The Oscars 2012

[betenoire]

Originally Posted by John Shaft

I hope they turn out better than my predictions for the Super Bowl.

And to think you made fun of me for picking teams based on their outfits.

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

I'm all about the Oscars...but, I do have to admit, I haven't seen ONE film for nomination yet!

This is a bit unusual...I am thinking a lot of them haven't yet been shown in my city!

I am hoping to see a few before the event...Bete?

I'm not sure when my next weekend off is, but if it happens before the Oscars I'm game.

[Toughy]

The Oscars.................

one of hollywoods greatest tools to get us americans to spend our money for no real reason.........

[betenoire]

Originally Posted by Toughy

The Oscars.................

one of hollywoods greatest tools to get us americans to spend our money for no real reason.........

you're cantankerous tonight, fussypants.

i burnt my microwave popcorn tonight.

[UofMfan]

I saw the Descendents yesterday.

I liked it, a lot.

It had a "Little Miss Sunshine" feel to it even thought it is nothing like it. Hard to explain. I loved the scenery, Hawaii is an amazing backdrop for this story.

I particularly liked the performance by his oldest daughter, played by Shailene Woodley, I think she is deserving of the nominations she has gotten thus far.

I think George Clooney had an excellent performance and now I know why he won the Golden Globe for best Actor. I won't be surprised if he wins it again for the Oscars.

I will be watching Moneyball today.

[theoddz]

I saw two of the nominated flims/actresses yesterday, The Iron Lady and Albert Nobbs. I really liked both films, but I was really won over by Glenn Close's performance and just the wonderful story that was Albert Nobbs. Maybe I'm a little biased there??

Anyway, these are both beautiful films, but are far different from each other. I, personally, liked the story that was Albert Nobbs, while The Iron Lady was, more or less, like a chronicle of Margaret Thatcher's time in public office, with glimpses of her personal life and marriage to Denis Thatcher.

Glenn Close not only produced Albert Nobbs, but co-wrote the screenplay (movie was based on a short story by Irish novelist George Moore), and wrote the lyrics to the end title soundtrack, which has been performed and recorded by Sinead O'Connor. Here's the YouTube vid for that song, which is really sweet and haunting:



I'm really hoping that Glenn Close takes home the Oscar for Best Actress and that Janet McTeer, who played Hubert Page, will win for Best Supporting Actress. Oh, and if McTeer doesn't take it, then I'm pulling for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer for The Help, which is also a total winner for this season!!

~Theo~

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by theoddz

I saw two of the nominated flims/actresses yesterday, The Iron Lady and Albert Nobbs. I really liked both films, but I was really won over by Glenn Close's performance and just the wonderful story that was Albert Nobbs. Maybe I'm a little biased there??

Anyway, these are both beautiful films, but are far different from each other. I, personally, liked the story that was Albert Nobbs, while The Iron Lady was, more or less, like a chronicle of Margaret Thatcher's time in public office, with glimpses of her personal life and marriage to Denis Thatcher.

Glenn Close not only produced Albert Nobbs, but co-wrote the screenplay (movie was based on a short story by Irish novelist George Moore), and wrote the lyrics to the end title soundtrack, which has been performed and recorded by Sinead O'Connor. Here's the YouTube vid for that song, which is really sweet and haunting:



I'm really hoping that Glenn Close takes home the Oscar for Best Actress and that Janet McTeer, who played Hubert Page, will win for Best Supporting Actress. Oh, and if McTeer doesn't take it, then I'm pulling for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer for The Help, which is also a total winner for this season!!

~Theo~

Theo, unfortunately I have not been able to get hold of those two movies and they are not showing here yet. Thanks to your post, now I wish they get them here soon.

I am really looking forward to Glenn Close's performance, as I have heard from several sources that she is excellent. She sounds like a front runner for the award.

I did get the The Help, and that is next on my list.

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

Theo, unfortunately I have not been able to get hold of those two movies and they are not showing here yet. Thanks to your post, now I wish they get them here soon.

