
“The Artist”
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
“Hugo”
“The Tree of Life”
“War Horse”

How did I fare: 5/5
Notable misses: None? Hahaha.

Hurray to the only category that I predicted perfectly. Here’s hoping the overdue Emmanuel Lubezki finally wins one for his superb work on Tree of Life.

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
“Anonymous”
“The Artist”
“Hugo”
“Jane Eyre”
“W.E.”

How did I fare: 3/5
Notable misses: The Help, War Horse, My Week with Marilyn

Very surprising category as W.E made a showing instead of Best Picture nominees The Help and The Horse, and the outlandish costumes of Marilyn Monroe and Margaret Thatcher. Once again, Academy loves ’em pieces as Jane Eyre earned an expected yet deserving nomination.

BEST EDITING
“The Artist”
“The Descendants”
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
“Hugo”
“Moneyball”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: War Horse

I was considering including The Descendants in the list as most BP contenders (apparently) are also the best edited films of the year. But since I don’t know which to remove, I stick with War Horse. Glad to be wrong though, as this is a vital award for all BP winners.

BEST MAKE UP
“Albert Nobbs”
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”
“The Iron Lady”

How did I fare: 2/3
Notable misses: Gainsbourg, J. Edgar, Hugo

I thought Hugo can sweep a filler nomination here, but it seems that Glenn Close’s gender bender role sealed a third nomination for Albert Nobbs.

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
“The Adventures of Tintin”
“The Artist”
“Hugo”
“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”
“War Horse”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Very much surprise that despite the guild love and being the current winners in this category, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross failed to receive a back to back noms for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Instead, they went with Alberto Iglesias in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“Man or Muppet” from “The Muppets”
“Real in Rio” from “Rio”

How did I fare: 0/2
Notable misses: Uhm almost everything?

Wow talk about a disgrace. Just when everyone’s mad for having only four nominees last year, there comes two this year. What is happening here? Please fix this, Academy.

BEST SOUND EDITING
“Drive”
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
“Hugo”
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”
“War Horse”

How did I fare: 3/5
Notable misses: Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Super 8

I actually don’t know what to judge here, but I’m happy that at least someone noticed Drive. My goodness. That movie deserves a nomination. If Norbit can get one, it must get too.

BEST SOUND MIXING
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
“Hugo”
“Moneyball”
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”
“War Horse”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Drive, Super 8, Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I knew Moneyball will get in here, and I’m happy it paid off. Shocked there’s no animated film nominated in both of the Sound categories.

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”
“Hugo”
“Real Steel”
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”

How did I fare: 4/5
Notable misses: Tree of Life, Captain America

Now this is the substitute for the box office film award. I can’t believe the Academy passed over Tree of Life. There were dinosaurs in the film! DINO-FUCKING-SAURS!

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
“Hell and Back Again”
“If a Tree Falls: The Story of the Earth Liberation Front”
“Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory”
“Pina”
“Undefeated”

How did I fare: 3/5
Notable misses: Project Nim, Semper Fi

Surprised to get three of this, especially since the only sure thing here is Pina.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
“The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement”
“God is the Bigger Elvis”
“Incident in New Baghdad”
“Saving Face”
“The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom”

How did I fare: 4/5

God knows how I did well in this category. I have no idea.

BEST ANIMATED SHORTS
“Dimanche/Sunday”
“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”
“La Luna”
“A Morning Stroll”
“Wild Life”

How did I fare: 4/5

Once again, God knows how I did well in this category. I have no idea.

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
“Pentecost”
“Raju”
“The Shore”
“Time Freak”
“Tuba Atlantic”

How did I fare: 2/5

God told me I can only be lucky twice. Three is too much. Hahaha.

Overall here are my stats:

My Stats
35/44 in the big eight categories
77/104 in the categories everyone tries to predict
87/119 if you include the shorts which many people don’t bother with (but I did well).

How did you fare? 🙂

The 84th Oscar nominations have already been announced and here are some statistics about this year’s 20 acting nominees:

BEST ACTOR
• Demian Bichir, “A Better Life” – 1st time nominee
• George Clooney, “The Descendants” – 1 win, 7 nominations (2 of this year for Screenplay and this one)
• Jean Dujardin, “The Artist” – 1st time nominee
• Gary Oldman, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” – 1st time nominee (YES, YOU’RE READING IT RIGHT)
• Brad Pitt, “Moneyball” – 0 wins, 4 nominations ( 2 for Picture and this one)

BEST ACTRESS
• Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs” – 0 wins, 6 nominations
• Viola Davis, “The Help” – 0 wins, 2 nominations
• Rooney Mara, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” – 1st time nominee
• Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady” – 2 wins, 17 nominations
• Michelle Williams, “My Week with Marilyn” – 0 wins, 3 nominations

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
• Kenneth Branagh, “My Week with Marilyn” – 0 wins, 5 nominations
• Jonah Hill, “Moneyball” – 1st time nominee
• Nick Nolte, “Warrior” – o wins, 3 nominations
• Christopher Plummer, “Beginners” – o wins, 2 nominations
• Max Von Sydow, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” – o wins, 2 nominations

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
• Berenice Bejo, “The Artist” – 1st time nominee
• Jessica Chastain, “The Help” – 1st time nominee
• Melissa McCarthy, “Bridesmaids” – 1st time nominee
• Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs” – 0 wins, 2 nominations
• Octavia Spencer, “The Help” – 1st time nominee

So after everything has been said and done, this will all boil down to this one. As a reminder, the 84th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on the morning of January 24 by Academy president Tom Sherak and Oscar Best Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence. This is a very confusing year when it comes to nominations, and though I’ll probably enjoy some gutsy predictions I made that paid off last year (ehemJavier Bardem for Biutifulehem), this one turns out to be a much more difficult and complicated year. Let’s begin!

