Oscars Special: Our Picks

Why Toy Story 3 Should Win an Oscar

Year after year, it always seems to be the same sort of film that does well in the Oscars. An Oscar should be awarded to a great film: a film enjoyed by every generation and gender alike, something which Toy Story 3 ultimately does. Its greatness is not forced; it is simply a naturally good film, both funny and light-hearted. It also provides an epic ending to a brilliant series of films (something other trilogies have failed to do), and should not be forgotten without getting congratulated in the proper way … by winning an Oscar!

words: Helen Gayton

Black Swan for Best Picture

Black Swan has been described as beautiful and nightmarish amongst many other things. I would add to that list harrowing and intense. Portman delivers what is arguably her best performance yet as Nina, completely captivating the audience, and while she steals the show she is supported by a stellar cast. Mila Kunis also puts in a great performance, showing more depth and versatility than we’ve ever seen previously and Vincent Cassel is positively Machiavellian as Thomas. Although the imagery and symbolism is far from subtle, Aronofsky builds the tension expertly throughout the film, culminating in a fantastic crescendo that left me shaken afterwards. Although there are other great films nominated, this is the one that both affected me the most and that I enjoyed the most.

words: Piers Garthwaite

‘Those who have missed out (unfairly) in the past’ category?

FACT: No animated film has ever won Best Picture at the Oscars.  Beauty and the Beast, Up and Toy Story 3 have all been nominated. In 82 years, no animated film has ever won the ‘Best Picture’ Oscar, and yet I dare you to find one person who does not have a favourite childhood animated film.  I’ve had many debates with the girls over which Disney Princess was the best.  I know adults who cried at the end of Toy Story 3.  Animated films have the ability to move us, to stick with us years after the first viewing, and yet they are frequently overlooked for more “serious” films at the Academy Awards.  Will this year be the year one wins? Doubtful.  Will people remember their favourite childhood film until the end of their lives? Definitely.

words: Jeni Jones

‘Royal Addiction’?

If anyone asked you for an Oscar-worthy portrayal of a member of the English Royalty, no doubt the obvious would spring to mind: Helen Mirren in ‘The Queen’, Cate Blanchet in ‘Elizabeth I’, and, of course, Colin Firth in ‘The King’s Speech’.  Yet there has been a long tradition at the Academy Awards for recognising the talent of those who have played Kings and Queens.  7 Actors have been nominated for their portrayal of English Kings (2 having been nominated twice), whilst 3 Actresses have been nominated for their portrayal of English Queens (2 having been nominated twice) for grand total of 14 nominations.  Is Colin Firth just another in a long-line? With so many past nominations, one can’t help but think there is perhaps a little bias in the Academy Awards towards the English Monarchy.

words: Jeni Jones

The Kids are Alright for Best Picture

Comedy films are often overlooked in the dishing out of Academy Awards, with more ‘serious’ films normally taking top spot. The Kids are Alright is a joyous mix; combining hilarity, tears and cringe moments of supreme accuracy that all of us can relate too. The story of a functionally dysfunctional family, it provides a far more insightful and relevant outlook than the drama of Black Swan or the special effects of Inception.  A laid-back and warm-hearted story with superb performances all round, this is a film that champions everyday life and, if it did win Best Picture, would help to place Hollywood’s feet firmly back on the ground.

words: Georgia Walton

The Coen Brothers for Best Director

True Grit is a work of truly brilliant cinematography that exhibits the talent of the filmmakers at their prime. Though it may be toned down in comparison to their previous work, the Brothers Coen demonstrate a technical mastery in the visual execution of their film; mastering the Western genre whilst still retaining a signature Coenish charm. Filled with beautiful epic landscapes and razor sharp shots, True Grit is a superb film that should earn the directors an Academy Award for sheer cohesion and artistry.

words: Georgia Walton

 

Michelle Williams over Natalie Portman

There’s an old joke when it comes to the Oscars: if a good looking actor or actress ‘plays ugly or old’ then they’re guaranteed at least a nomination. Take Theron as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster, Kidman in The Hours, and Bale in this year’s The Fighter as examples. What Michelle Williams has on all of them is that she conveys the subtleties of ageing without ‘forgetting’ to brush her hair, or slapping on prosthetic wrinkles (We’re looking at you, Benjamin Button). Portman may be frontrunner for Best Actress but lets face it, she played a role that any actress could play. Williams deserves the statuette for owning her character through talent alone, and isn’t that exactly what the Oscars should be about?

 

words: Sam Ingram

 

Oscar Injustices – Goodfellas.

He may have been granted justice fifteen years later when the deserving The Departed yielded Martin Scorsese a Best Film Oscar, but does that really make up for the fact that Goodfellas lost out at the 1991 awards to Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves? The shun may be down to the fact that Scorsese’s gangster epic gets better with repeated viewing. You may not like it at first, but catch it on late night TV a couple of times and you’ll love it. Wolves is very much a watch once and make up your mind affair, not helped by Costner’s stilted acting. If he hadn’t cast himself in his own film, then maybe he’d actually deserve the award on his mantelpiece