I am really looking forward to Glenn Close's performance, as I have heard from several sources that she is excellent. She sounds like a front runner for the award.

I did get the The Help, and that is next on my list.

What I can't figure out is that Vegas is full of movie theaters, most of which are located in the bigger casinos, but Albert Nobbs is only showing in 2 or 3 of these theaters. I can't figure why that is, since it's been nominated for Oscars.

Maybe it's because it's an independent film and made outside of the Hollywood "establishment"?? I'm hoping that after the Oscars, this movie will get a wider release, but then again, it probably won't. I do know that I'll be buying the DVD when it is released (no release date has been announced, as of this writing). I have a large DVD and VHS collection and I try to buy as many of the Oscar nominated/winners as possible, especially the ones I like.

I doubt I'll be buying The Iron Lady, because even though I thought it was okay, much of its popularity, I think, is mostly due to Meryl Streep's (and Margaret Thatcher's) popularity and Streep's incredible talent. The movie presentation, however, fell short with me. It was too focused on Lady Thatcher's current state of mind (due to the effects of aging, probably) and a "patchwork" style of presenting her life and career in an almost "soundbite" fashion. It was a bit hollow in some parts, I thought. Still, an overall good film of an extremely remarkable woman, portrayed by another extraordinary and talented woman. That was about it.

~Theo~

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by theoddz

What I can't figure out is that Vegas is full of movie theaters, most of which are located in the bigger casinos, but Albert Nobbs is only showing in 2 or 3 of these theaters. I can't figure why that is, since it's been nominated for Oscars.

Maybe it's because it's an independent film and made outside of the Hollywood "establishment"?? I'm hoping that after the Oscars, this movie will get a wider release, but then again, it probably won't. I do know that I'll be buying the DVD when it is released (no release date has been announced, as of this writing). I have a large DVD and VHS collection and I try to buy as many of the Oscar nominated/winners as possible, especially the ones I like.

I doubt I'll be buying The Iron Lady, because even though I thought it was okay, much of its popularity, I think, is mostly due to Meryl Streep's (and Margaret Thatcher's) popularity and Streep's incredible talent. The movie presentation, however, fell short with me. It was too focused on Lady Thatcher's current state of mind (due to the effects of aging, probably) and a "patchwork" style of presenting her life and career in an almost "soundbite" fashion. It was a bit hollow in some parts, I thought. Still, an overall good film of an extremely remarkable woman, portrayed by another extraordinary and talented woman. That was about it.

~Theo~

Theo,

I have no idea why they do it, but I think it has to do with money and what they consider to be a marketable movie. I would think after the nominations and the press it has gotten that it would open in more theaters but that has not been the case.

I sincerely doubt I will see it here anytime soon.

Like you, I also like to have those films that are nominated in DVD.

I am looking forward to watching Maryl Streep as I think she is a extremely talented and gifted actress.

[UofMfan]

OK so I watched The Help, Moneyball, The Descendants, The Artist, War Horse and Tree of Life.

It took me several sitings to watch The Help, I am not sure why.

I still have to get and watch the others nominated but that will probably happen after the awards have been handed out.

The New York Times has an Oscar Ballot that is fun to fill out, for those who are geeks like myself.

I am about to fill it out, it is a tough year to pick from as I think we had some great movies and performances.

Will you be watching The Oscars tomorrow?

[Arwen]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

OK so I watched The Help, Moneyball, The Descendants, The Artist, War Horse and Tree of Life.

It took me several sitings to watch The Help, I am not sure why.

I still have to get and watch the others nominated but that will probably happen after the awards have been handed out.

The New York Times has an Oscar Ballot that is fun to fill out, for those who are geeks like myself.

I am about to fill it out, it is a tough year to pick from as I think we had some great movies and performances.

Will you be watching The Oscars tomorrow?

I scheduled a meeting in the MIDDLE of the dang Oscars. What was I thinking? sigh. I'll tape it and avoid social media until I've watched it.

