My Oscar Picks:

I am so excited for Sunday to watch my favorite award show of the year. I love the Academy Awards because it recognizes films that aren’t the huge blockbuster movies that everyone and their mother pays $15 to see. The average person maybe has seen one or two of the films that are nominated for an Oscar. I make it a point to see every film that is buzzed about and may merit a nomination. This year I saw many great films and all the nominees displayed great talent. However, I am still trying to swallow the fact that my man, Ryan Gosling, got snubbed again this year. I was also surprised that Tilda Swinton and We Need to Talk About Keven didn’t get any nods. I should also preface my picks with I have not yet seen War Horse nor Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. The latter I’m saving for when I’m in the privacy of my own house and won’t have to embarrass myself by walking out of the theater with mascara running down my cheeks.

Best Picture: The Artist. It was by far my favorite film of the year and it will most definitely take the Oscar.

Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin. Clooney has also been getting buzz. He did well in The Descendants but didn’t blow me away. Even Oldman and Pitt didn’t outshine Dujardin.

Actress in a Leading Role: Viola Davis. The cast of The Help was incredible. There is a good chance Queen Meryl will win but I’m rooting for Viola.

Actor in a Supporting Role: Christopher Plummer. I didn’t love The Beginners but Plummer did the best of the nominees.

Actress in a Supporting Role: Octavia Spencer. Such a hard choice to make! I loved Jessica Chastain and Bérénice Bejo in their roles. And I am still stunned (in a good way) that Melissa McCarthy pulled out a nod for Bridemaids.

Directing: Too hard to choose. Any of the nominees could take it home but if I have to guess it will be Scorsese.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay): Moneyball

Writing (Original Screenplay): Midnight in Paris but I would be happy of course if The Artist takes it.