Here are the official Sassistas! 2010 Oscar predictions! A black "X" means this nominee WILL WIN; a red circle means this nominee SHOULD WIN; a black "+" means Matissta disagrees with Flann and thinks this nominee WILL WIN; and a red circle and a black "X" means both WILL WIN and SHOULD WIN. What are your predictions? Stay tuned tonight as the Sassistas! will be blogging live, along with Jerseysista and Sassley. Please join us!
Best Picture
"Avatar"
"The Blind Side"
"District 9"
"An Education"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Precious"
"A Serious Man"
"Up"
"Up in the Air"
James Cameron, "Avatar"
Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"
Quentin Tarantino, "Inglorious Basterds"
Lee Daniels, "Precious"
Jason Reitman, "Up in the Air"
Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
George Clooney, "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth, "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker"
Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan, "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious"
Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"
Matt Damon, "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"
Penelope Cruz, "Nine"
Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart"
Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"
Mo'Nique, "Precious"
"Burma VJ"
"The Cove"
"Food, Inc."
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers"
"Which Way Home"
"Coraline," Henry Selick
"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Wes Anderson
"The Princess and the Frog," John Musker and Ron Clements
"The Secret of Kells," Tomm Moore
"Up," Pete Docter
"Avatar"
"District 9"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Precious"
"Ajami," Israel
"El Secreto de Sus Ojos," Argentina
"The Milk of Sorrow," Peru
"Un Prophete," France
"The White Ribbon," Germany
"District 9"
"An Education"
"In the Loop"
"Precious"
"Up in the Air"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"The Messenger"
"A Serious Man"
"Up"
"Avatar"
"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"
"Nine"
"Sherlock Holmes"
"The Young Victoria"
"Avatar"
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"The White Ribbon"
"Almost There," Randy Newman ("The Princess and the Frog")
"Down in New Orleans," Randy Newman ("The Princess and the Frog")
"Loin de Paname," Wagner & Thomas ("Paris 36")
"Take It All," Maury Yeston ("Nine")
"The Weary Kind," Bingham & Burnett ("Crazy Heart")
We didn't include ALL of the categories, particularly the technical ones, for a couple of reasons: One, "Avatar" will win all technical awards; and two, it was time-consuming for Matissta to reproduce the ballot in this post and she needed to pick up the dog from daycare. She ran out of time, but has her priorities straight!
A special technical award for Matiss!
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 05:59 AM
"Hurt Locker" is art; "Avatar" is entertainment.
The biggest disappointment of the night for me will be if James Cameron, and not his former wife, Kathryn Bigelow, wins the Oscar for "Best Director."
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 06:01 AM
Just hand the Oscar to Jeff Bridges right now. Don't know what it is about that performance, but I completely fell in love with that dude. Loved the music, too, and the song nominated from the film will win "Best Song."
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 06:05 AM
Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side" over Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia"?
PU-LEEZE say it won't be so.
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 06:48 AM
I don't know that Avatar will win that many awards, but I liked the movie and the technical aspects of it (3D) so much I saw it two times within a week. I rarely enjoy a movie so much that I (a) want to pay to see it again, except Netflix, of course, and (b) even want to sit through it again so soon. The technical achievements of Avatar were phenomenal. Can hardly wait for Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland in 3D.
The Oscars aren't about art. They are about achievement which is different because not all art is achievement.
Now having said that, I didn't see any of the films nominated for an Oscar except Avatar.
Posted by: half-a-sista | March 07, 2010 at 08:09 AM
Flann, are you all affected by the battle between Disney and Cablevision which will mean that 3 million (I think that's the number) viewers won't see the Oscars because Cablevision won't pay the mouse some enormous amount of money to carry the broadcast? Just wondering.
Posted by: half-a-sista | March 07, 2010 at 10:32 AM
I am a victim of the ABC blackout. My area of Long Island is controlled by the Dolan family, which owns Cablevision, Newsday, and Madison Square Garden. They have become a greedy conglomerate of gigantic proportions.
Posted by: Momista | March 07, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Momista! Where you been? We've missed you so! Welcome back to the sassosphere!
