Oscar Weekend has Arrived! Who will triumph?

                                      OSCARS 2015!!!

The 87^th Academy Awards, Sunday February 22, 2015, presents a very close race with no out-front runner this year, and certainly an interesting collection of contenders. A look at this year's directorial subjects explored include a 12-year film project of the real life story of a boy growing up; the heart-wrenching fight and accomplishments of world-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking against his debilitating neuron disease; the birth of the computer during war times; the chaotic life on Broadway from the view of a washed-up animal avion actor; a drummer's conflicts with his tyrannic mentor; an American war hero who was renowned for his sniper talents;  the heroic struggles of Martin Luther King, and a concierge's candid account of hotel guests at a high-class, quirky, Budapest hotel.

For the first time Neil Patrick Harris has garnered hosting duties,  and is certain to deliver his musical talent, and dry wit. Not sure how is sense of humour will gel with such an ego-centric crowd, however, time will tell! 

                                        BEST MOTION PICTURE-FILM 

Nominees: Boyhood, Birdman,The Grand Budapest Hotel, American Sniper,The Imitation Game,Selma,The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash. 

Who may win: Boyhood, Birdman, or Theory of Everything          

                                My Pick: Boyhood

This film is oh-so-average in plot, however outstanding in realism, as the director and same cast committ to a stead-"slow" twelve year creation of this project. Mason,  (Ellar Coltrane) grows up before our eyes, experiencing birthdays, graduation, girls, school days, moving, and making friends, while delivering his tender emotional palette along the way. His parents (Ethan Hawke, and Patricia Arquette) encounter struggles of their own, while each adult strives to build and maintain  their own unique bond with their son. You find yourself reflecting on your own childhood, parental history, and examining highlights both good and bad that shone throughout the not-so-easy childhood and teen years we all experience. The Academy membership typically appreciates a filming feat, (The Artist,-a silent film that spoke volumes; and Titanic)  allowing this long-term sensitive movie to comfortably fit into that mold. 
                                       BIRDMAN; Could take it all! 

Birdman, delivered by Michael Keaton is a wacky account of a washed up a hollywood actor, with persistant flashbacks of his hollywood movie character, Birdman. He seems to barely function in his current life, perhaps due to the fact he has funnelled his entire financial resources into the production of his Broadway play that he is also starring in. Drastic issues abound requiring immediate attention, including his dealings with his neurotic stage manager (Zach Galifianakis)  and the need to replace the main lead in his play on the eve of opening night. 

His daughter (Emma Stone) has just returned from rehab, and is a fragile piece of work. The cast in the play barely hold it together. This film is entirely composed with one frame, making you feel like you can't breathe, while coping with background drumming that is incesssant.  Perhaps the versimilitude portrayal of what life struggles on Broadway can be like following the  successful total character immersion and committment to the challenging world of film, is candid enough to warrant top oscar recognition this year.

                                                     Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything was definately my sentimental favorite movie this year and is Oscar-worthy no doubt. The gargantuan task presented to Eddie Redemeyne of morphing into the aging Hawking was superlative. 
Whilst also delivering the physical presence of suffering with such a debilitating disease, he successfully conveyed his ability to live with dignity.  His amazing career was demonstrated with awe; his intelligence and drive,  and  emblazened, often bumpy  road to developing the complex theories of our existence. The writer's inclusion of humour is a welcome ease to the cringing reality of ALS disease. The film does not disappoint with showcasing the human element at the forefront, particularly his relationships, indiscretions, and family struggles, highlighting his historic scientific accomplishments.

Benedict Cumberbatch, in The Imitation Game..could lift this real-life war-time drama to an upset movie win; you just never know!

  BEST ACTOR 

Nominees: Michael Keaton; Birdman, Bradley Cooper; American Sniper, Eddie Redmayne; The Theory of Everything, Benedict Cumberbatch; The Imitation Game; Steve Carell; Foxcatcher

Eddie Redmayne

My pick: Eddie Redmayne, TheTheory of Everything

Not a contest in this category. Eddie blows everyone out of the water with this catapulting performance of the world famous astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. It is his precision .. the tiny details...his lips, eyes, voice, body, and soul.  You truly feel how his body has become trapped within his illness. Yet, incredibly he lives beyond medical expectations to continally striving because his mind is his life, and he will not allow anything or anyone to linger in the way of his striving towards his goal of uncovering how we all came into existence.

Who could win: Bradley Cooper, American Sniper

                                                                Bradley Cooper

                                                                        
                                       BEST ACTRESS
 Nominees: Reese Witherpoon, Wild; Julianne Moore, Still Alice; Marianne Cotillard,  Two Days, One Night;  Meryl Streep,  Into the Woods; Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl; Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything

                      My pick: Julianne Moore, Still Alice

                                                                  Julianne Moore

Who could win: Reese Witherspoon, Wild 

                            BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
                                                                  Nominees:

J.K. Simmons, Whiplash; Edward Norton, Birdman; Robert Duvall, The Judge; Ethan Hawke, Boyhood; Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher

                               My pick: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

                                                                 J.K. Simmons, Whiplash

 BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

Nominees:
Meryl Streep, Into the Woods; Patricia Arquette, Boyhood; Laura Dern, Wild; Emma Stone, Birdman; Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game

                                      My pick: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood

                       BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 

Nominees:

The Big Hero 6; The Boxtrolls; How to Train your Dragon 2; The Song of the Sea; The Tale of the Princess Kaguya                                      
                    My pick: How to Train Your Dragon 2

Tweet, or Teen....who will Hotel up , and Snipe errr... or Swag Everything?

So....Oscar Nite has arrived! A close contest this year has emerged for best picture between two films...Birdman, or Boyhood. Outside bets for the Oscar winner if the vote becomes split between those two....could be The Theory of Everything (my personal favourite), or The Grand Budapest Hotel.  What an extraodinary mix of topics explored.
An enviable interesting benefit for all nominees both the winners and "losers" who do not go home with an Oscar, are the hefty Swag packages worth over $160,000.00 US each, more than double the value from last year's haul. Hmmm...luxury vacay in France on George Clooney's lake anyone?
.http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/oscars-2015-swag-bag-gifted-nominees-article-1.2122992