My Oscar predictions

Whoa, it's been a week since I last posted. But really, there isn't much to say. A bit of a lull has set over the awards season; it's sort of the calm before the storm. I figure I might as well list my Oscar predictions today. I'm only going to name the top eight awards because that's all I really care about. Of course I'll be filling out a ballot for my friendly annual season competition with Kristan and Niccole, but I won't bore you all (further) with those. Like my SAG predictions, they're all pretty safe bets, and I'd be surprised if any of them ended up different. Here goes:

Picture: The Artist
Director: Michel Hazanavicius for The Artist
Actor: Jean Dujardin for The Artist
Actress: Viola Davis for The Help
Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer for Beginners
Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer for The Help
Best Original Screenplay: Woody Allen for Midnight in Paris
Best Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne (et al. (?)) for The Descendants

I think there are small chances for upsets in actor, actress, director and original screenplay. Duh, I want Meryl to win, and yes, she has a chance, but I think it's Viola's year. However, like I've posted before, if Meryl is going to break the record for acting Oscars (4), I think this year would be a good start. August: Osage County should be a great awards vehicle in two years and then there's always the lifetime achievement factor, which I don't think will happen to Meryl for at least ten years.

Why the big focus on Academy Awards? Because that's the measure we've had for 84 years. Meryl has left a mark on the film industry, and therefore American culture, with her consistency of quality performances over the years. I just want this reflected in the history books, and what better way for that to happen than to not only hold the record for nominations, but wins?! I suppose that's why I'm typically more interested in her film work than TV or stage. Sunday night could be a good step. My next post (barring something monumental over the next three days) will either be applauding Meryl as a three-time Oscar winner, or telling myself "I told you so" about Viola Davis. Again, fingers crossed so hard they're turning white(er). It's winter in Minnesota, after all.