Big and small, a little something for all

Back in April of last year (that would be 2009) I predicted that the little war movie The Hurt Locker would be nominated, and perhaps win, the Oscar for Best Picture.  Many of my friends (who claim to be film lovers) looked at me like I just chewed a head off a frog.  But who's smiling now, eh?  Well, certainly Kathryn Bigelow and Jeremy Renner.

The past couple of years, the Academy failed to present any entertainment at the coveted awards show.  I hardly remember who hosted and barely cared who won.  Not the films I loved, for sure. But ladies and gentlemen, you have to understand that the Academy Awards is a show for them, not us.  They merely broadcast it on TV so we can feel like our opinions matter.  But they don't.

I digress. Because this year will be a little different and I can already tell.   This year ten fantastic films have been nominated.  There is a little something for everyone.  My sci-fi-lovin husband is confident that Avatar will be the big winner tonight, while my conservative mother is probably saying a little prayer in church this morning for The Blindside.  Me, you know who I'm rooting for.  The underdog, of course.

And what about the other Best Picture noms?  Certainly Up will win in the Animation category.  The story seals Pixar's place as top dawg in the computer animation world.  I'm not complaining.  That movie was everything a good film should be--funny, original, and dripping with heart.

Speaking of heart, don't shed a tear for Jason Reitman.  Years ago I declared him my favorite director for making such films as Thank You for Smoking and Juno.  He may not win this year but then again, it took Scorsese decades to get his golden man but is the most respected director in the world.

As far as the talent categories, I'm hoping Jeff Bridges finally gets the recognition he deserves which, I'm sure he will.  His performance in Crazy Heart was the best of his career.  I have a feeling that Sandra Bullock is going to win for her performance in The Blindside.  But who knows, the voters may surprise us by granting a new face the award.  As far as my personal favorites, I'm rooting for Christopher Waltz who blew me away with his evil yet charismatic performance in Inglorious Basterds and Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air.

Yes, the little films may have some victories tonight but remember Avatar is in the mix and that means it will gobble up all the special effects, sound and other visual awards.  I'm not saying it's not deserved, but I really hope the little films pull through.