Upgrading the trophy case — Already boasting a Golden Globe and an SAG award, “Argo” remains a favorite for the Oscar. “Argo” was directed by Ben Affleck and opened in theaters Oct. 12.
As we look back in fond recollection of the People’s Choice Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards and the Critic’s Choice Movie Awards, it may seem that awards season has flown past, foisting upon us a bittersweet and premature farewell. But do not fret, awards–show junkies, for the biggest and best is yet to come.
Watching awards shows is a cherished American pastime. It is a time when people from all walks of life can unite and pretend for one night that they are seated in the front row at Hollywood’s hottest, most exclusive events without leaving the comfort of their houses or the close proximity of their stocked refrigerators. It is a time to watch celebrities passive-aggressively ignore their cue music when their acceptance speeches are running too long.
Awards season is a chance to experience the rush of seeing Ryan Gosling; it is an opportunity to witness the force and entity that is Angelina Jolie’s appalling thigh slit. It is a reminder of how ardently we wish Jennifer Lawrence were our best friend.
As evidenced by the winners at the SAG and Golden Globe Awards, it looks like “Argo,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Lincoln” and “Les Miserables” are the top competitors in nearly all categories for this year’s Oscars.
Anne Hathaway is expected to take home the tiny golden man for Best Supporting Actress for her heart-wrenching performance in “Les Miserables,” for which she won a Golden Globe and a SAG award. She faces stiff competition, however, from Sally Field and her remarkable and convincing portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Daniel Day-Lewis, who already took home both a Golden Globe and a SAG award, is expected to win Best Actor at the Oscars for his role in “Lincoln,” favored over Hugh Jackman’s Jean Valjean and Bradley Cooper’s adorable Pat in “Silver Linings,” among others.
The award for Best Picture is still up in the air, but critics predict that Steven Spielberg will claim Best Picture and Best Director for “Lincoln” since academy voters generally cast identical votes in those categories. “Lincoln” will compete against “Amour,” “Argo,” “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” “Django Unchained,” “Life of Pi” and “Zero Dark Thirty.”
The relatively lighthearted “Silver Linings Playbook” and the much heavier “Zero Dark Thirty” are juxtaposed perhaps most apparently in the pool of nominees for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Jennifer Lawrence’s charismatic portrayal of the off-beat and charming Tiffany faces fierce competition from Jessica Chastain’s powerful and stoic representation of Maya, the hyper-focused and obsessive CIA agent responsible for locating Osama bin Laden.
Disney Pixar’s beloved “Brave” will compete with Disney’s “Wreck it Ralph” and “Frankenweenie” for Best Animated Feature Film. Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola’s poignant “Moonrise Kingdom” will face Mark Boal’s “Zero Dark Thirty” in the battle for Best Original Screenplay.
With such recurring overlap between categories, it will undoubtedly be a matter of how many, rather than if, any Oscars are awarded to the films “Lincoln,” “Les Miserables,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Zero Dark Thirty.”
The Grammys, which is set to air on CBS Feb. 10, is the next highly anticipated award show. Generally, it is more difficult to predict who will win which Grammy because genuine artistry and popularity at times do not go hand in hand. Let’s all remember the 2011 Grammy Awards when Esperanza Spalding beat out Justin Bieber for Best New Artist — needless to say there were a lot of unhappy “Beliebers.”
This year, six acts are tied in the lead with six nominations each: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mumford and Sons, The Black Keys, Frank Ocean and Fun. Per usual, the award show is packed with performers, including Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Elton John. Many will be pleased that Justin Timberlake, the boy-band-star-turned-actor, will bring sexy back to rule the charts once again with his melodious falsetto and killer hooks. His performance will definitely be one you will not want to miss.
Beyonce, the Queen B herself, may also be performing, which hopefully will bring Jay-Z out to attend — which would mean Kanye West will probably attend — which would then mean Kim Kardashian and her protruding belly will likely attend. From there we can examine the possible detrimental effects the Kimye baby could impose on all of our innocent souls. Clearly, the next few weeks hold expectations higher than ever, so you’d better be watching.
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Follow Halleta Alemu on Twitter: @Halleta
