What does *** mean?

I'd just like to point out that Carolyn Dando and Rose McIver have the best supporting roles in "The Lovely Bones". Susan Sarandon is the only name supporting actress and has a funny-ish role but there's 0% meat or depth to it. And, of course, Rachel Weisz (who disappears for a long section of the novel) and Saoirse Ronan (who is the central character but has a largely passive story arc and won't be present for a lot of the film) could go supporting, so I think that Sarandon will probably be dead last on peoples' supporting actress ballots from this film come the end of the year.

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
What does *** mean?

My predicted winner at this point.

"Bright Star" may seem a long shot in certain ways but I see it being one of the year's more acclaimed films and think it will do well at the critics' awards. Also, think it will do well amongst the literary, serious minded types amongst the Academy.

I do not see Clint Eastwood winning a third best picture and think "The Lovely Bones" will not be as good as "The Lord of the Rings" films. Also, do not see "Nine" winning best picture when it seems so similar to "Chicago" in style but "Chicago" is a much better musical.

I think "Precious" will get into the best picture line-up as an indie sensation but with no chance of winning. Also do not think it will get many nominations.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pacinofan,

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
I'd just like to point out that Carolyn Dando and Rose McIver have the best supporting roles in "The Lovely Bones". Susan Sarandon is the only name supporting actress and has a funny-ish role but there's 0% meat or depth to it. And, of course, Rachel Weisz (who disappears for a long section of the novel) and Saoirse Ronan (who is the central character but has a largely passive story arc and won't be present for a lot of the film) could go supporting, so I think that Sarandon will probably be dead last on peoples' supporting actress ballots from this film come the end of the year.

Maybe but who the hell are Carolyn Dando and Rose McIver? I totally agree that if Saoirse Ronan goes supporting than she will likely make the line-up.

I've read the book. Who are Dando and McIver playing?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pacinofan,

Carolyn Dando plays Susie's shy, nerdy lesbian friend who finds a different way of looking at life after her friend's death. She is also instrumental in the final act's Ghostesque plot development. If this character is done right I'd say that Dando will be the one winning awards come the end of the year.

Rose McIver plays Susie's younger (in the book - McIver is several years older than Ronan, so maybe they switched around the character's ages in the film) sister who searches for her sister's killer. A lot of the book is devoted to her story arc, and she's a character that the audience will be able to root for.

Of course, both of these actresses are new faces, so they could end up being awful, but Jackson has shown a good instinct with casting ingenues... coughWinsletcough

quote:

Originally posted by pacinofan:

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
What does *** mean?

My predicted winner at this point.

Oh. Yeah, sorry, I was confused - I thought "1)" indicated your winner.

"Bright Star" may seem a long shot in certain ways but I see it being one of the year's more acclaimed films and think it will do well at the critics' awards. Also, think it will do well amongst the literary, serious minded types amongst the Academy.

I do not see Clint Eastwood winning a third best picture and think "The Lovely Bones" will not be as good as "The Lord of the Rings" films. Also, do not see "Nine" winning best picture when it seems so similar to "Chicago" in style but "Chicago" is a much better musical.

I think "Precious" will get into the best picture line-up as an indie sensation but with no chance of winning. Also do not think it will get many nominations.

What do you feel about An Education's chances at the big leagues? I'm pretty sure Mulligan is a near-lock, and the lockiest actress in her category, and the film seems like it could be a widescale crowd pleaser a la Juno, Little Miss Sunshine etc.

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
What do you feel about An Education's chances at the big leagues? I'm pretty sure Mulligan is a near-lock, and the lockiest actress in her category, and the film seems like it could be a widescale crowd pleaser a la Juno, Little Miss Sunshine etc.

I think An Education has a huge shot at a lot of nominations. Mulligan is said to be "sensational" in this role. The one thing An Education has missing for it is it not being backed by Fox Searhlight... Which leads me to (500) Days of Summer... It's another festival hit and it does have the Fox Searchlight backing. It's been charming audiences festival-to-festival! Early reviews even mentioned Summer to be Fox Searchlight's "Oscar gem" of the year. Not to mention Joseph Gordon-Levitt and even Zooey Deschanel have been getting all-around wonderful reviews for their roles in this film!

