For Your Consideration: Early 2011 Oscar Predictions

A scene from Peter Weir's "The Way Back."

EDITORS NOTE: This story was written in March, 2010 forecasting the Oscars a year in advance. For an updated list of predictions as of January 2011, click here.

With the Oscars now a four day-old memory, the time has come for the final edition of this column. I can't say I'm particularly saddened. From the Toronto International Film Festival's unofficial awards season kick-off in September to last weekend's Olympics-delayed ceremony, it's been six long months of speculation and anticipation, and I'm ready to move on (as I'm sure many of you are as well). While I'm sure I could rant on about the somewhat expectedly mediocre ceremony (though Sandra Bullock's speech, Tina Fey and Robert Downey Jr's banter and about one third of Steve & Alec's antics were certainly highlights), and the predictability of nearly every award winner (save most especially "Precious"'s adapted screenplay win over "Up In The Air"), is there really any point anymore? The moment "The Hurt Locker" was thankfully read as this year's best picture of the year, my awards season was over.

However, there is one final thing I'd like to do with this column before letting it rest in peace until September. It's been an annual tradition for me (and most Oscar bloggers) to take an ignorant stab at the following year well before there's any substantial evidence in its regard (Sundance aside, that is.. at this point last year we did already know where Mo'Nique was heading). Surprisingly, it's not always a total crap shoot. While last year I might have been significantly off the mark with "Taking Woodstock," "Nine" and "Invictus" (then "Mandela"), I did manage to properly predict 5 acting nominations. More over, the year before - if you include alternates - I nearly got half of the major nods right. So before this column lies dormant until the fall... let's give it a shot, with everyone please keeping in mind that this is more or less a fun little game and not one that I would take too seriously.

There's certainly plenty to choose from, as 2010 looks to be a diverse and potentially quite fulfilling year for cinema.

We've got promising films from relative newcomers following up well-received first or second projects like "The American," directed by "Control"'s Anton Corbijn, written by Rowan Joffe and starring George Clooney as an assassin who hides out in Italy for one last assignment; "The King's Speech," directed by "The Damned United"'s Tom Hooper and starring Colin Firth as King George VI as he tries to overcome his nervous stammer; "Never Let Me Go, Mark Romanek's long-awaited follow up to "One Hour Photo," and starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Sally Hawkins; and "The Town," Ben Affleck's second directorial effort, starring Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall and Affleck himself.

We've got projects from (often or occasionally) Oscar-friendly filmmakers like Clint Eastwood and "Hereafter," a supernatural thriller written by Peter Morgan and starring Matt Damon and Bryce Dallas Howard; David Fincher and "The Social Network," an Aaron Sorkin-written drama chronicling the invention of Facebook; James L. Brooks' romantic comedy (what else?) "How Do You Know?" starring Jack Nicholson and Reese Witherspoon; Joel & Ethan Coen's remake "True Grit" starring this year's Oscar winner Jeff Bridges; Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere," where a hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit; Terrance Malick's delayed "The Tree of Life," starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn; Edward Zwick's Anne Hathaway-Jake Gyllenhaal Viagra-themed romance “Love and Other Drugs”; Peter Weir's "The Way Back," a fact-based story centered on soldiers who escaped from a Siberian gulag in 1940, and starring Colin Farrell; Woody Allen's London-set "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger," starring Naomi Watts and Anthony Hopkins; and two already released (and well-recieved) films from Martin Scorsese ("Shutter Island") and Roman Polanski ("The Ghost Writer").

A scene from Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere."

We've got interesting new works from filmmakers Oscar haven't always totally embraced or newcomers that haven't been tested yet, like Darren Aronofsky's ballet thriller "Black Swan"; David O. Russell's Christian Bale-Mark Wahlberg starrer "The Fighter"; Aaron Schneider's "Get Low," which got serious buzz at the Toronto Film Festival; Christopher Nolan's ripe-with-potential sci-fi thriller "Inception," starring Leonardo diCaprio; "The Departed" writer William Monahan's directorial debut “London Boulevard," starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley; Richard Loncraine's Clinton-Blair exploration “The Special Relationship”; John Cameron Mitchell's foray into directing someone else's material, "Rabbit Hole," which stars Nicole Kidman and is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play; and two well-received films to come out of Sundance: Lisa Cholodenko's family drama “The Kids Are All Right” and Derek Cianfrance's dark anti-romance “Blue Valentine."