If you're online tonight, we'll be commenting about the show, so that may be one way to stay tuned. That being said, I'm sorry that you can't get ABC because we know how much you love movies. The Sassistas! still have ABC in our area.
I'm kind of curious. Did you see all 10 movies nominated for "Best Picture"? Matissta and I haven't yet seen, "The Blind Side," "Inglorious Bastards," or "Precious." Who are you pulling for tonight?
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 11:16 AM
half-a-sista: Matissta hasn't yet seen "Avatar," and I want to take her to see it. I, too, was wowed by it, but am more in awe of "Hurt Locker" -- it was was so tense . . . and despite media reports cleverly (and inappropriately) placed last week by the "Avatar" PR machine about a few Iraq veterans who found the film unrealistic, I talked to several myself (at the airport -- they had just returned from serving in Iraq) who found it hauntingly realistic. Wars are not grand spectacles anymore, but more constantly being on guard, looking over your shoulder, knowing that you are being watched and could be killed in the next second.
Still, "Avatar" ( in 3D) knocked my socks off.
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 11:24 AM
We didn't post the nominees in these categories, but I think "Up" should win for Best Original Score and "The Young Victoria" for Best Costume Design.
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I'm like half-a, we've only seen Avatar, which we enjoyed immensely. Still haven't seen it in 3-D, though. I really wanted to see Up!, but just never seemed to find the time. Always enjoy watching the red carpet crawl, but I don't know how much of the actual show we'll watch, considering we missed virtually all of the contenders ;-(
As far as best picture, I'm pretty sure the Academy voters won't want Avatar to win, simply because they have shown in the past such a huge bias against sci fi movies and also movies that make scads of money. (thinking of all the movies Steven Spielberg & George Lucas put out that were promptly snubbed). God forbid they vote for something that was wildly successful with the common man.
Love the way you posted the ballot, by the way - very easy to understand, and I'm sure the perfect choices for betting purposes!
Posted by: Chrysosistah | March 07, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Momista, sorry to hear that you are being held hostage by the cable company (and the angry Mouse...Disney). Both of them could afford to write this off, but won't. There will be a lot of unhappy people on the East Coast tonight. I expect rioting. The Oscars are like the Superbowl...sort of.
Posted by: half-a-sista | March 07, 2010 at 12:27 PM
Here are some of my differing views:
I think Collin Firth should win but agree from the reviews I have read that Jeff Bridges will.
I think Meryl Streep should and will win.
I think The Hurt Locker should and will win cinematography and direction but I think Avatar should and will win best film.
Posted by: Jerseysista | March 07, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Hey Jersey! Just back in from raking the leaves in my backyard! Three weeks ago, I never thought I would see the ground again! I loved Colin Firth's performance -- so subtle and heartbreaking, but it's Jeff's year. See you in a bit.
Anyhoo, Chryso -- I think "Avatar" will win because it helped Hollywood make ALOT of money during tough economic times. Not to worry.
half-a: I think it would be a COMPLETE hoot to watch the Academy Awards with you. Any thoughts about Best Costume Design? Edna will be watching the Oscars with the Sassistas!
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 01:04 PM
Momista, I was completely unaware of as half-a puts it that you are being held hostage. I know how much you look forward to this show every year, being such a movie fan.
I think that this year started out slowly, but turned out to be quite strong. There's a nice variety of films too; sci-fi, drama, humor, ANIMATION! It should be interesting.
A couple of comments before tonight. A Serious Man. Are you serious?! It's nominated?! Please someone explain to me what was so wonderful about the movie. I must have completely missed the point. Not the Cohen brothers' finest, IMHO.
Up in the Air. A great movie. Everyone thought that the movie and George were definite winners until the other movies hit the theaters. Still worth watching.
Another wonderful movie that every teenage girl should HAVE to see is An Education. I think men will enjoy it also, but a lot of women will relate. And the performance by the young Carey Mulligan is very strong. Keep an eye out for her in the future.
Finally, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed The Young Victoria. Emily Blunt like you've never seen her before. Elegant and restrained.
