Silver Linings Playbook Trailer #2

With great reviews out of Toronto, Silver Linings Playbook is one of the hot Oscar tickets of this early season. Here is a look at the second trailer:

New York Film Festival 2012: Life of Pi Reviews

The reviews for this seem to be similar to those of Avatar a couple of years ago: A script that is lacking, but a directorial vision that overcomes it to be a visually stunning film. In terms of technical awards, I definitely think this one is in play. And considering Lee's popularity, and its positive reviews, it could definitely be in contention for some of the bigger prizes as well, particularly director and picture.

Justin Chang at Variety believes that on a visual level it is amazing, but falls short on the dramatic aspect:

"A literal crouching tiger is merely one of many visual wonders in Ang Lee's "Life of Pi," a gently transporting work of all-ages entertainment that melds a harrowing high-seas adventure with a dreamy meditation on the very nature of storytelling. Summoning the most advanced digital-filmmaking technology to deliver the most old-fashioned kind of audience satisfaction, this exquisitely beautiful adaptation of Yann Martel's castaway saga has a sui generis quality that's never less than beguiling, even if its fable-like construction and impeccable artistry come up a bit short in terms of truly gripping, elemental drama."

Todd McCarthy was also pretty high on the film writing:

"Creating a plausible, ever-changing physical world was the first and over-arching technical challenge met by the effects team. The extra step here was rendering a tiger that would be believable in every way, from its violent movements and threatening stares to its desperate moments when, soaked through and starving, it attempts to claw its way back on board the small boat. With one passing exception -- a long shot of the tiger making its way through a sea of meerkats that’s a bit off -- the representation of Richard Parker is extraordinarily lifelike.The leap of faith required for Lee to believe this could be put up onscreen in a credible way was necessarily considerable. His fingerprints are at once invisible and yet all over the film in the tact, intelligence, curiosity and confidence that characterizes the undertaking."

Eric Kohn at Indiewire gave it B+, as the screenplay wasn't quite up to par of the rest of the film, which is spectacular:

"Yann Martel's bestselling 2001 novel "Life of Pi" followed the young Indian survivor of a shipwreck stuck on a lifeboat with a tiger -- the kind of high concept scenario both easy to comprehend and difficult to envision in movie terms. Much of the story, narrated by its spiritually minded protagonist, contains prolonged philosophical discussions and remains tethered to an extremely minimalist setting. That Ang Lee has managed to turn the limitations of his source material into his adaptation's greatest strength makes "Life of Pi" a significant achievement for the filmmaker in spite of blatant problems with structure, dialogue and other surface issues. "Life of Pi" succeeds in its most audacious moments and struggles whenever it returns to familiar ground."

New Oscar Poll in Sidebar

While the New York Film Festival is starting, so Flight, Life of Pi, and others could rocket to the front of the Oscar race, but after the Venice, Telluride, and Toronto trifecta, a group of films has emerged as potential contenders. So take a look at the poll in the sidebar to pick which of those films you think will be Best Picture contenders come January. Enjoy voting!

Top 100 Films of the 1990's: Part VIII

30. L.A. Confidential (1997) - Curtis Hanson is one of those underappreciated directors, whose films are well-liked, but never marveled at, with the exception of 1997's seedy, film-noir classic L.A. Confidential. The 90's answer to Chinatwon, L.A. Confidential effortlessly blends the gritty crime scene, and overwhelming corruption of 1950's Los Angeles, with the stylistic film noir aspects that make it highly entertaining and beautifully rendered. Furthermore, Hanson brings out some fine performances that complement the style of the film, while embracing each character's flaws and attributes perfectly. Kim Basinger was the Oscar winner of the bunch, but Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, David Strathairn, James Cromwell, Danny Devito, and a host of others all bring their A-game to the table. L.A. Confidential is one of those stunning period pieces that captures the essence and mood of the times, as well as tells a riveting story. And like its event, it too will stand the test of time as one of the best.

29. Dead Man Walking (1995) - To this day, Tim Robbin's 1995 crime drama classic Dead Man Walking remains one of the finest acted, and most emotionally harrowing films, not just of the decade, but of all time. The moral dilemma that it proposes, empathy for both murderer and loved ones of the one murdered is a tricky binary situation that is delicately and masterfully handled. But what makes this film shine is the excalibur performances of its two leads Susan Sarandon (in an Oscar winning role), and Sean Penn (in a role that should have won him an Oscar). The back and forth between the two characters, the simultaneous chemistry and fear/respect, and the unparelled situation that both face make for both an emotionally challenging, and engaing film experience. Most importantly, Dead Man Walking's empathetic and challenging look at Death Row is one of those pertinent films that dissects real issues facing our society, and may make some people change their preconceived notions of capital punishment.