And that's honestly just scratching the surface. With the expanded ten nominees, "Toy Story 3" stands a pretty reasonable chance at a best picture nod. And I mean, who knows, maybe Jodie Foster's Mel Gibson dramedy "The Beaver" will go over in a way opposite to that which I expect.

One interesting thing to note before getting into the flat out predictions: Best actor could actually be a near total re-do of this year. There's Jeff Bridges in "True Grit," George Clooney in "The American," Colin Firth in "The King's Speech" and Jeremy Renner in "The Town." All of which at this point seem like performances that could very well go way of the Oscar. But again, at this point, we kind of know nothing. And with that in mind, I present my major category 2011 Oscar predictions, one year in advance:

EDITORS NOTE: This story was written in March, 2010 forecasting the Oscars a year in advance. For an updated list of predictions as of January 2011, click here.

Best Picture:
Hereafter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
The King's Speech
Love & Other Drugs
Miral
Somewhere
Toy Story 3
The Tree of Life
The Way Back
(alternates: Rabbit Hole; True Grit; The Social Network; Fair Game; London Boulevard)

Best Director:
Sofia Coppola, Somewhere
Terrance Malick, The Tree of Life
Christopher Nolan, Inception
Julian Schabel, Miral
Peter Weir, The Way Back
(alternates: David Fincher, The Social Network; Clint Eastwood, Hereafter)

Best Actor:
Colin Farrell, The Way Back
Matt Damon, Hereafter
Stephen Dorff, Somewhere
Colin Firth, The King's Speech
Ryan Gosling, Blue Valentine
(alternates: Robert Duvall, Get Low; Jeff Bridges, True Grit)

A scene from John Cameron Mitchell's "Rabbit Hole."

Best Actress:
Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right
Anne Hathaway, Love and Other Drugs
Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole
Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine
(alternates: Naomi Watts, Fair Game; Keira Knightley, London Boulevard)

Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin, True Grit
Ed Harris, The Way Back
Brad Pitt, The Tree of Life
Oliver Platt, Love & Other Drugs
Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech
(alternates: Bill Murray, Get Low; Aaron Eckhart, Rabbit Hole)

Best Supporting Actress:
Rebecca Hall, The Town
Bryce Dallas Howard, Hereafter
Julianne Moore, The Kids Are All Right
Saoirse Ronan, The Way Back
Naomi Watts, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
(alternates: Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech; Elle Fanning, Somewhere)

Best Original Screenplay:
Another Year
The Kids Are All Right
Somewhere
Toy Story 3
The Tree of Life
(alternates: Hereafter; You Will Meet a Tall, Dark Stranger)

Best Adapted Screenplay:
The King's Speech
Love and Other Drugs
The Social Network
True Grit
The Way Back
(alternates: London Boulevard; Rabbit Hole)

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TAGS: Features, Academy Awards

68 Comments

| Reply
PSYCHOLOGY ADVICE | February 27, 2011Reply

The Black Swan: A Lesson in Parent/Child Relationships http://www.psychology-advice.net/the-black-swan-a-lesson-in-parentchild-relationships Will the Unconscious Mind win Best Picture? http://www.psychology-advice.net/will-the-unconscious-mind-win-best-picture
PSYCHOLOGY ADVICE | February 27, 2011Reply

Think Twice before Watching the Academy Awards (Oscars) http://www.psychology-advice.net/think-twice-before-watching-the-academy-awards-oscars
Jack Binder | February 5, 2011Reply

