Oscar Weekend!!!

Well, it's finally here. It's Oscar Weekend, everybody, and I'm excited!

I did my best to see all of the movies that had been nominated for one thing or another, but I just couldn't see them all. I am proud to say, however, that I did see all five of the films up for Best Picture, something I haven't been able to do in years. So, without further ado, I give you my Oscar Picks.

Best Picture:
Crash
Brokeback Mountain
Munich
Good Night, and Good Luck
Capote
Amanda's Pick: Brokeback Mountain
Although all five of the movies in this category were phenomenal films, nothing affected me as much as Brokeback Mountain. I thought about this film for days afterward. Weeks, even. It was the most emotional film I've seen in years. Some people thought this was a slow movie, boring even. But if you allow yourself to get lost in the story from every angle - the two lovers, their wives, their children - and all the relationships involved, you'll find it a very moving experience. Not to mention the scenery in the film was breathtaking.


Best Directing:
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Munich
Amanda's Pick: Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
Although George Clooney directed a fabulous film in Good Nigh, and Good Luck, Ang Lee really wins big here with his direction of the best movie of the year.

Best Actor:
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote
Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow
Heath Ledger - Brokeback Mountain
Joaquin Phoenix - Walk the Line
David Strathairn - Good Night and Good Luck
Amanda's Pick - Philip Seymour Hoffman
I only witnessed three of the five performances, but I don't think that anyone can beat PSH in this film. He took the character of Capote and ran with it. I found myself thinking - this is the same guy who's in Twister? PSH can transform himself and morph into any great film character if given the opportunity. I think he really deserves this time to shine.
But don't forget David Strathairn. His performance was strong and solid, and really made the movie all the more bold.

Best Actress:
Judi Dench - Mrs. Henderson Presents
Felicity Huffman - TransAmerica
Keira Knightly - Pride & Prejudice
Charlize Theron - North Country
Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line
Amanda's Pick - Reese Witherspoon
Now this category I really fault in. I haven't seen a single one of these movies. But, I am up on my Oscar info, and I'd have to go with Reese Witherspoon on this one. From what I've read, seen, and heard, she's the definite front-runner in this category. She apparently brings her character to life on screen in a way that only a "little girl from TN" could (how much do you want to bet that she says that in her acceptance speech - she says it all the damn time).
I think that Felicity Huffman is one to watch, however. She's a phenomenal actress who is just now unfortunately coming into her prime. (Oh, and if Mark's theory is correct, she'll be separated in about a year or so...)

Best Actor, Supporting:
George Clooney - Syriana
Matt Dillon - Crash
Paul Giamatti - Cinderella Man
Jake Gyllenhall - Brokeback Mountain
William Hurt - A History of Violence
Amanda's Pick - Paul Giamatti
Here's another actor who hasn't been given the recognition for his full potential. My pick in this category is based more on my own opinion rather than what I think that Academy will actually pick. I think that Matt Dillon has a good chance because he's the only one nominated for Crash, so voters may lean toward him. Same with George Clooney - he won't win for Picture or Director, so the Academy voters may give this one to him for Syriana as a back up.

Best Actress, Supporting:
Amy Adams - Junebug
Catherine Keener - Capote
Frances McDormand - North Country
Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardener
Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain
Amanda's Pick - Rachel Weisz
I don't think that ever before could I really hate a character at the beginning of a film, only to really love her at the end. Rachel Weisz does a great job of connecting you to the character, and to the story, in The Constant Gardener.
Michelle Williams is another favorite, though. Who can forget the scene where she sees her husband in another man's heated embrace?

So, that's my picks for the big night. Please let me know your thoughts and your picks as well!