28. The American President (1995) - Still a personal favorite, The American President is every liberal politico's film wet dream. It tells the story of a man who stands by his principles, who overcomes nasty conservative hypocriticism, and openly goes after causes that are near and dear to liberals hearts such as gun control and higher environmental standards. It is a perfect combination of Aaron Sorkin detailed political analysis, sharp comedy, and budding romance. It is impeccably acted by Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Anna Deveare Smith, Martin Sheen, and Michael J. Fox, and while educational of the inside nature of politics, is also impeccably entertaining. For me though, The American President was one of those films, that while it ended up not being an Oscar favorite (although some of the nominees that year across the board were not as good), it is one of those that has stood the test of time. It shows a politician standing up for what he believes in, as well as standing up for the people that he loves, no matter the political cost. And whether you are a liberal or a conservative, I think that is something we all can admire.

27. All About My Mother (1999) - Pedro Almodovar is one of the most talented directors working today, whose films have successfully crossed the language barrier and made an impact on cinema across the globe. One of his crowning achievements, was 1999's smart dramedy All About My Mother. In All About My Mother, Almodovar takes surface level female stereotypes, but delves so deep into them, mixes in a wonderfully, funny, warmth, and yet sometimes devastating story about family, and humanity. The film has such heartbreaking and real characters, real female and family psychology, that it lingers with you long after its final frame. It is impeccably acted, and also shows the depth and talent of Almodovar as not just a filmmaker, but a real humanist who understands complicated emotions and perfectly presents all of their quirks. Style is important in film, but a great story is what makes it soar. Almodovar understands that, and if you want proof, this is the film you need to see.

26. Secrets & Lies (1996) - Mike Leigh consistently makes movies that are perfect renditions of the human experience, classically British, and always a pleasure to watch. Secrets & Lies may not be as pleasureable as some of his more humorous fair, but it is definitely his most intimate and powerful film to date. It dissects racial relationships, combined with secrets and lies that humans keep from one another in order to save themselves. It is a magnificent story about human emotions that carefully paints each character with grace and detail, while evoking empathy in every frame. It is also impeccably acted, particularly by Brenda Blethyn and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. But in the end this is Leigh's baby, as he carefully constructs every line and every scene, to make an effortlessly flowing film that allows its audience to connect with the characters. It also proves that Mike Leigh is one of the best humanist directors working today, or hell, one of the best period.

25. Before Sunrise (1995) - Apparently Richard Linklater, another great humanist director, is working on a second sequel to his 1995 masterpiece Before Sunrise, once again starring the magnificent Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. If it is anything like 2004's Before Sunset then we are in for a real treat. Because both films, but particularly this one, are two of the most underrated and well-made films of the last two decades. The first part, Before Sunrise, set the tone for what makes this particular film series so magical. Above all, it is simple. It doesn't rely on fancy cinematic tricks, obnoxious directorial flourishes, or unbearable cheesiness. It is a straight from the heart love story that its well-written, beautifully rendered, and well-acted. It never tries to be more than what it is, which is so refreshing in modern cinema. It almost has an old-school charm of classic film, like Casablanca expect strangers, meeting in a foreign land and become encompassed by human emotion. It is definitely one to watch, particularly before another film in the series hits theaters.

24. Close-Up (1990) - Abbas Kiarostami has made this list a few times before, but now we get to my favorite film of his, and for me, the one film that defines the greatness of his storied career. It is also a semi-nonfiction piece, and one of the most creative looks at crime, fraud, and Iranian film making. Following the story of Ali Sabzian, who pretends to be famed director Mohsen Makhmalbaf and is tried for fraud. It is a haunting look at true events, that unfolds before you piece by piece like a complicated and beautifully made puzzle. The combination of real footage and reenactments provide for an incredibly effective dramatic punch, as well as a unique vision to tell a facisnating story. Like all Kiarostami films, Close-Up is not for everyone. It's pace is not exactly light speed, and its winding storyline can be frustrated, like stuck in a maze. But also like the rest of his films, the ending is so pitch perfect and such a rewarding experience that it makes the difficult journey worthwhile. And that is what challenging cinema is all about.