The BAFTA's are a good indicator as are the DGA Awards. For a list of British Academy Award nominations checkout: http://filmbudget.com/blog
joe | January 26, 2011Reply

oscars sucks big time they picked stupid films and stupid actors instead of the best actor and film shahrukh khan and his epic my name is khan this shows that these award function are fake they dont cherish real art and they are going to give to that stupid colin firthb for his awkward acting to king george what a shame people should boycot such prejudicial awards to win oscar just act a jewish or a hosexual or any inane real character and sure you will get it or even transvestite or even whore come on you are no more academy your just out of teaching system chio
Suresh | January 26, 2011Reply

The Academy gets worse every year. True Grit - come on. It's a remake anyone can do a remake. It's like copying on test when you were in school, yeah you get the right answers but it means nothing. Again they picked the most Boring Melodramatic Films. http://www.infonary.com/oscar-awards
www.imitationlife.com | January 24, 2011Reply

Here are my final Oscar nominations predictions and my wish choices for the main categories: www.imitationlife.com
Arlene | January 23, 2011Reply

London Boulevard and Colin Farrell might have a chance at next year Awards as the film won't be released until Feb. 16 th 2011!
Bao | January 23, 2011Reply

Not in any particular order Best Picture: 1. True Grit 2. The Kids Are Alright 3. 127 Hours 4. How to Train Your Dragon 5. The King's Speech 6. The Social Network 7. The Fighter or Black Swan 9. Toy Story 3 10. The Town Best Director 1. Joel and Ethan Coen 2. Darren Aronofsky 3. Sofia Coppola 4. David Fincher 5. Tom Hooper Best Actor: 1. Jeff Bridges 2. Colin Firth 3. James Franco 4. Jesse Eisenberg 5. Ryan Gosling Best Actress: 1. Annette Bening 2. Jennifer Lawrence 3. Nicole Kidman 4. Natalie Portman 5. Hailee Steinfeld Best Supporting Actor: 1. Jeremy Renner 2. Christian Bale 3. Geoffrey Rush 4. Andrew Garfield Best Supporting Actress: 1. Melissa Leo 2. Julianne Moore 3. Helena Bonham Carter 4. Amy Adams Best Score: 1. John Powell - How to Train Your Dragon (end of story) Best Animated Feature 1. How To Train Your Dragon 2. How To Train Your Dragon 3. How To Train Your Dragon 4. How To Train Your Dragon 5. Toy Story 3
Sage | January 17, 2011Reply

I'd like to see Mark Wahlberg win Best Actor just because I'm in love with him. :]
kabeer | January 17, 2011Reply

it must be my name is khan and sharukh khan. karan johar .kajol .shankar mahadevan.....
youssef | January 12, 2011Reply

the best actor award should go to dr .shahrukh khan for his role in my name is khan
Danny | January 9, 2011Reply

No offense Matt of course, but I don't think True Grit has a chance in any of those o.o
shirley Shevin | January 9, 2011Reply

colin firth should win or there just isn't any justice
Matt | January 9, 2011Reply

these are some of my predictions. i accurately predicted Denzel Washington for Training Day: Best Picture - True Grit Best Actor - Jeff Bridges (True Grit) Best Actress - True Grit Best Supporting Actor - Matt Damon (True Grit) Best Visual Effects - Tron: Legacy or The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Best Animated Picture - Toy Story 3
Julio Castiglioni | January 8, 2011Reply

Natalie Portman for Black swan is by far my favorite for best actress
Leo | January 8, 2011Reply

I would so love to see The King's Speech winning, but so far almost no award ceremony has recognized it; instead they award either Inception or The Social Network, and sadly I think the latter will get the Oscar.
shalini | January 7, 2011Reply

Leo, I am praying For Natalie Portman she definitely deserves an Oscar this time. But don't you think The King’s Speech has better chances of winning best picture this year ? It is one of the best-written films of the year.
Leo | January 6, 2011Reply