I see "An Education" being nominated for best actress and screenplay. Maybe best supporting actor. I think even if Carey Mulligan wins the majority of the critics' prizes for the role somebody more famous will take the Oscar. Personally I think Michelle Pfeiffer will win the SAG award and Golden Globe and take best actress at the Oscars. I also don't think Mulligan winning the majority of the critics' prizes is a sure thing either and would not be surprised if Abby Cornish is the big prize winner.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pacinofan,

Carey Mulligan has another chance at a nomination next year as well - she plays the lead role in "Never Let Me Go". Seeing as Keira Knightley is playing alongside her in support, some high-up people definitely have faith in Ms. Mulligan's star potential.

I'm actually quite excited for Halle Berry's performance in "Frankie and Alice". It's the kind of performance that could either be legendary or disastrous.

I don't have high hopes for "Cheri". I think it'll underwhelm stateside critics and end up with only Bates getting an acting nomination (if any), although I wouldn't put Pfeiffer out of mind for a SAG nomination or a Globe nom. But if she doesn't get nominated for a Critics Choice award or win any critics awards I don't think she'll win the SAG or get nominated for an Oscar.

From people I've talked to who have seen Bright Star at Cannes, Abbie Cornish is one of the weaker aspects of the film (although they said they loved it) and Whishaw probably has the more relatable character and better performance.

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
Carey Mulligan has another chance at a nomination next year as well - she plays the lead role in "Never Let Me Go". Seeing as Keira Knightley is playing alongside her in support, some high-up people definitely have faith in Ms. Mulligan's star potential.

I'm actually quite excited for Halle Berry's performance in "Frankie and Alice". It's the kind of performance that could either be legendary or disastrous.

I don't have high hopes for "Cheri". I think it'll underwhelm stateside critics and end up with only Bates getting an acting nomination (if any), although I wouldn't put Pfeiffer out of mind for a SAG nomination or a Globe nom. But if she doesn't get nominated for a Critics Choice award or win any critics awards I don't think she'll win the SAG or get nominated for an Oscar.

From people I've talked to who have seen Bright Star at Cannes, Abbie Cornish is one of the weaker aspects of the film (although they said they loved it) and Whishaw probably has the more relatable character and better performance.

The reviews from critics I read raved about Abby Cornish so I will stick with what I wrote.

Also have read many excellent reviews of Pfeiffer in "Cheri" and think she is far more likely to be nominated for her film than Bates. If Pfeiffer's chances falter I do not expect the film to be nominated for much of anything... including Bates.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pacinofan,

Leading Actress
Carey Mulligan
Michelle Pfeiffer
Audrey Tatou
Helen Mirren
Abbie Cornish

Supporting Actress
Mo'nique
Judi Dench
Meryl Streep
Patricia Clarkson
Marion Cotillard

I'm kind of interested in Mezzogiorno's chances for a nomination.

I've noticed that in the wake of Cotillard's win people are a lot less shy in predicting and supporting foreign-language performances for a nomination. This year we have Tautou, Mezzogiorno and Cruz all in contention for a possible best actress nomination. I'd love to see a more diverse than usual set of nominees.

I hope Katie Jarvis isn't shut out of the race, too. I'm hearing great things.

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
I'm kind of interested in Mezzogiorno's chances for a nomination.

I've noticed that in the wake of Cotillard's win people are a lot less shy in predicting and supporting foreign-language performances for a nomination. This year we have Tautou, Mezzogiorno and Cruz all in contention for a possible best actress nomination. I'd love to see a more diverse than usual set of nominees.

I hope Katie Jarvis isn't shut out of the race, too. I'm hearing great things.