23. The Usual Suspects (1995) - Some films are so unlike anything else you've ever seen, that they are considered defining films of their times. Bryan Singer's 1995 crime classic, The Usual Suspects, is one of those films. On the surface, The Usual Suspects is a mess, with intertwining characters, messy storylines, and chocked full of psychological character studies that it is hard to keep up. But if you take the time to look beyond the surface, you will find that The Usual Suspects is one of the most deeply rendered, psychologically haunting, and effective crime thrillers of the 1990's. The acting is top notch, particularly Kevin Spacey and Gabriel Byrne, the characters are each unique and thoughtfully carried through the story, and Bryan Singer makes one of the best directorial debuts of our time, with a film that still rings as one of the best. He, and scribe Christopher McQuarries, keep the editing and story taut and well-paced, with plenty of nice surprises that never feel forced and always have an impact. A winner indeed.

22. Beauty and the Beast (1991) - It truly is a tale as old as time, and if I need to spend paragraphs describing why Beauty and the Beast is great, then you have a heart made of stone. It is one of the most beautifully drawn Disney animated features, and remains the first and foremost of the genre to receive a Best Picture nomination. That is because, not only is it a master class in animation, but it provides a classic love story, mixed perfectly with humor, clever songs, mystery, horror, and of course love. It is action-packed, fast-paced, and more importantly, offers something that kids of all ages, from 1 to 92, can enjoy. Finally, and most importantly, it is the perfect fairy tale that transports us to a magical world, filled with fascinating characters, and dangers and joys alike. It reminds us what it is like to be a kid again, to take awe in such feats. It reminds us of a simpler time. And if you are ever feeling nostalgic for your happy childhood, this is the quintessential film.

21. Apollo 13 (1995) - The events of Apollo 13 were some of the most harrowing in American space history. And in 1995, Ron Howard, along with an excellent cast including Tom Hanks, Kathleen Quinlan, Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris, and Gary Sinise, this true experience was brilliantly brought to the silver screen. Howard and his team took great care to paint a picture of these astronaut's lives, to adequately build the tension and the emotion that they felt locked in this situation far from home. But more importantly, they fascinated viewers by making a film that was true to its heroic characters as well as a perfectly entertaining Hollywood endeavor. It is one of those films that you can't look away from until you know what happens. And no matter how many times you tell yourself how it ends, it doesn't make it any less anticipating. It is one of the best films of the 90's, the best of Howard's directing career, and a truly American film that reminds us of the bravery and importance of America's space program, and the astronauts who make it possible.

Les Miserables Poster

A little nostalgic are we? A very similar poster (Live action version if you will) of the classic original musical poster. A nice look that is simple, effective, and gorgeous rendered. I think this one is going to be a big hit, and an Oscar favorite. We'll have to wait and see:

2012 Emmys: Final Analysis

So here is a run down of my favorite moments, least favorite moments, and the ones that just made me cringe:

Loved It!

• Homeland's win was really nice. I would have been happy with Breaking Bad probably more so, but I cannot deny that it is a great show, and a well-deserved win.
• Damian Lewis and Claire Danes are great on the show, and it was nice to see them win. I love Cranston, but he has gotten his glory, and its nice to see a newcomer get recognition as well.
• Presenters Melissa McCarthy, Ricky Gervais, and Tina Fey/Jon Hamm were great.
• The opening scene with Jimmy and the leading ladies was funny, particularly Lena Dunham and Kathy Bates.
• The TV Movie/Miniseries categories, all four acting winners were nice choices, especially Jessica Lange, and Julianne Moore, who finally wins a major broadcast award. And seeing Danny Strong (Doyle from Gilmore Girls, and Buffy alum) win a wonderful Emmy for his blossoming writing career was a nice moment for those who recognized him. It was also really nice to see Kevin Costner win a major award, I was less than one when he won his Oscars, and he was great in Hatfields.
• Louis C.K. winning two Emmys for writing, his strongest talent, and his most deserving.
• The In Memoriam segment was so emotional for me, because there were so many talents that were gone. A nice tribute.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfuss/Amy Poehler bit. I wanted one of them to win, and then when both got to have a moment of humor, it made it even better. Plus I loved Dreyfuss' win for Veep in general.
• The Emmy voters seemed to focus a lot on episode submissions, which is what they are supposed to do. So even though some winners were less deserving, at least most of those picked had great episode submissions to back them up.

Eh?