How I would love it to be: Best Picture: Inception Best Director: Christopher Nolan Best Actor: Colin Firth - The King's Speech (I already lost hope for Leo after the GG and SAG nominations) Best Actress: Natalie Portman - Black Swan Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale - The Fighter Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo - The Fighter Best Animated Feature: Toy Story 3 I could careless about the other categories.
shalini | January 5, 2011Reply

@Jay - In my opinion your list is partially correct. Inception is definitely overrated. and noway Hereafter can beat Social Network. Toy story 3 deserves a recognition too. Its amazing how in one year all these fantastic films were released!
Madam FloodPuppy | January 1, 2011Reply

No chasing long shorts. The King's Speech should capture 2: Best Picture and Colin Firth -- best actor (remarkable job). And if it were me, I'd look at "Unstoppable" as the best edited picture. They did not waste anytime with unnecessary angles, shots, dialogue -- but probably no chance.
Marcus | December 30, 2010Reply

People are losing sight of how good Justin Timberlake's performance is in The Social Network because of his A-list persona, but people should realize that despite his huge music career, the actor is wonderfully talented and was perfectly cast in a role that was perfectly played. Few actors can portray that kind of fragile bravura, that magnetic charisma tempered with vulnerability and humor not to mention playing a man dealing with addictions, insecurities, cowardice, and paranoia while trying to control a part of the world and seducing others to follow in his footsteps. He's got Grammy and Emmy. Now I think it's time for Oscar. I found this group that's trying to garner support for Justin Timberlake, Oscar caliber actor and all-around entertainer. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111127082280097&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=111127082280097
Kay | December 26, 2010Reply

For the love of god, the Academy needs to get their act together and give Leo an Oscar. Stunning performances in both Shutter Island AND Inception. Both movies were amazing and my favorites of the year (in fact, Inception's won me over for life). Inception was a movie that required a thinking audience and it challenged its viewers. Best Picture -- Inception. Hands down. Best Director -- Christopher Nolan, Inception Best Original Screenplay -- Inception Best Original Score -- Hans Zimmer, Inception. (seriously. The music was amazing.) Best Actor -- Leonardo DiCaprio. For either Shutter Island or Inception. But please, this man, who is one of the best actors in a long, LONG while, is long overdue for about ten or so Oscars. But of course, I enjoyed Toy Story 3 and The Social Network a LOT, and those deserve recognition too. The majority of the movies that came out this year were outstanding.
adam | December 25, 2010Reply

My top 10 predictions are: 1. Black Swan 2. True Grit 3. Inception 4. The American 5. The Fighter 6. Tangled 7. The kids are alright 8.127 hours 9. The king's speech 10. The Social network
CONCERNED CITIZEN | December 22, 2010Reply

LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS? THATS GOT TO BE A FUCKING JOKE!
R. Lee | December 20, 2010Reply

Inception was overrated. Evangelion 2.22 was more mindblowing, even for a dumbed down remake, but it doesn't have a US distributor so sadly it'll go the way 1.11 went.
Kate | December 14, 2010Reply

Don't just nominate, just give him the D@#^&! OSCAR!!!! ---- LEO DiCAPRIO - INCEPTION PLEASE!!!! IT'S TIME!!!! ARE YOU PEOPLE STUPID OR WHAT??? He is a GREAT ACTOR!!!!!!!!!!! HELLO? This movie has everything! Story, action, special effects, emotion and room to grow, greatness! And I don't feel as if brain cells were dieing when I was watching! Thank you!!!!!!
Ryan | December 13, 2010Reply

Valhalla Rising. Best movie of the Year. Mads Mikkleson: Best Psycho Viking of the year. Nicholas Winding Refn: Best Psycho Viking Director of the year. And none of you have probably even heard of it. Forget all those movies you name...This one's the best.
trippydick465 | December 13, 2010Reply

are you even serious putting hereafter in before the socail network? and putting in love and other drugs before the socail network is really stupid?
Jay | December 11, 2010Reply

Colin Firth* Which has changed to #1 in the running for Best Actor
Jay | December 10, 2010Reply