Enjoy.
Posted by: Matissta | March 07, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Very intelligent comments, Matissta. Thanks much.
Remember when we watched "Up" and how much we loved it? (I cried like a baby, actually). I so hope it wins a couple of awards tonight. I'd like to own that movie. Better put it on my wish list.
"A Serious Man"? You're right . . . what a conundrum that film was. I still don't get it.
Loved "Up in the Air" and have already pre-ordered it.
Loved "An Education" -- drop everything and put it in your Netflix queue sistas and mistas. And, too, "Young Victoria" -- luscious, beautiful and down-to-earth was Emily Blunt's performance. You'll understand when you see it.
Stay tuned.
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 04:20 PM
I did not see all of the nominated movies. I saw Julie&Julia, Hurt Locker, Up in the Air, and Up. I am rooting for Hurt Locker. Not only was it well done, but so eye-opening to us here at home. I also thought that Up in the Air was very good.
Posted by: Momista | March 07, 2010 at 04:27 PM
'yo, true art will triumph over entertainment, and The Hurt Locker will take best pic and director. Bet you a tootsie roll pop.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 07, 2010 at 04:27 PM
Carolyn, you're on for the tootsie roll pop. I like cherry ones. What's your favorite flavor...just in case you're right...which you won't be? The Hurt Locker will not take best pic, but may (although I doubt it) take best director. True art will, once again, not triumph over entertainment.
Posted by: half-a-sista | March 07, 2010 at 04:37 PM
It's a GREAT day in the 'sphere when we hear from Momista MORE THAN ONCE! Agree with you about the "eye-opening" opinion on "Hurt Locker," Momista. You are SO ahead of your time.
And Carolyn, though I love you more than my luggage (the best line in "Steel Magnolias"), I am afeared that "Avatar" will win over "Hurt Locker." I'll take a raspberry tootsie roll pop . . . and if "Hurt Locker" wins (sweet Jesus, I hope it does), I owe you a bottle of HobNob pinot noir.
half-a: you and CHERRY tootsie roll pops? Just when I thought it was safe to be gay . . .
I am typing from my laptop downstairs, counting down to the red carpet stuff that should begin around 6 pm. Stay tuned, beloveds!
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 04:53 PM
Half-a and Flann, I like the grape ones. And please tie a ribbon around the stick, as I'd expect you classy people to lose with a gesture of panache.
Film Editing has absolutely GOT to be The Hurt Locker, too. Seamless.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 07, 2010 at 05:01 PM
Yes, if "Hurt Locker" does NOT get film editing, well, I don't know what I will have to do. Brilliant, brilliant editing. Brilliant.
Let me know an appropriate response if "Hurt Locker" loses Best Film Editing, short of donating a kidney, though if I have to, I will.
What color ribbon, Carolyn, as I so want to please you and I so want "Hurt Locker" to win Best Pic.
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 05:05 PM
I only saw 4 of the best pic nominees, but that's probably more than the last two years combined: Avatar, Blind Side, District 9, and Up. Of those, I'd definitely award Avatar the prize.
Like Chryso, I love the scoring code/key. I can only imagine the process of Flann and Matiss working that out.
And half-a: you and me and cherry Tootsie Pops. Trying to think of a way to win some off of Carolyn, but I don't dare bet on this game.
I'm planning to watch the show tonight, and took a nap already to prepare for the slow moments.
Posted by: babysis | March 07, 2010 at 05:11 PM
I'll take that bet too, believing Avatar won't win for best picture. If I'm right, I like Cherry Blow-Pops, please, not the tootsie-roll kind. Haven't had the opportunity to blow gum bubbles in quite a while...
If I'm wrong, Carolyn, get ready for an avalanche of grape!!
Posted by: Chrysosistah | March 07, 2010 at 05:14 PM
babysis -- I DID NOT TAKE A NAP TODAY.
Jersey just showed up. Matiss is here and Sassley will be here, soon. I guess they will prod me awake when I fall asleep.
What did you think of "District 9," babysis? I liked it.
Posted by: Flannista | March 07, 2010 at 05:14 PM