I loved The Help. I lived in the end of that time period though so it was hard to watch. I thought it was a very clear-eyed look at racism without the protection of hoods. And the fact that it was a woman-centric look at racism as a cultural habit really got to me.

[Sparkle]

I saw "My Week with Marilyn" last night; it was a beautiful quiet film. I really liked it. Well written, fantastic casting, and a truly great performance by Michelle Williams. She doesn't just impersonate Marilyn, she plays Norma Jean. I think she deserves her nomination and I think it would be great if she won the Oscar. And though I normally detest the wankery-self-important Kenneth Brannaugh - he couldn't have been better cast as the completely pompous, posturing, aging Sir Laurence Olivier.

I saw "The Descendants" a few weeks ago and loved it. I'd love to see Alexander Payne win Best Director for this picture. I also think the Screenplay deserves awards. Clooney and the three young actors all turned in really wonderful performances. I thought it was such a tender, funny, bittersweet and heartwarming story, it is a film I'd like to own on dvd.

This afternoon I'm going to get downtown to see "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" because I love Gary Oldman, and it is so my kinda genre (love a good suspenseful british spy flick). I've been meaning to see it for ages.

I saw "Hugo" and thought it was exceptional and deserves almost every art award - art direction, cinematography, sets, costumes, make up etc. Maybe score too.

I haven't seen either "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" or "The Help" though I'm interested in both; I've resisted watching htem because I'd prefer to read the books first. But from all the Oscar buzz and pre-award trends it seems Viola Davis could have a shot at the Best Actress.

I might watch "Iron Lady" on dvd later on, but Mags was such an evil bitch from hell I've not been even a little bit inclined to get to the cinema to see it. And though I love Meryl Streep I hope they don't give her the Best Actress award for this film.

"The Artist" seems to have a lot of momentum behind it in the Best Film/Best Direction category...Its been playing around here forever but I'm not sure I'll like it. *shrug*

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by Sparkle

I saw "My Week with Marilyn" last night; it was a beautiful quiet film. I really liked it. Well written, fantastic casting, and a truly great performance by Michelle Williams. She doesn't just impersonate Marilyn, she plays Norma Jean. I think she deserves her nomination and I think it would be great if she won the Oscar. And though I normally detest the wankery-self-important Kenneth Brannaugh - he couldn't have been better cast as the completely pompous, posturing, aging Sir Laurence Olivier.

I saw "The Descendants" a few weeks ago and loved it. I'd love to see Alexander Payne win Best Director for this picture. I also think the Screenplay deserves awards. Clooney and the three young actors all turned in really wonderful performances. I thought it was such a tender, funny, bittersweet and heartwarming story, it is a film I'd like to own on dvd.

This afternoon I'm going to get downtown to see "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" because I love Gary Oldman, and it is so my kinda genre (love a good suspenseful british spy flick). I've been meaning to see it for ages.

I saw "Hugo" and thought it was exceptional and deserves almost every art award - art direction, cinematography, sets, costumes, make up etc. Maybe score too.

I haven't seen either "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" or "The Help" though I'm interested in both; I've resisted watching htem because I'd prefer to read the books first. But from all the Oscar buzz and pre-award trends it seems Viola Davis could have a shot at the Best Actress.

I might watch "Iron Lady" on dvd later on, but Mags was such an evil bitch from hell I've not been even a little bit inclined to get to the cinema to see it. And though I love Meryl Streep I hope they don't give her the Best Actress award for this film.

"The Artist" seems to have a lot of momentum behind it in the Best Film/Best Direction category...Its been playing around here forever but I'm not sure I'll like it. *shrug*

I am going to see "My Week with Marilyn" next weekend and I am so looking forward to it. More so now that you have mentioned Michelle's great performance.

I have Hugo next in line but I am going to see that one in a theater considering it is in 3D, which I am not too thrilled about.

The Help was hard for me to watch, but I think it is worth the trouble.

As for Iron lady, I detest Margaret but I am dying to see Maryl's performance. I saw a clip while at the movies last weekend and she seemed perfect!