I dont know why it got messed up but here are the percentages Best Picture The Social Network 60 Inception 40 Best Director David Fincher 50 Christopher Nolan 50 Original Screenplay Christopher Nolan 100 Adapted Screenplay Arron Sorkin 100 Actor Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) 40 Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception) 40 Colin Farrell (The Way Back) 10 Matt Damon (Hereafter) 10 Supporting Actor Ben Kingsley (Shutter Island) 50 Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) 40 Justin Timberlake (The Social Network) 10 Actress Natalie Portman (Black Swan) 75 Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs) 10 Annette Bening (The Kids Are All Right) 5 Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole) 5 Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine) 5 Supporting Actress Marion Cotillard (Inception) 60 Naomi Watts (You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger) 10 Rebecca Hall (The Town) 10 Bryce Dallas (Howard, Hereafter) 10 Julianne Moore (The Kids Are All Right) 10 Cinematography Wally Pfister (Inception) 60 Anthony Dod Mantle (127 Hours) 20 Roger Deakins (True Grit) 10 Jeff Cronenwet (The Social Network) 10
Jay | December 10, 2010Reply

As a film student I've studied, and are currently studying the Academy Awards. Putting together art, skill and popularity I've come up with the 9 major category predictions: Best Picture The Social Network 60% Inception 40% Best Director David Fincher 50% Christopher Nolan P Best Original Screenplay Christopher Nolan (Inception) 0 Best Adapted Screenplay Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network) 0 Best Actor Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) @ Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception) @ Colin Farrell (The Way Back) Matt Damon (Hereafter) Best Supporting Actor Ben Kingsley (Shutter Island) P Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) @ Justin Timberlake (The Social Network) Best Actress Natalie Portman (Black Swan) P Anne Hathaway (Love and Other Drugs) Annette Bening (The Kids Are All Right) Nicole Kidman (Rabbit Hole) Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine) Best Supporting Actress Marion Cotillard (Inception) P Naomi Watts (You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger) Rebecca Hall (The Town) Bryce Dallas (Howard, Hereafter) Julianne Moore (The Kids Are All Right) Best Cinematography Wally Pfister (Inception) P Anthony Dod Mantle (127 Hours) Roger Deakins (True Grit) Jeff Cronenwet (The Social Network)
tony | December 10, 2010Reply

127 Hours for anything? Come on!
Sandip | December 3, 2010Reply

How in the world you forgot Leo in Shutter Island for Best Actor category??? Oscars completely ignored "The Dark Knight" that year and it was really sad. Nolan should have won but this is his year. No matter what. Inception, best movie I have seen in years. By far the best! If by any means Oscars ignores Inception this year, then it would be the worst/pathetic/sad/lame moment in the history. But if they go with a movie just like they did last year with hurt locker then maan they are gonna suck so badly. Best Picture: Inception Best Director: Nolan (Period) Best Original Screenplay:Inception Best original score: Hans Zimmer for Inception Best editing: Inception Best Cinematography: Inception Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio for Shutter Island Rest of the categories: Frankly, I dont care. You can give it to anybody.
jayne | November 29, 2010Reply

Ok, I am almost positive Leonardo DiCaprio is getting a nomination for best actor. Come on. Shutter Island and Inception, both amazing. I really hope he does at least. They really need to give him an oscar already!
Alberto | November 29, 2010Reply

Why is nobody talking about tomorrow's announcement of the 2011 Spirit Awards Nominations? Here are my predictions: http://imitationlife.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/2011-spirit-awards-nominations-predictions/#more-821
Bryan Harris | November 29, 2010Reply

best film THE SOCIAL NETWORK best director DAVID FINCHER best actor JAMES FRANCO best actress ANNETTE BENING best supporting actor ED HARRIS best supporting actress JULIANE MOORE best animated TOY STORY 3 best foreinh leguage film UNDERTOW
ryan white | November 22, 2010Reply

how about shutter island... martin scorsese best director or best picture.. but maby it was released to early to be considered for 2011 oscars.. either way such a great movie
truthteller | November 15, 2010Reply