• Jon Cryer's win was something that I had in the back of my mind, but didn't want to really admit. He won because he is well-liked as a person, and he actually had a great episode submission. So I can't be mad at voters for doing their job. That doesn't mean that I don't think rewarding anything for Two and a Half Men is annoying at this point, or that he was a lot less deserving than Jim Parsons, Louis C.K., or Larry David, but I'm not shocked.
• Some of the performers bombed, even people I love like Louis C.K., Jim Parsons, and Zooey Deschanel.
• Jimmy Kimmel had some funny moments, but overall was rather slight.
• Love Julie Bowen and Eric Stonestreet, but would have liked to see either their other co-stars (Vergara, O'Neill, or Ferguson), or a sentimental favorite like Wiig or Joosten.
• Tom Bergeron is okay, but if they were going for a dancing show, then I think Cat Deeley should have won instead.

Hated It!

• The Amazing Race and Daily Show are great shows, but they might as well retire the categories at this point because they never stop winning. It got old five years ago, now it is just oppresive.
• Tracy Morgan...enough said.
• My predictions - Should have thought more about episode submissions, but tried to factor in other facotrs. Some years they look more at episodes, some years (Like last year), they don't. It is kind of frustrating, and I wish they would make up their minds.
• Mad Men has still yet to win an acting award!
• The lineup. Doing the Comedy and Drama before TV Movie/Mini is frustrating. Those should be the last two categories as they are the most watched and thought about. By the time we got to the end, some of the anticipation was gone.

Overall, it was a great Emmy season, and I enjoyed covering it for you. I hope that you continue to stick around as The Awards Psychic kicks into full Oscar mode! I also want to thank you for your continued support and hope to continue to provide awards coverage for seasons to come!

2012 Primetime Emmy Award Winners

Well, after a couple months of Emmy work, it is finally over. Some great wins, some shocks, some headscratchers, and tomorrow night (late unfortunately), I will go through a final analysis of all the winners to wrap up Emmy season 2012! Thanks for tuning in!

Best Comedy Series - Modern Family
Best Drama Series - Homeland
Best Miniseries or Movie - Game Change
Best Actor in a Miniseries or Movie - Kevin Costner "Hatfields & McCoys"
Best Actress in a Miniseries or Movie - Julianne Moore "Game Change"
Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie - Tom Berenger "Hatfields & McCoys"
Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie - Jessica Lange "American Horror Story"
Best Directing for a Miniseries or Movie - Jay Roach "Game Change"
Best Writing for a TV Movie/Miniseries - Danny Strong "Game Change"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Claire Danes "Homeland"
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Damian Lewis "Homeland"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Aaron Paul "Breaking Bad"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Best Writing of a Drama Series - Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon, & Gideon Raff "Homeland - Pilot"
Best Directing of a Drama Series - Tim Van Patten "Boardwalk Empire - To the Lost"
Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Jon Cryer "Two and a Half Men"
Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfuss "Veep"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Eric Stonestreet "Modern Family"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Julie Bowen "Modern Family"
Best Writing of a Comedy Series - Louis C.K. "Louie - Pregnant"
Best Directing of a Comedy Series - Steven Levitan "Modern Family - Baby on Board"
Best Reality Program - The Amazing Race
Best Reality Host - Tom Bergeron "Dancing With the Stars"
Best Variety Series - The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Best Writing for a Variety Special - Louis C.K. "Louis C.K. Live at the Beacon Theater"
Best Directing for a Variety Special - Glenn Weiss "The 65th Annual Tony Awards"

2012 Emmy Predictions: Final List

Best Drama Series - Downton Abbey
Best Comedy Series - Modern Family
Best TV Movie/Miniseries - Game Change
Best Actor in a Drama Series - Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Best Actress in a Drama Series - Claire Danes "Homeland"
Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Julia Louis-Dreyfuss "Veep"
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Idris Elba "Luther"
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Julianne Moore "Game Change"
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Giancarlo Esposito "Breaking Bad"
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Kathryn Joosten "Desperate Housewives"
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Ed Harris "Game Change"
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Miniseries - Jessica Lange "American Horror Story"
Best Variety Series - The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Best Reality-Competition Series - The Amazing Race
Best Reality Host - Betty White "Betty White Off Their Rockers"
Best Directing of a Drama Series - Michael Cuesta "Homeland - Pilot"
Best Writing of a Drama Series - Julian Fellowes "Downton Abbey - Episode 7 Christmas"
Best Directing of a Comedy Series - Robert C. Weide "Curb Your Enthusiasm - Palestinian Chicken"
Best Writing of a Comedy Series - Lena Dunham "Girls - Pilot"
Best Directing of a TV Movie/Mini - Jay Roach "Game Change"
Best Writing of a TV Movie/Mini - Danny Strong "Game Change"