BEST PICTURE
• The Artist
• The Descendants
• The Help
• Hugo
• Midnight in Paris
• Moneyball
• War Horse

8th (but not predicted) : The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
9th (but not predicted) : Bridesmaids
10th (but not predicted) : The Tree of Life

Had there been five nominees only, it’s easier to predict since Moneyball and War Horse will get the boot; however, this new rule of uncertain number of nominations complicate things further. I’m currently predicting  seven pictures to get nominated and while I’m pretty confident with the first six, I’m really skeptical about War Horse’s chances. However, I think it can still get that needed 5% votes to get in the race.

BEST DIRECTOR
• Michael Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
• Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”
• Nicolas Winding Refn, “Drive”
• Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”
• Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”

Now there goes my first NGNG (that’s no guts, no glory) prediction for this year. This is more of a wishful thinking, since Terrence Malick, Steven Spielberg, Bennett Miller, and David Fincher are in a much better position to be nominated than Winding Refn, but I don’t know who among them will actually make it, so I just threw a random name there.

BEST ACTOR
• George Clooney, “The Descendants”
• Leonardo di Caprio, “J. Edgar”
• Jean Dujardin, “The Artist”
• Gary Oldman, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”
• Brad Pitt, “Moneyball”

Oh damn poor Fassbender. This is one category where I’m itching to be wrong just so dear Michael Fassbender squeaks in an Oscar nod for Shame. Clooney, Dujardin, and Pitt are sure locks already. And as much as people want to dismiss di Caprio’s chances, it’s difficult to fight against an Eastwood directed performance, because the Academy is very much receptive to the performances even if the movie has lukewarm reception (see Angelina Jolie in Changeling and Morgan Freeman in Invictus). Leo is in that direction. As for that Fassbender-should-have-been-here spot, I’m predicting co-Brit and never been nominated Gary Oldman to get in; thanks to the late sudden surge of buzz for TTSS.

BEST ACTRESS
• Glenn Close, “Albert Nobbs”
• Viola Davis, “The Help”
• Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady”
• Tilda Swinton, “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
• Michelle Williams, “My Week with Marilyn”

I’m going with the safe and conventional five. And as much as people want to think that Rooney Mara is considered a serious contender, uhm… no. It’s not gonna happen. Davis, Streep, and Williams are sure bets. Swinton got all precursors needed (a critics award? Check. GG? Check. BFCA? Check. SAG? Check. BAFTA? Check.), and that never missed a beat (EVER!). Even Cate Blanchett in the horrible Elizabeth: Golden Age film got in because of those precursors. And once again, I’m reiterating that passion project does well, so Glenn Close gets in. Anyway, is there a way to get Queen Charlize in? Damn.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
• Kenneth Branagh, “My Week with Marilyn”
• Albert Brooks, “Drive”
• Jonah Hill, “Moneyball”
• Nick Nolte, “Warrior”
• Christopher Plummer, “Beginners”

Meh. What an embarrassment of riches this category has become, had there been a better set of nominees. Practically, no one’s safe aside from Plummer, but no one’s too strong as well to make a surprise appearance (Kingsley, but he certainly didn’t get any (and when I say any, I mean AAAANNNYYYY) precursors for this one). With that, I’m sticking to this group.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
• Berenice Bejo, “The Artist”
• Jessica Chastain, “The Help”
• Janet McTeer, “Albert Nobbs”
• Octavia Spencer, “The Help”
• Shailene Woodley, “The Descendants”

Once again, I’m going on a limb and predict Woodley to get in for a fifth slot. Bejo, Chastain, and Woodley are in now. Then there’s this thing called Melissa McCarthy who surprisingly got BFCA, SAG, and BAFTA nod. That’s probably one of the best combos ever, and had it been any other performance, it’s a shoo-in already. But will the Academy srsly consider someone pooping on a sink?!!? Seriously!?!?? I’m feeling though that McCartney will get nominated, but I don’t know who between McTeer and Woodley to replace her. Odds favor Woodley to get bumped off (missing a SAG and BAFTA), but with this one, I’m clearly going on personal preference, as I want her to get that nomination.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
• Will Reiner, “50/50”
• Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
• Kristen Wig, Annie Mumulo, “Bridesmaids”
• Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
• Asghar Farhadi, “A Separation”

Now this one’s interesting. I’m predicting two NGNG entries here: the first one being Bridesmaids, who got in the WGA as well, but we know how much the Academy isn’t receptive to laugh out loud raunchy genre like this one. The other one is A Separation who swept majority of the critics awards in this category to extend their nomination after the Foreign Language Film one. But of course, one can still expect the likes of Young Adult, Take Shelter, and Win Win to get mentions if any of my NGNG predictions fail to take off.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
• Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash, “The Descendants”
• Tate Taylor, “The Help”
• John Logan, “Hugo”
• Steve Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, “Moneyball”
• Bridget O’Connor, Peter Strong, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
• The Adventures of Tintin
• Arthur Christmas
• Cars 2
• Puss N Boots
• Rango

This will be the actual test to identify if AMPAS are Pixar suckers. If they nominated that critically panned Cars 2 (though they did nominate the first one), then you know they have a Pixar hard on. I’m currently betting on it, but don’t underestimate more critically acclaimed films such as “Chico and Rita” or even “Winnie the Pooh” to get that fifth slot.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
• Footnote (Israel)
• In Darkness (Poland)
• Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)
• Pina (Germany)
• A Separation (Iran)

To be safe, I nominated Pina both here and in the Docs categories. Let’s see which one it will get. if I have my way, I’ll give an automatic nomination to Denmark’s Superclasico just for its hilarious trailer alone.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
• Hell and Back Again
• Paradise 3: Purgatory
• Pina
• Project Nim
• Semper Fi

Unlike any other year where there’s a clear frontrunner here (Bowling for Columbine, An Inconvenient Truth, The Cove), there isn’t any this year. The guilds didn’t help and nominated those who weren’t even in the top fifteen, so aside from Paradise 3, and Project Nim, the three are random choices. Like what I said, I included Pina both here and in FLF since that’s the most logical thing to do.

