My 2011-2012 Oscar Predictions – Part 3: The Story Aspects

The third part of the predictions involves the storytelling through screenplays, editing, and then I threw in cinematography and the music categories just so they fit somewhere.  There’s some tough categories to choose here this year, especially cinematography.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
The Artist, Written by Michel Hazanavicius
Bridesmaids, Written by Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
Margin Call, Written by J.C. Chandor
Midnight in Paris, Written by Woody Allen
A Separation, Written by Asghar Farhadi

Okay, first off, the fact that Bridesmaids is here is a joke. I’m okay with Mellisa McCarthy being nominated I guess, but screenplay?  What a bunch of pandering that is.  Anyways, the frontrunner is going to be the Artist, but what about Midnight in Paris?  The only problem is that Woody Allen has been openly hostile towards the Oscars, so will they give him one?  They may see it as one of the last chances to.  I really think it could go either way there, but I think that The Artist will win, just so it can wrap a few extra awards along with its probable BP award.

Prediction: The Artist

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ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
The Descendants, Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
Hugo, Screenplay by John Logan
The Ides of March, Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
Moneyball, Screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Story by Stan Chervin
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Screenplay by Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan

Alright, here’s a bit of a spoiler for the next set of my predictions.  It appears to be a two film race between The Descendants and The Artist, of which I think the Artist will likely win.  Therefore, this screenplay award will sort of be the consolation prize.  I guess that works no matter which way it goes, since I predicted The Artist for the other one.

Prediction: The Descendants

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CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Guillaume Schiffman – The Artist
Jeff Cronenweth – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Robert Richardson – Hugo
Emmanuel Lubezki – The Tree of Life
Janusz Kaminski – War Horse

Alright, now cinematography I’m having a tough time picking, and even as I’m typing now, I have not yet made up my mind.  Dragon Tattoo had great camera work, and from what I hear Hugo is a visual feast, and the Tree of Life is simply spectacular photography.  But are they really going to give an Oscar to Tree of Life?  I was surprised it was nominated so much to be honest.  It doesn’t seem like typical Oscar fair.  But even though this is a very contentious film, most people could at least agree that it looked amazing.  Then again, Hugo is the safer pick….  Bah, you know what?  I’m going out on a limb here, and going with Tree of Life.

Prediction: The Tree of Life

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FILM EDITING:
Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius – The Artist
Kevin Tent – The Descendants
Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Thelma Schoonmaker – Hugo
Christopher Tellefsen – Moneyball

Often this goes to the Best Picture winner.  Not always, but often.  So another spoilers as to who I think will win BP…

Prediction:The Artist

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ORIGINAL SCORE:
John Williams – The Adventures of Tintin
Ludovic Bource – The Artist
Howard Shore – Hugo
Alberto Iglesias – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
John Williams – War Horse

Two John Williams scores, however that means that his supporters may split.  But again, people adored Hugo, and Howard Shore is also well respected after his Lord of the Rings stint.  I think Hugo’s going to take another one here.  Besides, John Williams has nough Oscars.

Prediction: Hugo

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ORIGINAL SONG:
“Man or Muppet” from The Muppets, Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
“Real in Rio” from Rio, Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown Lyric by Siedah Garrett

Haha, only two nominees this year.  So apparently there weer only two worthy songs.  And who remembers anything about Rio?  On the other hand, people love the Muppets.  They’re not quite a mop, not quite a puppet, but man….  This ones pretty much a lock.  The only question is, will Kermit accept the award?  The success of the entire evening rests on it.

Prediction: The Muppets