Oscar Predictions 2009 Posted by Matt Smith 20 February, 2009 - 11:40 AM

The past year has been a great year for cinema and on Monday morning (Australian time) the best of the best will be acknowledged with the 81st Academy Awards. For those who like to brag about their infinite film wisdom to all of their friends, here are our tips on the major categories. Be warned though, too much bragging and the wrong results, could mean you never get to pick a film to see again.   

Best motion picture of the year.
Nominees; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire.

In an extremely strong field 'Slumdog Millionaire' is the favourite and for good reason. It is a wonderful story, told superbly. Its greatest competition comes from the biopic ‘Milk’, although Holocaust dramas always fare well and ‘The Reader’ could be the surprise of the night and nab the little gold statuette.

Performance by an actor in a leading role.
Nominees; Richard Jenkins (The Visitor), Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon), Sean Penn (Milk), Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler).

This prestigious category will be battled out by a character that no longer knows his place in the world (Mickey Rourke’s Randy Robinson) and a man who definitely knew his place in the world before it was cut short (Sean Penn’s Harvey Milk). Comeback kid Rourke should win providing his off screen misdemeanors are not too fresh in the minds of Oscar luminaries.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role.
Nominees; Josh Brolin (Milk), Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt), Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road).

Would anyone dare suggest Heath Ledger will not win this award? Thankfully it is not necessary as his seminal performance of ‘The Joker’ is sure to be acknowledged as it should be. If Ledger was to miss out, Oscar favourite Philip Seymour Hoffman is the most likely culprit.

Performance by an actress in a leading role.
Nominees; Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married), Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Melissa Leo (Frozen River), Meryl Streep (Doubt), Kate Winslet (The Reader).

With two great performances this year (in The Reader and Revolutionary Road) Kate Winslet should be rewarded with her first Oscar after five previous nominations. Perennial Oscar favourite Meryl Streep is her greatest hurdle although Angelina Jolie and those bright red lips could cause one of the upsets the night.

Performance by an actress in a supporting role.
Nominees; Amy Adams (Doubt), Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Viola Davis (Doubt), Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler).

In one of the closest races of the night either one of the Doubt girls look most likely to take home the honour. Marisa Tomei’s performance as a heavily tattooed, pierced, single-mum stripper could earn her the second award of its type in her career. Taraji P. Henson’s portrayal of Benjamin Button’s surrogate mother was a delight to watch and she will be the sentimental favourite.

Leave your comment

• Wendy says

  I really hope Heath gets it. I'llbe gutted if he doesn't

  Posted Friday 20 February, 2009 11:45 AM
• Murf says

  I would expect Slumdog to clean up this year. And I really hope Heath gets the Oscar I couldn't think of a more fitting tribute. If he does I don't think there has been anyone else who done a clean sweep at all the awards...

  Posted Friday 20 February, 2009 11:47 AM
• Richard says

  Slumdog Millionaire is poverty porn and has no place at the oscars. I hope the americans work it out in time

  Posted Friday 20 February, 2009 9:06 PM
• A person says

  Right okay.. Im fed up with the song Right now - Akon As its a stupid song with stupid lyrics !! can u pls Cut dwn on playn it !!
  i will love u forever !! xx

  Posted Saturday 21 February, 2009 6:33 PM
• sarah says

  I hope heath gets it. Him and his family deserve it.

  Posted Sunday 22 February, 2009 8:07 PM