BEST ART DIRECTION
• The Artist
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
• Hugo
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
• War Horse

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
• The Artist
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Hugo
• The Tree of Life
• War Horse

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
• The Artist
• The Help
• Hugo
• Jane Eyre
• War Horse

BEST EDITING
• The Artist
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Hugo
• Moneyball
• War Horse

BEST MAKE UP
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
• Hugo
• The Iron Lady

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
• The Adventures of Tintin
• The Artist
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Hugo
• War Horse

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
• Lay Your Head Down (Albert Nobbs)
• Life’s a Happy Song (The Muppets)
• The Living Proof (The Help)
• Pictures in My Head (The Muppets)
• Star Spangled Man (Captain America)

BEST SOUND EDITING
• Hugo
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes
• Super 8
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon
• War Horse

BEST SOUND MIXING
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Hugo
• Moneyball
• Super 8
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
• Hugo
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon
• The Tree of Life

The following categories, I have no idea what they are so I’m just picking random names out of the list.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
• The Barber of Bingham
• God is the Bigger Elvis
• Incident ni New Baghdad
• Pipe Dreams
• The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom

BEST ANIMATED SHORTS
• The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore
• La Luna
• Magic Piano
• A Morning Stroll
• Wild Life

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
• Je Pourrais Être Votre Grand-Mère (I Could Be Your Grandmother)
• Love at First Sight
• The Road Home
• Sailcloth
• The Shore

NOMINATION TALLY:
12 – Hugo
10 – The Artist
7 – The Help, War Horse
6 – Moneyball
5 – The Descendants
3 – Midnight in Paris, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Albert Nobbs, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
2 – A Separation, The Iron Lady, Pina, My Week with Marilyn, Tree of Life, Drive, Adventures of Tintin, The Muppets, Super 8, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Rise of the Planet of the Apes

That’s it! So what do you think? Is Melissa McCarthy gonna make it? Am I overestimating War Horse? Will Drive drive its way to a Director nod? And can we call it Academy Award nominated film Captain America? Feel free to insert your predictions as well.

So before Jennifer Lawrence and Academy president Tom Sherak announced the nominations on January 24 (that’s Tuesday night, 9PM here in Manila), I’m gonna give you a cheat sheet that can help you in case you are joining any Oscar nomination prediction contest. Mind you, this has been based from the guilds nominations and critics mentions this awards season, and while this is not 100% correct predictability rate, majority, if not all nominations will certainly come from this list. Otherwise, that’ll be the surprise from this year’s nominees. Also, I’ll be including those shortlists from the Academy in some of the technical categories. Here we go!

BEST PICTURE:

The Artist
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

Since the Oscar nominees for this year ranges from anything between five to ten, there’s a tendency that all the listed films above can still hear themselves as nominees for Best Picture this year. Many of these films are already sure bet for nominations, and while others are not that shoo-ins (Bridesmaids, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), the big guild support they received can push them for a nomination. I still don’t know how many among these ten will make my final list, but these are the ten films that excelled the most during the past few months.

BEST DIRECTOR:

Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
David Fincher, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life
Bennett Miller, Moneyball
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Nicolas Winding Refn, Drive
Martin Scorsese, Hugo
Steven Spielberg, War Horse
Tate Taylor, The Help

Probably the busiest crowd, the best director category most of the time offers some odd but very deserving curveballs in terms of nominations such as Fernando Meirelles in 2003 for City of God and Paul Greengrass in 2006 for United 93. This year’s curveball candidate is probably Nicolas Winding Refn who can carry his Cannes victory all the way to an Oscar nomination. It can also go to critics favorite Terrence Malick for Tree of Life. Or to established directors such as Scorsese, Spielberg, and Allen. BP nominees can also carry their directors to a nomination so Tate Taylor and Bennett Miller shouldn’t be discounted as well.

BEST ACTOR:

Demian Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Leonardo di Caprio, J. Edgar
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Michael Fassbender, Shame
Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt, Moneyball
Michael Shannon, Take Shelter

Otherwise known as the prettiest set of nominees ever, Clooney, Pitt, di Caprio, Fassbender, and Dujardin are the most likely frontrunners in this category. However, do not underestimate Demian Bichir who received a SAG nod (which indicates a sold actors support), overdue for a nomination Gary Oldman (whom the British bloc can go behind with), and Michael Shannon ( remember he got in 2009 without any precursor support) to kick one to two guys from the list.

BEST ACTRESS:

Berenice Bejo, the Artist
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton, We Need to Talk About Kevin
Charlize Theron, Young Adult
Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn

Outside of the three perceived frontrunners (Davis, Streep, Williams), the two spots can go to any of the five remaining women. Glenn Close is doing a vanity project and though sometimes it pays off with a nom (Salma Hayek in Frida), there are times when it does not (Madonna in Evita). Rooney Mara can sail coast to a nomination after the strong showing of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Tilda Swinton got the necessary precursors needed, but she’s gonna be one of those filler nominees in case. Charlize Theron is an Oscar winner actress who headlines her own comedy, and this is probably the case of past Oscar winner making it due to name alone (Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole, Helen Mirren in Last Station). Lastly, if there’s a strong case of support, Berenice Bejo can move up to a Lead nomination even if campaigned in Supporting as proven by the likes of Susan Sarandon, Valerie Perrine, Keisha Castle Hughes, and Kate Winslet.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Kenneth Branagh, My Week with Marilyn
Albert Brooks, Drive
Armie Hammer, J. Edgar
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Ben Kingsley, Hugo
Viggo Mortensen, A Dangerous Method
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Like the Best Actress category, there are three contenders who are ahead of the competition this year: Branagh (as Oscar loves actors who play actors), Brooks (Oscar loves em veterans), Plummer (Oscar loves em veterans + gay roles).  Jonah Hill got GG + SAG nods, but Mila Kunis is a testament that does not equate with an Oscar nominee title. Nick Nolte and Armie Hammer got SAG nods which indicates support from the actors branch. Viggo Mortensen is a respected actor that can benefit from an open competition. Lastly, Ben Kingsley can get in due to name alone, but he also stars in a BP nominee which can translate to a nomination.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Berenice Bejo, the Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Carey Mulligan, Shame
Vanessa Redgrave, Coriolanus
Octavia Spencer, The Help
Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