To be quite honest, I'm not so sure about their chances... And yes, I know Cotillard won for a foreign-language film, but I'm not sure if that will go to their advantage this year. Maybe their films will get buzz for Foreign Language Film, but the Lead Actress category just seems too crowded already with Mulligan, Streep, Swank, Pfeiffer, Cornish, Davis, Sidibe, Cotillard, Ronan, Deschanel, Zellweger, Jarvis, Swinton, and Mirren...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bocaboy7,

My 2010 Predictions!

BEST ACTOR:
Casey Affleck, in "The Kind One" or "The Killer Inside Me" (my money's on the former but it is still only "announced". It'll have to start filming before the end of the year...)
Johnny Depp, in "The Rum Diary"
***Stephen Dorff, in "Somewhere"
Colin Farrell, in "London Boulevard" or "The Way Back" (I'm betting on the former)
Ian Holm, in "This Side of the Looking Glass"
Alt: Benicio Del Toro, in "Silence"

BEST ACTRESS:
Hiam Abbass, in "Miral"
Elizabeth Banks, in "The Details"
Nicole Kidman, in "Rabbit Hole" or "The Rivals" (my money's on the former, the latter doesn't have a proper IMDb page yet)
Carey Mulligan, in "Never Let Me Go"
***Tilda Swinton, in "We Need to Talk about Kevin"
Alt: Alice Braga, in "Eleven Minutes"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Gael Garcia Bernal, in "Silence"
Andrew Garfield, in "Never Let Me Go"
Ciaran Hinds, in "The Debt"
***Giovanni Ribisi, in "The Rum Diary"
Mark Strong, in "The Way Back"
Alt: Naveen Andrews, in "This Side of the Looking Glass"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Elle Fanning, in "Somewhere"
Amber Heard, in "The Rum Diary"
Keira Knightley, in "Never Let Me Go" (she has a ton of good lead prospects this year, too)
***Kristin Scott Thomas, in "Nowhere Boy"
Dianne Wiest, in "Rabbit Hole"
Alt: Lucy Punch, in "Untitled Woody Allen Project"

I think Carey Mulligan will get most of the Critics awards but i think she may be like this year's Sally Hawkins and not win any major awards.

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
My 2010 Predictions!

BEST ACTOR:
Casey Affleck, in "The Kind One" or "The Killer Inside Me" (my money's on the former but it is still only "announced". It'll have to start filming before the end of the year...)
Johnny Depp, in "The Rum Diary"
***Stephen Dorff, in "Somewhere"
Colin Farrell, in "London Boulevard" or "The Way Back" (I'm betting on the former)
Ian Holm, in "This Side of the Looking Glass"
Alt: Benicio Del Toro, in "Silence"

BEST ACTRESS:
Hiam Abbass, in "Miral"
Elizabeth Banks, in "The Details"
Nicole Kidman, in "Rabbit Hole" or "The Rivals" (my money's on the former, the latter doesn't have a proper IMDb page yet)
Carey Mulligan, in "Never Let Me Go"
***Tilda Swinton, in "We Need to Talk about Kevin"
Alt: Alice Braga, in "Eleven Minutes"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Gael Garcia Bernal, in "Silence"
Andrew Garfield, in "Never Let Me Go"
Ciaran Hinds, in "The Debt"
***Giovanni Ribisi, in "The Rum Diary"
Mark Strong, in "The Way Back"
Alt: Naveen Andrews, in "This Side of the Looking Glass"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Elle Fanning, in "Somewhere"
Amber Heard, in "The Rum Diary"
Keira Knightley, in "Never Let Me Go" (she has a ton of good lead prospects this year, too)
***Kristin Scott Thomas, in "Nowhere Boy"
Dianne Wiest, in "Rabbit Hole"
Alt: Lucy Punch, in "Untitled Woody Allen Project"

Umm, what are you smoking? And do you have any more?

quote:

Originally posted by puxzkkx:
My 2010 Predictions!

