My Oscar Predictions

It's the biggest night of the year for film tonight. Here are my thoughts on tonight's awards.

Best Picture
Nominees:
The Social Network
127 Hours
Inception
Black Swan
Toy Story 3
The Fighter
True Grit
The King's Speech
The Kids Are All Right
Winter's Bone

#of nominated films seen: 8/10
Will Win: The Social Network
Should Win: Inception

I think The Social Network will be taking home Best Picture. It's won most of the other top awards including the Golden Globe. Also the Academy loves movies that make a cultural impact and The Social Network did just that. I think Inception should take the award, it was the most original film of 2010 and my favorite out of the bunch nominated. That being said, I would be fine with just about anything that I have seen winning with the exception of the pretentious, underwhelming The Kids Are All Right.

Best Actor
Nominees:
Colin Firth-The King's Speech
James Franco-127 Hours
Javier Bardem-Bitiuful
Jesse Eisenberg-The Social Network
Jeff Bridges-True Grit

# of nominated performances seen: 3/5
Will Win: Colin Firth
Should Win: James Franco

Colin Firth is a lock to win. I haven't seen the film, but I really don't see him losing. All the nominated performances I have seen are great, but James Franco's performance was the soul of 127 Hours. His performance was emotionally deep and really captured the human spirit. I would be delighted if we won.

Best Actress
Nominees:
Annette Benning-The Kids Are All Right
Natalie Portman-Black Swan
Nicole Kidman-Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence-Winter's Bone
Michelle Williams-Blue Valentine

# of nominated performances seen: 2/5
Will Win: Natalie Portman
Should Win: Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman gave the single best performance of 2010. It would be an outrage if she didn't win.

Best Supporting Actor
Nominees:
Christian Bale-The Fighter
Jeremy Renner-The Town
Mark Ruffalo-The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush-The King's Speech
John Hawkes-Winter's Bone

# of nominated performances seen: 3/5
Will Win: Christian Bale
Should Win: Christian Bale

Christian Bale was outstanding. He had me convinced he was a crackhead. He is the odds-on favorite and rightfully so.

Best Supporting Actress
Nominees:
Amy Adams-The Fighter
Melissa Leo-The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter-The King's Speech
Haliee Steinfeld-True Grit
Jacki Weaver-Animal Kingdom

# of performances seen: 3/5
Will Win: Melissa Leo
Should Win: Amy Adams

Melissa Leo was great, but I think Amy Adams was better. Either way, they gave the two best performances in this category and I won't be disappointed in the least bit if Leo wins.

Best Director
Nominees:
David Fincher-The Social Network
Tom Hooper-The Kings Speech
Joel and Ethan Cone-True Grit
Darren Aronofsky-Black Swan
David O.Russell-The Fighter

#of nominated films seen: 4/5
Will Win: David Fincher
Should Win: Darren Aronofsky

Fincher is another lock. He did do a good job bringing the story of Facebook to the screen. That being said, Darren Aronofsky mesmerizing direction of Black Swan should be the winner here. His artistic brilliance really made Black Swan come alive.