And the Oscar should go to…

 

Best Motion Picture

Nominees:

“12 Years a Slave”

“The Wolf of Wall Street”

“Captain Phillips”

“Her”

“American Hustle”

“Gravity”

“Dallas Buyers Club”

“Nebraska”

“Philomena”

What should win: “12 Years a Slave”

There was one movie this year that embodied every element that goes into making an Oscar-worthy flick – “12 Years a Slave.” The film displayed excellent acting, directing, a great screenplay and had the emotional drive that could make even the toughest person cry. When put together, all of the characteristics that make up the film exemplified what a film should look like. When separated into the different categories, the film will face stiff competition. 

What likely will win: “Gravity”

What could win: “12 Years a Slave”

What should have made the list: “Inside Llewyn Davis,” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”

 

Best Actor

Nominees: 

Bruce Dern – “Nebraska”

Chiwetel Ejiofor – “12 Years a Slave”

Matthew McConaughey – “Dallas Buyers Club”

Leonardo DiCaprio – “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Christian Bale – “American Hustle”

Who should win: Matthew McConaughey – “Dallas Buyers Club”

When an actor or actress wins an Oscar, it is because he or she gave a commanding performance that cannot be compared. McConaughey blew audiences away with his portrayal of a man dying of AIDS during the early years of the disease. This performance along with his performance in HBO’s “True Detective” may lead people to wonder where this Mcconaughey has been hiding while taking roles in flops such as “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.” He will win, because though others nominated gave excellent performances, he surpassed by leaps and bounds.

Who likely will win: Matthew McConaughey – “Dallas Buyers Club”

Who could win: Christian Bale – “American Hustle”

Who should have made the list: Ben Stiller (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”), Joaquin Phoenix (“Her”)

 

Best Actress

Nominees:

Amy Adams – “American Hustle”

Cate Blanchett – “Blue Jasmine”

Judi Dench“Philomena”

Sandra Bullock – “Gravity”

Meryl Streep – “August: Osage County”

Who should win: Amy Adams – “American Hustle”

Amy Adams has come a long way from “Enchanted” and “The Office.” In an all-star cast that included Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper, Adams commanded the screen with every line and movement. 

Who likely will win: Amy Adams – “American Hustle”

Who could win: Meryl Streep – “August: Osage County”

Who should have made the list: Scarlett Johansson (“Her”)

 

Best Director

Nominees:

Steve McQueen – “12 Years a Slave”

David O. Russell – “American Hustle”

Alfonso Cuaron – “Gravity”

Alexander Payne – “Nebraska”

Martin Scorsese – “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Who should win: “12 Years a Slave.”

Aesthetically, McQueen did a beautiful job depicting the raw emotion and shamefully tumultuous time in this country’s history. Viewers were given an opportunity to be transported to the time period, and McQueen never faltered with getting his vision across. 

Who likely will win: David O. Russell – “American Hustle”

Who could win: Alfonso Cuaron – “Gravity”

Who should have made the list: Ben Stiller (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”), Jean-Marc Vallee (“Dallas Buyers Club”)

 

Best Supporting Actor

Nominees: 

Barkhad Abdirahman – “Captain Phillips” 

Bradley Cooper – “American Hustle”

Jonah Hill – “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Jared Leto – “Dallas Buyers Club”

Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave”

Who should win: Jared Leto – “Dallas Buyers Club”

Though “Dallas Buyers Club” lacked the direction to make it a contender for best picture, one thing it excelled in was the surprisingly amazing performances from its cast. Jared Leto did a great job portraying a Texas transvestite dying of AIDS in the ’80s. This comes as no surprise, as he has exceeded expectations in previous films such as “Chapter 27.”

Who likely will win: Jared Leto – “Dallas Buyers Club”

Who could win: Jonah Hill – “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Who should have made the list: This list is pretty good.

 

Best Supporting Actress

Nominees

Jennifer Lawrence – “American Hustle”

Lupita Nyong’o – “12 Years a Slave”

June Squibb – “Nebraska”

Julia Roberts – “August: Osage County”

Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine”

Who should win: June Squibb – “Nebraska”

June Squibb’s age and years of experience is the reason her performance surpassed any other in this category. Her direct portrayal of Will Forte’s mother in “Nebraska” was the beacon of light in the independent flick. Lawrence is favored to win, and though it is well deserved, it will mainly be due to the over hype of the film as Squibb’s performance gets brushed aside.

Who likely will win: Jennifer Lawrence – “American Hustle”

Who could win: Lupita Nyong’o – “12 Years a Slave”

Who should have made the list: Kristen Wiig (“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”)