Surprisingly, there’s only one lock in this category: eventual winner Octavia Spencer. The rest of the women, though highly probably, can still logically miss on a nomination. With all good performances, Jessica Chastain can be victimized with a vote splitting especially since some of her films can have some passionate supporters (Tree of Life, Take Shelter), and though the most logical chance is “The Help”, she won’t win against co-star Octavia Spencer. Melissa McCarthy got some important precursor nods, and it’s logical to predict her at this point. We’ll just have to wait with how the Academy responds to Bridesmaids. Janet McTeer can easily get lost in the shuffle, but this is a scene stealing role in an otherwise blah movie. If there’s enough love for Shame, past Best Actress nominee Carey Mulligan can get in this year for a very haunting performance. Now if there’s someone who can get in with no precursors at all, it’s Vanessa Redgrave who was a scene stealer in Coriolanus. As for Shailene Woodley, not getting SAG and BAFTA can hurt her big time, but this is the category that loves young actresses so much (Anna Kendrick, Michelle Williams, Saoirse Ronan) so that might work on her advantage.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:

50/50
The Artist
Beginners
Bridesmaids
Margin Call
Midnight in Paris
A Separation
Take Shelter
Win Win
Young Adult

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:

The Descendants
Drive
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
War Horse

NOTE: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close has NO shot in hell of getting nommed, but since I want to close to ten contenders, I’m including it. So if you are into serious Oscar predicting, I’m removing one contender for you already. EL&IC is not happening. LELZ.

As for the official lists that the AMPAS released, here are some other categories with shortlists left for voting:

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

• Bullhead, directed by Michael R. Roskam, Belgium
• Monsieur Lazhar, directed by Philippe Falardeau, Canada
• SuperClásico, directed by Ole Christian Madsen, Denmark
• Pina, directed by Wim Wenders, Germany
• A Separation, directed by Asghar Farhadi, Iran
• Footnote, directed by Joseph Cedar, Israel
• Omar Killed Me, directed by Roschdy Zem, Morocco
• In Darkness, directed by Agnieszka Holland, Poland
• Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale, directed by Wei Te-Sheng, Taiwan

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

• Battle for Brooklyn
• Bill Cunningham New York
• Buck
• Hell and Back Again
• If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
• Jane’s Journey
• The Loving Story
• Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
• Pina
• Project Nim
• Semper Fi: Always Faithful
• Sing Your Song
• Undefeated
• Under Fire: Journalists in Combat
• We Were Here

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

• The Barber of Birmingham
• God Is the Bigger Elvis
• In Tahrir Square: 18 Days of Egypt’s Unfinished Revolution
• Incident in New Baghdad
• Pipe Dreams
• Saving Face
• The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom
• Witness

BEST MAKE UP

• Albert Nobbs
• Anonymous
• The Artist
• Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
• Hugo
• The Iron Lady

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

• Captain America: The First Avenger
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
• Hugo
• Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
• Real Steel
• Rise of the Planet of the Apes
• Transformers: Dark of the Moon
• The Tree of Life
• X-Men: First Class

Hope this helps you all Oscar freaks out there. I’ll be posting my predictions on Tuesday morning. Happy Oscar guessing game everyone! 🙂

So this is the last Golden Globe related moment blog post, and I’m off to a hiatus first before I push through with the SAGs. Anyway, after knowing how well you fared with your predictions and knowing who made your best dressed list, the last thing that completes the post awards show review is a recap of the most memorable moments. Whether it may be acceptance speeches, wacky presentations, or just fancy audience shots, these are twelve of those that will still be talked about and be most remembered even after the show has already ended.

1. Modern Family speech courtesy of Sofia Vergara and Steve Levitan

Finally getting their first victory (after losing twice to Glee), the Modern Family gang proved why they are, indeed, the best comedy champs. Of course we all know that Steve Levitan is a master when it comes to speeches, but doing it simultaneously with Sofia Vergara made it doubly special (and doubly funny) as well. Julie Bowen grabbing Sofia added tot he fun of this good ensemble.

2. Meryl Streep’s surprising speech

It is already a given that Meryl Streep gives some of the best acceptance speeches among actors. And though you already know how she’ll discredit herself despite the greatness that she’s showing, it doesn’t come off as false humility or fake at all. This year, she gets to mention the wide array of good performances by female actors in a leading role from Tilda Swinton to Glenn Close up to Jane Eyre’s Mia Wasikowska and Pariah’s Adepero Oduye. And she also gets to say a curse (when she forgot to have her glasses). Melissa Leo, take notes.

3. Johnny Depp interrogated by Ricky Gervais

One joke that will go down as one of the bests ever in the history of the Golden Globes is the nomination of The Tourist in three categories last year. Of course, it was already beat to death last year by Ricky Gervais. But nothing is better when Gervais asked first presenter Johnny Depp, just to make it clear, if he did see The Tourist. A laughing Depp answered “no” tot he audience. That was the only saving bit in an otherwise blah opening.

4. Peter Dinklage’s acceptance speech

After winning the Emmy, Dinklage gave another heartfelt speech that started with his Mom thinking that Guy Pearce will win. However, the best part of his speech was when he mentioned people to google this certain Martin Henderson in the UK. After actually googling it, the story was about a dwarf man who was abused and mistreated by a group of famous sportsmen. Very touching speech, Mr. Lannister.

Photo courtesy of: Entertainment Tonight

5. George Clooney appearing in a cane

In a traditional act of sporting bromance, Brad Pitt and George Clooney presented each other’s nominated film for Best Picture: Drama. Brad did it first when he introduced The Ides of March appearing in a cane (as he was in a ski accident just days before the event). Later during the program, before introducing Moneyball, Clooney came out with a cane as well, before returning it saying “he (Pitt) couldn;t go to the bar without it”. Clooney really knows how to handle a crowd.

6. Best musical presentation

Two years ago, Felicity Huffman made Globe news when she flubbed across her lines before introducing the HFPA president. However, she knows how to make a good comeback, by singing along the lines of their presentation before announcing Jessica Lange as the winner. Now, someone please cast them in a musical soon.