WHAT ABOUT "BEST DOCUMENTARY"? WHO, DO YOU FOLKS THINK, WILL WIN THAT CATAGORY? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ERROL MORRIS' FILM "TABLOID"? -- about Joyce McKinney, a former Miss Wyoming who was the victim of a tabloid PRESS HOAX... For 33 years she battled to clear her name...Do you think someone will do a feature film on Joyce now, as she says that Morris film left a lot out. But it was the hit of Telleride, Toronto, London BFI, and she got a standing ovation in New York at NYC/DOC! Morris twitters "Joyce McKinney is my favorite protagonist. No one else even runs a close second."
jane | November 15, 2010Reply

127 Hours. Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor.
Peter Knegt | November 14, 2010Reply

@everyone and notably @Brian: This article was written in March, 2010. Check out an updated look at predictions here: http://www.indiewire.com/article/for_your_consideration_a_mid-november_stab_at_oscar_predictions/
Marilyn Rubin | November 14, 2010Reply

You have all got it wrong. although some of these films have yet to come to my hieghborhood in miami beach NOOMI RAPACE is by far the best actress of the yr. If you have not seen the three films that she made The girl with the dragon tatoo etc. you are really missing something. I know that American audiences are so dull that foreign films with subtitles are a task but get with it Americans.........go see these films.
Brian | November 12, 2010Reply

"The Tree Of Life"? It won't see a US release until May 2011?
Jonathan Haynes | November 9, 2010Reply

I think jeremy renner for best supporting actor, Marion cottilard for best supporting actress, the town (Ben Affleck) for best adapted screenplay, the town for best picture,and inception for best original screenplay.
Julie | November 9, 2010Reply

Jonsi, needs to be nominated for best song Sticks and Stones How to Train Your Dragon OST
arina cadariu | November 6, 2010Reply

best movie: inception, best director: chris nolan, best screenplay: inception best actor: colin firth best supporting actor: bill murray best actress: carey mulligan best supporting actress: rebecca hall
LA | November 4, 2010Reply

I think Never Let Me Go will be nominated. You could add that please! Thanks
BAO | November 1, 2010Reply

I think How to Train Your Dragon definitely deserves more credit. I'm putting it in for Best Picture, Best Animated Feature, and Best Score.
JOE | October 31, 2010Reply

BEST LEADING ACTOR JEFF BRIDGES TRUE GRIT COLIN FIRTH The King’s Speech RYAN GOSLING BLUE VALENTINE ROBERT DUVALL GET LOW MARK WHALBERG THE FIGHTER BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR JEREMY RENNER THE TOWN Ed Harris, The Way Back CHRISTIAN BALE THE FIGHTER JOSH BROLIN TRUE GRIT BILL MURRAY GET LOW
DoomCanoe | October 29, 2010Reply

Why isn't Animal Kingdom on here at all? its definitely going to get a best picture nod, best screen play and best supporting actress an AMAZING flick
Peter Knegt | October 29, 2010Reply

And again: All commenters keep in mind this article was written back in March…
Joe V | October 28, 2010Reply

There should only be one film nominated for Best Documentary...the clear winner should be Charles Ferguson's INSIDE JOB ...
jerkson | October 28, 2010Reply

Zach Galifianakis for BSA in It's Kind of a Funny Story. Just putting it out there. Go see it!
jayvi | October 27, 2010Reply

Im hoping the the movie "AMIGO" made by John Sayles will also be consider for Oscar Prediction this 2011.
Marc | October 25, 2010Reply

So far I think Leo should win and Toy Story 3. I know documentaries don't get much hype, but I saw a film titled Climate Refugees in Nashville that hands down should take the gold. It's better than The Cove, more important than Food Inc. and I loved both of those films.
Yoyo | October 15, 2010Reply

All I can say is that Inception will win over 5 Oscars
Andrew | September 17, 2010Reply