BEST ACTOR:
Casey Affleck, in "The Kind One" or "The Killer Inside Me" (my money's on the former but it is still only "announced". It'll have to start filming before the end of the year...)
Johnny Depp, in "The Rum Diary"
***Stephen Dorff, in "Somewhere"
Colin Farrell, in "London Boulevard" or "The Way Back" (I'm betting on the former)
Ian Holm, in "This Side of the Looking Glass"
Alt: Benicio Del Toro, in "Silence"

BEST ACTRESS:
Hiam Abbass, in "Miral"
Elizabeth Banks, in "The Details"
Nicole Kidman, in "Rabbit Hole" or "The Rivals" (my money's on the former, the latter doesn't have a proper IMDb page yet)
Carey Mulligan, in "Never Let Me Go"
***Tilda Swinton, in "We Need to Talk about Kevin"
Alt: Alice Braga, in "Eleven Minutes"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Gael Garcia Bernal, in "Silence"
Andrew Garfield, in "Never Let Me Go"
Ciaran Hinds, in "The Debt"
***Giovanni Ribisi, in "The Rum Diary"
Mark Strong, in "The Way Back"
Alt: Naveen Andrews, in "This Side of the Looking Glass"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Elle Fanning, in "Somewhere"
Amber Heard, in "The Rum Diary"
Keira Knightley, in "Never Let Me Go" (she has a ton of good lead prospects this year, too)
***Kristin Scott Thomas, in "Nowhere Boy"
Dianne Wiest, in "Rabbit Hole"
Alt: Lucy Punch, in "Untitled Woody Allen Project"

Suddenly Steven Dorff is going to be a somebody again... (if he ever was one in the first place)? I don't think so. I don't think so at all.

Added screenwriting categories and changed some of my predictions to win (marked with ***). I think "Bright Star" may be the best reviewed of the likely best picture nominees but just cannot see it making enough money to be viable to win. As such I have split best picture and director between "Invictus" (hard to beat that subject matter) and "Bright Star". Also, took best actor away from Jim Carrey (who I think will be the big critics winner) and switched it to Morgan Freeman.

Also, having ten best picture nominees based on Sid Ganis's announcement.

Here are my revised predictions:

Best Picture:
1) "Invictus"***
2) "Precious"
3) "Nine"
4) "The Lovely Bones"
5) "Bright Star"
6) "Up"
7) "Amelia"
8) "The Road"
9) "The Hurt Locker"
10) "An Education"

Best Actor:
1) Morgan Freeman- "Invictus"***
2) Viggo Mortenson- "The Road"
3) Jim Carrey- "I Love You Phillip Morris"
4) Daniel Day Lewis- "Nine"
5) Christopher Plummer- "The Last Station"

Best Actress:
1) Michelle Pfeiffer- "Cheri"
2) Abbie Cornish- "Bright Star"
3) Carey Mulligan- "An Education"***
4) Hilary Swank- "Amelia"
5) Meryl Streep- "Julie & Julia"

Best Supporting Actor:
1) Matt Damon- "Invictus"***
2) Stanley Tucci- "The Lovely Bones"
3) Christoph Waltz- "Inglorious Basterds"
4) Kodi Smit-McPhee- "The Road"
5) Ewan McGregor- "I Love You Phillip Morris"

Best Supporting Actress:
1) Penelope Cruz- "Nine"
2) Judi Dench- "Nine"
3) Mo'Nique- "Precious"***
4) Marion Cotillard- "Nine"
5) Saoirse Ronan- "The Lovely Bones"

Best Director:
1) Clint Eastwood- "Invictus"
2) Katheryn Bigelow- "The Hurt Locker"***
3) Peter Jackson- "The Lovely Bones"
4) Jane Campion- "Bright Star"
5) Rob Marshall- "Nine"

Best Adapted Screenplay:
1) Precious***
2) I Love You Phillip Morris
3) The Lovely Bones
4) Invictus
5) The Road

Best Original Screenplay:
1) Bright Star
2) An Education***
3) Up
4) The Hurt Locker
5) Broken Embraces

This message has been edited. Last edited by: pacinofan,