2012 Emmy Predictions: Drama Series

Will Win - Downton Abbey
Could Win - Mad Men or Breaking Bad or Homeland
Should Win - Breaking Bad

Commentary - This will most likely be the last award of the night, and will most likely be the most anticipated. This really is a four way race, with any one of the contenders being possibilities. Homeland is the hot new show that will probably win actress and directing, and won a couple of Creative Arts Emmys, showing that it has support across the board. Breaking Bad is the one that a lot of pundits have come around to. While I would love to see that happen, and think that it is possible, I still believe that the subject matter is simply too dark, and too trashy for the elitist, old voting Academy, overall, despite individual branches recognizing it. Then of course we come to the show of the hour, Mad Men. Can it win a record five in a row? The Creative Arts branches completely snubbed it this year (the first time that this has happened), and last year, it only won one other award besides the big one: Hairstyling. More importantly, if it goes without one other awards the whole evening tomorrow night (a big possibility), can it still win the top prize? Of course it can, but I think that this year it has finally met its match. Downton Abbey had the most surprising nominations in July, hitting hard in categories it wasn't expected to. It has the same snob appeal as Mad Men, and may even be more up the alley of Emmy voters. Finally, it is the only proven winner besides Mad Men, going from underdog to top dog last year in the miniseries category, and I think it will be the upset winner again this year.

Promised Land Trailer

Probably the last major addition to the Oscar race, Promised Land's first trailer isn't as promising as I had hoped. It actually looks a little bland. But with such a talented cast and director (Gus Van Sant), it will probably be a lot better than it looks, and is going for the middle of the road to get people into the theater. Particularly look for Frances McDormand and Hal Holbrook in the weaker supporting fields this year as realy contenders. Here is the trailer:

Oscar Tidbits: Hitchcock Enters Race and Lincoln Closes AFI Fest

Two bits of Oscar news, which now that we have entered Fall seem to be flying out constantly:

1) First, in an interesting move by Fox Searchlight, which also makes me think that it is a real contender, Hitchcock, starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, and others, and featuring first time fiction director Sacha Gervasi, will officially be entering the Oscar race with a November 23rd release date. Anthony Hopkins will surely be in the conversation, at least until the final verdict on the film is reached, and joins a very crowded Best Actor race. With all the other names, other races, mostly Supporting Actor and Actress now have a few new contenders.

2) There werent a lot of new premeires for the AFI Fest and the buzz has been that Lincoln was a likely choice to close the fest. Well, in an unsurprising move, Lincoln has now been announced that it will close the AFI Fest right before its debut. This will give it a chance to hit a festival/critics circuit before the mass audience.

Academy Moves Up Nominations to January 10th

The Academy has decided to move up its nominations five days, to January 10th, which means that it will come before the Golden Globe Awards. It also means that the polls will close before the guilds make their announcements as well. Pure Oscar nominations, not influenced by the actions of its different branches. In someways it is incredibly scary because it makes the job of predicting nominees a little more difficult. But it also means that maybe some films that aren't deserving will be left off, and that some of the critics favorites, which sometimes (not always) tend to be the smaller, independent, and simply better films will make the cut instead. Or nothing could change, but the prospect makes this race a lot tighter and a lot more interesting. The Academy's reasoning has to do with the new electronic voting system, plus the fact that, while they may not openly admit it, the Oscars have gotten a bit stale with so many precursors. So this allows an extra week of voting time, purer nominations from the start, and hopefully a more exciting finale.

Here are the new dates:

Friday, November 30, 2012: Official Screen Credits due
Saturday, December 1, 2012: Governors Awards presentation
Monday, December 17, 2012: Nominations voting begins
Thursday, January 3, 2013: Nominations voting ends 5 p.m. PT
Thursday, January 10, 2013: Nominations announced 5:30 a.m. PT, Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Monday, February 4, 2013: Nominees Luncheon
Friday, February 8, 2013: Final voting begins
Saturday, February 9, 2013: Scientific and Technical Awards presentation
Tuesday, February 19, 2013: Final voting ends 5 p.m. PT

Sunday, February 24, 2013: 85th Academy Awards presentation

2012 Emmy Predictions: Comedy Series

Will Win - Modern Family
Could Win - Girls or Curb Your Enthusiasm
Should Win - Big Bang, Modern Family, or a few not nominated (Parks & Rec and Louie come to mind)

Commentary - While I think that Modern Family is starting to show some Emmy age in its third season, I still think that it is pretty much a lock to win a third. Next year, however, may be a different story. Girls is the new hot show, but it is pretty much all about Lena Dunham, and I think it will have to wait its turn. And Curb has been nominated so many times over the years and has only won two Emmy awards, period. While I think its episodes are the funniest of the bunch, I don't think it can pull it off this late in the game. So it is Modern Family for the win!