So far my favorite has been The Descendants. And even though the Artist seems to have all the momentum, I wasn't really that impressed.

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by Arwen

I scheduled a meeting in the MIDDLE of the dang Oscars. What was I thinking? sigh. I'll tape it and avoid social media until I've watched it.

I loved The Help. I lived in the end of that time period though so it was hard to watch. I thought it was a very clear-eyed look at racism without the protection of hoods. And the fact that it was a woman-centric look at racism as a cultural habit really got to me.

It was hard to watch, but you are right, the fact that it wasn't covert racism and that it was woman centric made it worth the trouble.

As for your schedule snafu, you obviously were not thinking!

[dark_crystal]

Seen:

The Artist

The Descendants

Extrremely Loud & Incredibly Close

The Help

Hugo

Midnight in Paris

Moneyball

The Tree of Life

Couldn't find:

War Horse

Pick: The Help
Expect to win: The Artist

[dark_crystal]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

I am going to see "My Week with Marilyn" next weekend and I am so looking forward to it. More so now that you have mentioned Michelle's great performance.

I have Hugo next in line but I am going to see that one in a theater considering it is in 3D, which I am not too thrilled about.

The Help was hard for me to watch, but I think it is worth the trouble.

As for Iron lady, I detest Margaret but I am dying to see Maryl's performance. I saw a clip while at the movies last weekend and she seemed perfect!

So far my favorite has been The Descendants. And even though the Artist seems to have all the momentum, I wasn't really that impressed.

We saw Hugo last night and the first thing I said when it was over was "why did they do that in 3d? It added nothing and they really didn't even take advantage of it?"

The Descendants was TOO SAD

The Artist will win, less on its merits than on Hollywood's nostalgia and elitism

[UofMfan]

Picture: The Descendants

Actor: George Clooney

Actress: Maryl Streep


Dark Crystal, I also think the Artist will win it and perhaps sweep because of all the hype.

Oh, and in my opinion, one of the worst/oddest of the movies nominated for Best Picture had to be The Tree of Life.

[UofMfan]

Originally Posted by dark_crystal

We saw Hugo last night and the first thing I said when it was over was "why did they do that in 3d? It added nothing and they really didn't even take advantage of it?"

The Descendants was TOO SAD

The Artist will win, less on its merits than on Hollywood's nostalgia and elitism

I have heard the same thing about Hugo, I am not sure why the did it but it seems like not many people liked that.

The Descendants was, to me, the best of the bunch. Sad, yes, but done so well.

I agree about The Artist, it seems like nostalgia will win this year, even though I was not in the least impressed. Well, except for the dog's performance.

[dark_crystal]

Originally Posted by UofMfan

Picture: The Descendants

Actor: George Clooney

Actress: Maryl Streep


Dark Crystal, I also think the Artist will win it and perhaps sweep because of all the hype.

Oh, and in my opinion, one of the worst/oddest of the movies nominated for Best Picture had to be The Tree of Life.

YES! We saw that over the summer because i knew it would be nominated and i was trying to prevent all of the rushing around we have done this week trying to see all the movies!

Our verdit- "that could have been 20 minutes long and lost nothing in the cut"

Originally Posted by UofMfan

I have heard the same thing about Hugo, I am not sure why the did it but it seems like not many people liked that.

The Descendants was, to me, the best of the bunch. Sad, yes, but done so well.

I agree about The Artist, it seems like nostalgia will win this year, even though I was not in the least impressed. Well, except for the dog's performance.

Yes. Would TOTALLY support Uggie for Best Supporting Actor but not Best Picture!

[Turtle]

So, I have this like-dislike thing going on with the awards. There is this great part about creating art and something meaningful that helps humanity make connections and learn and grow. And often the speeches can be inspirational and some of the performances and image montages are touching...

And - especially with the recent dismissal of many categories - I experience it as "the popular white people awards." :-/

[Arwen]

I did a post on my blog with my predictions. It's here. It's a bit long to post here. Tomorrow will be another post with my picks and the actual winners.