Photo courtesy of: XposurePhotos.com

7. Madonna fires back to Ricky Gervais

Last year, the audience was still reserved in answering back Ricky’s tirade one after the other. However, people clearly underestimated the audience this year. While the likes of Antonio Banderas and Colin Firth tried to make it funnier, pop queen Madonna took a different approach. After Gervais tried to do a sarcastic cough after introducing Madonna as “like a virgin”, the material girl answered back and said “If I’m still a virgin, Ricky, why don’t you come over here and do something about it. I haven’t kissed a girl in a few years…on TV.” This elicited a thunderous applause, and it made Ricky Gervais chicken out and run on the opposite side of the stage as seen in the photo.

8. The hilarious presentation of Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical

Last year, Robert Downey’s made a Blue Valentine episode with then nominees Annette Bening, Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone marked as one of the better presentations of that night. So it’s pretty hard to top that this year. Who would have thought that it will just take Seth Rogen’s penis to do the trick? After being introduced to present with the ravishing Kate Beckinsale, Seth Rogen simply said “Hello, I’m Seth Rogen. And I am currently trying to conceal a massive erection”. The rest, as they say, is premature ejaculation history.

9. Best penis joke of the night goes to…

As if George Clooney’s cane act isn’t enough, George did make the crowd howl once more when he accepted the award for Best Actor: Drama for The Descendants. Recognizing co-nominee Michael Fassbender’s nudity on his film “Shame”, he then quipped “I would like to thank Michael Fassbender for taking over the frontal nude responsibly that I had. “Really Michael, honestly, you can play golf like this with your hands behind your back. Go for it man, do it!” A giggly Fassbender was just laughing in the audience.

10. She’s there behind you. You’ve been warned.

Well who doesn’t love Tina Fey? Even the cameras do! When the camera obligatory panned to Amy Poehler as she was announced as a nominee for Best Television Actress: Musical/Comedy, co-nominee and close friend Tina Fey appeared on the back making goofy faces. If it was Tina  Fey who’ll appear on my back, I’ll be glad to share the spotlight with her. LELZ.

11. The breezy Cecil B. DeMille presentation

Usually, the Cecil B. DeMille presentation is the usual time for actors and actresses to do a re-touch (yes, Angelina Jolie, I’m looking at you). However, this year, it all went so fast. Thanks to the very entertaining introduction of Helen Mirren (who doesn’t love a Dame? Come on, srsly) and the heartfelt speech of Morgan Freeman. Plus it isn’t a bore when you listen to a voice like that of Mr. Freeman’s. Now if only all lifetime achievement presentations are like this one.

12. Uggie shows his tricks to the crowd

Probably the most famous dog this awards season, The Artist’s Uggie went onstage together with the cast and the producers when they were called on as the Best Picture: Musical/Comedy. And while producer was rambling on with his speech, the whole audience was busy being fascinated with Uggie’s tricks as assisted by Best Actor: Musical/Comedy winner Jean Dujardin. Surely, Uggie is here to stay. it makes me wonder how much will jump the Uggie bandwagon within the next few months. Argh.

So what are your favorite moments at last night’s Golden Globes? Care to share? 🙂

Now that the awards have already been given out, and I did well with my predictions (Got 21 out of 25 exactly, the other four are my spoiler choices, so you can consider that I got all winners correctly. 🙂 ), let’s no move on to one of the favorite post-events highlight of the show. Here’s my list of those were shining like a globe at last Sunday’s activity.

16. Diane Lane in Reem Acra

Channeling an old Hollywood theme, Golden Globe nominee Diane Lane shines and looks good in this gold gown made by Reem Acra.

15. Michelle Williams in Jason Wu

Very far from her Marilyn Monroe role, Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy winner Michelle Williams plays a big step up in this midnight blue Jason Wu creation with matching headband to complement the look.

14. Viola Davis in Emilio Pucci

Though she didn’t take home any award tonight, Best Actress nominee Viola Davis looks simply stunning in this asymmetrical burgundy gown made by Emilio Pucci with some leg action to boot.

13. Freida Pinto in Prada

Freida Pinto keeps it simple yet stylish  in a teal Prada dress with only a small thin belt that served as an accessory.

12. Julianne Moore in Chanel

After two years of wearing mixed bag dresses, Julianne Moore finally got it right this year as she kept it simple and fresh looking in a black Chanel ensemble and emerald tassel earrings.

11. Berenice Bejo in Gucci Première

She might be a “WHO?” to everyone, but Globe nominee Berenice Bejo definitely made heads turn in this strapless sapphire Gucci Première outfit she wore last night.

10. Emma Stone in Lanvin

Finally wearing her red do at the Golden Globes, Emma Stone got sexy and vamp combined in this plunging maroon Lanvin creation she sashayed at this year’s Golden Globes.

09. Salma Hayek in Gucci

Known for her over the top gowns that highlights her cleavage most of the time, this black and gold Gucci dress is a very good change of pace for Salma Hayek, and it gave her instant entry to the best dressed list.

08. Claire Danes in J. Mendel

Not only did Claire Danes went home with a trophy this year for Best Actress in a TV Series Drama, but she also won top honors for this backless black and white J. Mendel gown she donned at the ceremony.

07. Laura Dern in Andrew Gn

While green was the color of last year’s Golden Globes, Laura Dern played the  “better late than never” card in this shimmering Andrew Gn gown that matches her Golden Globe for Best Actress in a TV Musical or Comedy trophy.

06. Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischa

Proving that real fashion does not get old with age, Dame Helen Mirren put many starlets to shame when she wore this blue Badgley Mischa creation that gave her body all the real curves that you can get from a dame.

05. Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Isn’t Angie lovely when she puts an effort on what she wear? A clear testament is this Atelier Versace creation that made her look very elegant at last night’s activities.

04. Nicole Kidman in Versace

Nicole Kidman fits like a glove in this intricately designed cream Versace gown that gave her a regal yet relaxed aura, and an instant spot in the Best Dressed List this year.

03. Shailene Woodley in Marchesa

She can still work on her poses and posture, but there’s no doubt that her choice of this strapless silver Marchesa gown is a good start to her long Oscar red carpet adventure.

02. Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Not wearing her usual loud colors, Sofia Vergara maintained a low key yet very striking look in this lovely shade of blue peacock strapless Vera Wang creation that gave an effortless yet unforgettable red carpet look.

01. Charlize Theron in Dior

And this year’s champ, looking as angelic as ever, Charlize Theron proves who the real queen of fashion is when she stepped out of this pink Dior outfit with soft curls and headband as well. No contest, Golden Globe’s best dressed.

Who are your picks for Best Dressed at the Globes? How about the Worst Dressed? Go pipe them ‘in! 🙂

Tomorrow is the 69th edition of the Golden Globe Awards, and while their intention of giving awards has been questionable for some (Are they awarding who they think is the best? Or are they awarding who they think has a shot at the Oscars?), it is still one of the more prominent stops on an actor’s road to the Oscar.

FILM

Best Motion Picture, Drama
The Descendants
The Help
Hugo
The Ides of March
Moneyball
War Horse

PREDICTION: The Descendants. It was the perceived frontrunner all along.

SPOILER: Hugo. With sudden late surge of love, HFPA might want to be the first to honor it.

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
50/50
The Artist
Bridesmaids
Midnight in Paris
My Week With Marilyn

PREDICTION: The Artist. Oscar frontrunner and likely Best Picture winner.

SPOILER: Bridesmaids. The breakout comedy of the year, and the HFPA might can’t resist giving it a win. After all, The Hangover won two years ago.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
George Clooney, The Descendants
Leonardo DiCaprio, J. Edgar
Michael Fassbender, Shame
Ryan Gosling, The Ides of March
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

PREDICTION: George Clooney, The Descendants. He is nominated for four categories this year. They love him. He hasn’t won in this category before, and it will complete his Film Acting Globe trophies.

SPOILER: Brad Pitt, Moneyball. The only one who can beat Clooney. Overdue for a Best Actor win, and this is the place where the Globes can reward Moneyball.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Jean DuJardin, The Artist
Brendon Gleeson, The Guard
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 50/50
Ryan Gosling, Crazy Stupid Love
Owen Wilson, Midnight in Paris

PREDICTION: Jean DuJardin, The Artist. Hands down, the frontrunner in this one.

SPOILER: Ryan Gosling, Crazy Stupid Love. A consolation for having a good year and a good body to boot. This is his 4^th nomination, so he’s kinda overdue as well.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Tilda Swinton, We Need to Talk About Kevin

 PREDICTION: Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady. They can’t resist Meryl playing Thatcher. This is the type of performance they usually recognize.

SPOILER: Viola Davis, The Help. Meryl has seven Globes already, and they haven’t rewarded any black actress in this category so far. This might be the next in Viola’s train of awards.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Jodie Foster, Carnage
Charlize Theron, Young Adult
Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn
Kate Winslet, Carnage

PREDICTION: Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn. No question, the automatic winner in this category.

SPOILER: Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids. Unless they want to spread the wealth and they want to reward a true comedic performance this year. Slim chance of happening though.

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Albert Brooks, Drive
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Viggo Mortensen, A Dangerous Method
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

PREDICTION: Christopher Plummer, Beginners. A simple stop on his way to the Oscars. Globe-less still.

SPOILER: Albert Brooks, Drive. The only possible spoiler, yet he has been awarded y the Globes before.

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Berenice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help
Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

PREDICTION: Octavia Spencer, The Help. Like Plummer, it’s just one of those simple stops on her way to the Kodak Theater.

SPOILER: Berenice Bejo, The Artist. The Artist seems to be the type of movie they’ll go batshit crazy for, so Bejo can be along the love train.

Best Director
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, The Ides of March
Michael Hazanavicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorsese, Hugo

PREDICTION: Michael Hazanavicius, The Artist. Like others, a simple stop on his way to the Oscars.

SPOILER: Martin Scorsese, Hugo. They’ve awarded Scorsese only once before, and it’s almost a decade since his last win (for Gangs of New York).

Best Screenplay, Motion Picture
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon, The Ides of March
Michael Hazanavicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxwon and Jim Rash, The Descendants
Steve Derian and Aaron Sorkin, Moneyball

PREDICTION: Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris. The only place where they can honor Midnight in Paris.

SPOILER: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxwon and Jim Rash, The Descendants. When all else fails for The Descendants, they can always count on a Screenplay mention. Payne is somewhat a favorite here.

Best Foreign Language Film
The Flowers of War, China
In the Land of Blood and Honey, USA
The Kid With the Bike, Belgium
A Separation, Iran
The Skin I Live In, Spain

PREDICTION: A Separation, Iran. They can’t resist giving it to the multi-awarded film of the year. It will match them with the Oscars, which is good for their track record.

SPOILER: In the Land of Blood and Honey, USA. Angie Jolie thanking Brad Pitt onstage. ‘nuff said.

Best Animated Feature Film
The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Cars 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

PREDICTION: The Adventures of Tintin. Possible place where they can award both Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg. Globes might think this it an opportunity they can’t resist.

SPOILER: Rango. The more well received film can still sneak in and get the Globe.

Best Original Song, Motion Picture
“Hello, Hello,” Elton John and Bernie Taupin; Gnomeo & Juliet
“The Keeper,” Chris Cornell; Machine Gun Preacher
“Lay Your Head Down,” Brian Byrne and Glenn Close; Albert Nobbs
“The Living Proof,” Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason Jr. and Damon Thomas, The Help
“Masterpiece,” Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry; W.E.

PREDICTION: “Lay Your Head Down,” Brian Byrne and Glenn Close; Albert Nobbs. This is the only place where they can reward Glenn Close, so they might take their chance.

SPOILER: “Masterpiece,” Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry; W.E. HFPA loves Madonna to the point that they chose her over eventual Oscar winner Frances McDormand in 1997.

Best Original Score, Motion Picture
The Artist, Ludovic Bource
W.E., Abel Korzeniowski
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Hugo, Howard Shore
War Horse, John Williams

PREDICTION: The Artist, Ludovic Bource. Perceived frontrunner in this category.

SPOILER: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Current winners in this category. They can easily do a repeat.