I think Winter's Bone needs to be added to the list. 2nd best film I have seen this year besides Inception
marvin | September 12, 2010Reply

Como entrenar a tu dragón merece no solo la nominación a mejor película animada, sino también a mejor película y banda sonora. Uno de los mejores trabajos de este año en todos los aspectos, incluso superó el 3d muchas películas sonadas.
Peter Knegt | September 10, 2010Reply

All commenters keep in mind this article was written back in March...
jay1128 | September 10, 2010Reply

maybe a nomination for Inception in the category best original screenplay
TC Kirkham | September 10, 2010Reply

Amazed that no mention in Best Picture or acting catagories for the unbelievable and soul-searing "Animal Kingdom". This film deserves a Best Picture spot and spots for Best Actor for Ben Mendelsohn, Supporting Actor for James Frecheville, and Supporting Actress for Jacki Weaver. And I'd also love to see "City Island" get some Oscar love, but after they completely blew off "500 Days Of Summer" last year, I don't expect we'll see anything for it.... And don't count out Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (and possibly Ellen Page) (Lead, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress, respectively) for Inception, nor Josh Hutcherson (Supporting Actor) in The Kids Are All Right.....
Alberto | September 9, 2010Reply

I'm surprised nobody is talking about Polanski's The Ghost Writer, at least in the directing and writing categories, plus an acting nod for Olivia Williams. And then, my favourite film of the year, Mike Leigh's Another Year. Anyhow, here ar my choices so far: Picture: Another Year Director: Mike Leigh Actor: Tahar Rahim in A Prophet (will never happen, I know) Actress: Lesley Manville in Another Year Supp. actor: Guillermo Francella in The Secret of Their Eyes or Jim Broadbent in Another Year Supp. Actress: Olivia Williams in The Ghost Writer For whole list of predicted nominees and comments, read my blog Imitation of Life: http://imitationlife.wordpress.com/2010/09/09/best-of-the-year-early-oscar-predictions-2011/#more-615
Patrick from Baltimore | September 4, 2010Reply

I am surprised to see Marion Colliard and Dicaprio not mentioned for Inception. I am also very shocked of that Inception was left off of Screenplay. That was the best story I seen in amovie theater since Eternal Sunshine. Also, look for Bill Murray to get his 2nd nomination for Get Low. It was the best performance of his career
savvy | September 4, 2010Reply

Hello! Chloe Grace Moretz should be in the running for Best Actress! I man, her preformance in "Kick-Ass"? OSCAR-WORTHY!
chumsley | March 12, 2010Reply

“You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger,” starring Naomi Watts and Anthony Hopkins..... How come the slight-able Ms. Watts is in the Best supporting Actress category?
RobT | March 12, 2010Reply

OK, how about "best animated feature"? This is tricky to predict partly because the number of nominees will almost certainly be back down to three, partly because of the two most obvious contenders one of them has yet to land a U.S. distributor, and partly because several other films (all of which look good-but-not-necessarily-great from the present vantage) are contending for the last nomination (or possibly last two nominations). In descending order of likelihood: 1. Toy Story 3 2. The Illusionist (Sylvain Chomet's follow-up to "The Triplets of Belleville") 3. Despicable Me Other possibilities: How to Train Your Dragon; Tangled
ben77 | March 11, 2010Reply

I love this tradition! Last year - even though I thought I there was gonna be five - I got THE HURT LOCKER and PRECIOUS a year in advance. Here's my 2011 top ten predictions: THE AMERICAN BLACK SWAN HEREAFTER HOW DO YOU KNOW? INCEPTION THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT LONDON BLVD. THE TREE OF LIFE TOY STORY 3 THE WAY BACK
brant | March 11, 2010Reply

For your consideration: Seriously? Already?
chumsley | March 11, 2010Reply

For your consideration: important omissions: Best Actress: Naomi Watts (Mother and Child, Fair Game, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger) Best Actor: Sean Penn (Fair game)