TELEVISION

Best TV Movie or Miniseries
Cinema Verite
Downton Abbey
The Hour
Mildred Pierce
Too Big to Fail

PREDICTION: Downton Abbey. I think the Globes cannot resist to follow Emmy’s suit with this choice.

SPOILER: Mildred Pierce. But then again, Globes TV = HBO. They can easily choose this just for pedigree of the people involved.

Best TV Series, Drama
American Horror Story
Boardwalk Empire
Boss
Game of Thrones
Homeland

PREDICTION: Homeland. Fits in the category of new acclaimed series that the HFPA loves to award.

SPOILER: Game of Thrones. Breakout critical and commercial success of the year. However, new season hasn’t aired yet, and last season ended almost eight months ago.

Best TV Series, Comedy
Enlightened
Episodes
Glee
Modern Family
New Girl

PREDICTION: Modern Family. HFPA’s chance to redeem themselves after awarding Glee twice. They won’t let this opportunity just pass by.

SPOILER: New Girl. Breakout comedy that fits the mold of HFPA’s picks.

Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Kelsey Grammer, Boss
Jeremy Irons, The Borgias
Damian Lewis, Homeland

PREDICTION: Kelsey Grammer, Boss. TV legend into his first drama foray. They nominated it to Series as well, so they might honor it with a win here.

SPOILER: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad. Every now and then, HFPA loves to play catch up (Mariska Hargitay and Michael C. Hall), Cranston fits that bill.

Best Actor, TV Series Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
David Duchovny, Californication
Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory
Thomas Jane, Hung
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes

PREDICTION: Matt LeBlanc, Episodes. In a process of elimination, the one whose show is nominated for Comedy Series and is still Globeless can easily win here. After all, they nominated him for Joey.

SPOILER: Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory. They chose him over Jim Parsons. That might indicate solid support from the HFPA.

Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama
Claire Danes, Homeland
Mireille Enos, The Killing
Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife
Madeleine Stowe, Revenge
Callie Thorne, Necessary Roughness

PREDICTION: Claire Danes, Homeland. Danes will get in 3/3 for all her Globe noms. Young actress who is in a critical and commercial hit show. Easy repeat win for Danes.

SPOILER: Madeleine Stowe, Revenge. Former A+ movie star who got in over eventual lead of her series. This can be another case of a Katey Sagal win.

Best Actress in a TV Series, Comedy
Laura Dern, Enlightened
Zooey Deschanel, New Girl
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

PREDICTION: Zooey Deschanel, New Girl. In the veins of America Ferrera and Mary Louise Parker, lead actress getting acclaim on a show that she headlines. Easy win for Deschanel.

SPOILER: Laura Dern, Enlightened. Same reasons as Deschanel, only disadvantages were she’s on cable, and the show isn’t as well received as New Girl, plus she already has two Globe wins.

Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey
Idris Elba, Luther
William Hurt, Too Big to Fail
Bill Nighy, Page Eight
Dominic West, The Hour

PREDICTION: William Hurt, Too Big to Fail. Veteran that can win because there’s no place to reward Too Big To Fail which got three noms. Plus, weak competition.

SPOILER: Idris Elba, Luther. The only other viable contender who was also nominated last year. They can give him a win for both noms.

Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Romala Garai, The Hour
Diane Lane, Cinema Verite
Elizabeth McGovern, Downton Abbey
Emily Watson, Appropriate Adult
Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

PREDICTION: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce. Easy pick. There’s not even a spoiler here. Now watch her get shocked as if she didn’t see her coming.

SPOILER: Diane Lane, Cinema Verite. Just pick a random name out of the remaining nominees, and her name is what I got.

Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini-Series or TV Movie
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Paul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail
Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce
Tim Robbins, Cinema Verite
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family

PREDICTION: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones. Respected character actor who will likely give a wonderful speech. This is also the only place where they can honor Game of Thrones. His Emmy helps him also to win here.

SPOILER: Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce. The type of role that wins award. He has a larger chance of winning if Kate Winslet is not in the running.

Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or TV Movie
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story
Kelly MacDonald, Boardwalk Empire
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Evan Rachel Wood, Mildred Pierce

PREDICTION: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story. Certified scene stealer in a Ryan Murphy show? Check. Respected veteran actress who has won in a long time already? Check. Easy win for Lange.

SPOILER: Evan Rachel Wood, Mildred Pierce. Every now and then, Globes prefer their hot young thing (think of Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Garner). Evan Rachel Wood fits that category, and can easily sail to a win especially if Globes have a Mildred Pierce hard on.

What about you? What are your Globe predictions?

It’s the Golden Globes tomorrow, and while everyone else is busy coming up with their predictions, let’s give focus on the first televised awards show every year (of course one might argue that the Critics Choice Awards is the first televised, but it’s not seen around the world). The Golden Globes is comprised of members from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of journalists that gives donations and funds some film related causes and activities. The annual Golden Globe Awards is seen by over 150 countries all over the world. This year marks the 69th celebration of the Golden Globes. Anyway, here are what I consider the five best and worst things  in this annual festivities.

BEST:

1. They honor those who did not win Emmys

When talking about the most recent and glaring snubs on the Emmys, names such as Steve Carell, Sandra Oh, and Frances Conroy will appear. And while they are (still) criminally snubbed for Emmys, they were honored at the Golden Globes for some of their most memorable TV appearances. Globes rarely rubber stamp when it comes to TV winners (unless you’re Mad Men or Sarah Jessica Parker), but the names mentioned above together with Frances Conroy, Michael C. Hall, Hugh Laurie, Jason Bateman, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Garner, Martin Sheen, and Kim Cattrall were never ignored by the Globes.

2. They honor those who weren’t even nominated by the Emmys

While those people from the previous item all went home Emmyless, at least they got honored with multiple nominations at the Emmys. However, there are those who weren’t even recognized at all, and it was only at the Globes that they got their overdue mention. Chloe Sevigny for Big Love? Check. Katey Sagal for Sons of Anarchy? Check. Ricky Gervais for The Office? Check as well. And they even mention those who give wonderful performance in miniseries and TV movies such as Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Elvis and Uma Thurman in Hysterical Blindness.

3. The division of the drama and the musical/comedy categories

Dying is easy, comedy is hard. That’s one of the most famous sayings that every actor is aware of. And while most award giving bodies prefer dramatic performance, the Globes allot time to expand recognition by doing a musical/comedy category. It’s good since most of them won’t contend for a top five status for an Oscar, but they are worthy enough to get some mentions, so the Globes is the perfect place to reward them. Think of Nicole Kidman in “To Die For”, Reese Witherspoon for “Legally Blonde”, Laura Linney in “The Squid and the Whale” and tomorrow’s nominee Kristin Wiig for “Bridesmaids” for females, and Gene Hackman in “The Royal Tenenbaums”, Hugh Grant in “About A Boy”, Joseph Gordon Levitt in “500 Days of Summer”, and even Matthew Broderick in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. All of them snubbed for other award giving bodies, yet all of them mentioned by the Globes.

4. The no strict foreign language film implementation

At the Oscars, the process of being a foreign language film nominee is so long, that it seems as if we are witnessing a Miss Universe pageant. Only one representative must be sent per country, so those who weren’t chosen won’t be able to contend ever. That gives unfair advantage to those countries who produce multiple critically acclaimed films in a year. That affected movies such as A Very Long Engagement, Malena, Talk to Her, Lust Caution, and I Am Love since they weren’t their country’s representative (and some weren’t even considered at all). The Globes, however, does not apply the same rule; thus, it can reward any foreign language film they think is deserving such as those pictured above,

5. It is the biggest and most fun award giving party body.

Time and again, the one good thing that makes the Globes more fun is that everyone there is just off to have a good time. It lacks the formality of the SAGs and the Oscars, and not as laid back as the Grammys. It is the perfect venue for celebrities to have a good time. That comes with free wine and chocolates of course. Remember Paul Giammatti’s speech about the never ending Godiva chocolates? How about Jennifer Garner’s too much wine to drink? It also gives celebrities to catch up with each other. Who knew that Scarlett Johansson and Helen Mirren are pals? Anne Hathaway and Zach Braff? Weren’t you interested to know what Teri Hatcher is laughing about? What do Christina Aguilera and Cher are chatting about? And wouldn’t you like to be in between Emma Stone and Mila Kunis above? The HFPA knows how to throw a party in good style.

WORST:

1. Unlimited number of nominees

One good thing when you get nominated in this type of awards is that you belong to a certain distinct club, as it makes you the cream of the crop. However, what if there’s an overloading amount of nominees in your category? It probably is, for the winner, but it makes you think less of the nominees as it lessens the prestige of making it in. Take the case of 2002 Best Supporting Actor nominees with nine(!) nominations. Eventual winner Donald Sutherland (for Path to War) must be proud, but not one of those eight other guys. The Globes are very guilty of this.

2. The very wide variety of the Supporting Actor and Actress categories

One main reason why there’s an overlapping number of nominees in some categories is because there are ridiculous ones such as the Supporting Actor (and Actress) in a TV, TV movie, or miniseries category. The HFPA just lumped them altogether in one category where there are probably 250-300 eligible performers. Besides, how do you even classify which is the best especially since acting for a comedy series and a drama series are very different. In 2006, you got Sandra Oh (nominated for a drama where she is funny), Elizabeth Perkins (nominated for a comedy, and is funny and dramatic), Candice Bergen (nominated for a dramedy), then Camryn Manheim (playing support as Elvis Presley’s mom), and Joanne Woodward (on Paul Newman’s last effort). Crazy right? This is also the category that’s difficult to predict nomination-wise.

3. The confusing mid season recognition

Since the eligibility of the Globes is from January 1- December 31, it is confusing how much of a season are they recognizing in terms of series nominees (and even performer nominees). There have been lots of times when a series does not live up from the greatness of the previous season, and it still gets rewarded at the Globes. Think of Grey’s Anatomy latter part of Season 3- early season 4, House (late season 5-early season 6) getting noms, and the likes of Desperate Housewives and Glee (latter of Season 1 – early Season 2), even getting repeat wins.

4. The Cecil B. DeMille Award

The giving of the Cecil B. DeMille Award is the part every Golden Globes that is closely related to the “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Of course, they have given a lot of very deserving mentions and accolades the past few years such as Alfred Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn, Sir Laurence Olivier, and Robert Redford. However, the past three years, the recipients chosen were coincidentally people who have something to promote. In 2009, Steven Spielberg was chosen (originally for 2008 until the ceremony was canceled because of the Writers Strike) and he has the new Indiana Jones film that time. In 2010, Martin Scorsese was awarded and he has Shutter Island to promote. Last year, Robert de Niro was awarded, and he has a movie coming up. Now this year, Morgan Freeman gets the award, and as we all know, the Dark Knight Rises is showing this summer. Not saying any of those men were undeserving, but it just degrades the “credibility” of the award.

5. The HFPA are certified star whores

Since it is already given that they give the “movie star party of the year”, it is a big pressure to the HFPA to get the stars coming up to attend the Globes. As you may know, these stars have lives on their own, and unless they are nominated, they rarely go and attend awards ceremonies since it is a big hassle on their part (especially those who weren’t living in LA). So what the HFPA do is give them “nominations” to have big stars attend their event. Remember in 2005 when Renee Zellwegger got nommed for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason? Or in 2009 when Tom Cruise got in for Tropic Thunder? The year after, Julia Roberts got a surprise nom for Duplicity. The Globes are also notorious in giving nods to those who have possible “Oscar chance” in order to give credibility to their name. Most of the time, it works, other times it didn’t (that pathetic nom Halle Berry got for Best Actress last year). However, the biggest case of starwhoring that they did was when they nominated box office and critics flop The Tourist for 3 categories: Best Picture (Musical/Comedy), Best Actor for Johnny Depp, and Best Actress for Angeline Jolie.  Even spokesperson from the film was shocked that they got in for Comedy category. Globes got what they wanted though when the stars attended the event.

Later, I’ll be posting my Golden Globe predictions in all categories. So what are your favorite Golden Globe moments? 🙂