2012 Emmy Predictions: TV Movie/Miniseries

Will Win - Game Change
Could Win - Hatfields & McCoys
Should Win - American Horror Story

Commentary - I would die if AHS surprised and won this award, but I know that it ain't gonna happen. I think this is between two. Hatfields & McCoys was a huge hit, and did well at the Creative Arts Emmys compared to its competitors in this category. But for me, Game Change will hit a home run in the acting, directing, and writing categories, and I think will be hard to upset. If H&M starts winning acting/writing/directing over Game Change, then an upset is brewing, otherwise, I think this one is a lock.

2012 Emmy Predictions: Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win/Should Win - Bryan Cranston "Breaking Bad"
Could Win - Damian Lewis "Homeland"

Commentary - Damian Lewis perfectly submitted his episode for Homeland, and with Homeland doing better than Breaking Bad in Creative Arts Emmys, there may be some under support for him that could pull off a surprise. But I think that with Bryan Cranston in this race, the other contenders will have a hard time pulling off an upset. He is incredible as always in Breaking Bad, his submission is powerful, and I will be surprised if he doesn't win.

Post-Toronto Oscar Predictions

So the Toronto International Film Festival has once again launched us into full Oscar mode with a lot of big contenders having their debuts. In October, I will do full predictions and analysis, which will include the NYFF and other September releases. But in the aftermath of TIFF here are my current predictions:

Best Picture
Amour
Argo
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Django Unchained
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Les Miserables
Lincoln
The Master
The Silver Linings Playbook
Zero Dark Thirty

Best Director
Ben Affleck "Argo"
Paul Thomas Anderson "The Master"
Peter Jackson "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
David O. Russell "The Silver Linings Playbook"
Steven Spielberg "Lincoln"

Best Actor
Daniel Day-Lewis "Lincoln"
John Hawkes "The Sessions"
Hugh Jackman "Les Miserables"
Joaquin Phoenix "The Master"
Denzel Washington "Flight"

Best Actress
Marion Cotillard "Rust & Bone"
Viola Davis "Won't Back Down"
Jennifer Lawrence "The Silver Linings Playbook"
Emanuelle Riva "Amour"
Quenvzhane Wallis "Beasts of the Southern Wild"

Best Supporting Actor
Alan Arkin "Argo"
Robert DeNiro "The Silver Linings Playbook"
Leonardo DiCaprio "Django Unchained"
Dwight Henry "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Philip Seymour Hoffman "The Master"

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams "The Master"
Sally Field "Lincoln"
Anne Hathaway "Les Miserables"
Helen Hunt "The Sessions"
Maggie Smith "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

Best Adapted Screenplay
Chris Terrio "Argo"
Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin "Beasts of the Southern Wild"
Peter Jackson, Phillippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, and Guillermo Del Toro "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
Tony Kushner, John Logan, and Paul Webb "Lincoln"
David O. Russell "The Silver Linings Playbook"

Best Original Screenplay
Michael Hanake "Amour"
Quentin Tarantino "Django Unchained"
Paul Thomas Anderson "The Master"
Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola "Moonrise Kingdom"
Mark Boal "Zero Dark Thirty"

Best Animated Feature
Brave
Frankenweenie
Le Tableau
The Rabbi's Cat
Rise of the Guardians

2012 Emmy Predictions: Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Claire Danes "Homeland"
Could Win - Kathy Bates "Harry's Law", Michelle Dockery "Downton Abbey", or Julianna Margulies "The Good Wife"
Should Win - Margulies

Commentary - It's not often that a show comes out that just pushes all the right buttons, and produces such a stellar female lead that her path to the Emmy gold is virtually clear. The last two that come to mind are Damages and The Good Wife, and if history repeats itself then my prediction should come true. There are some strong contenders including previous winners like the great Margulies. And some, like Kathy Bates and Michelle Dockery, both not the biggest contenders heading into nominations, submitted well-enough to be dark horses. But my guess is that with Dane's Emmy favorite status, along with her stellar episode for Homeland, that she might be unstoppable.

Last Emmy Poll of 2012

Check the sidebar for the last Emmy poll of this season, featuring the Comedy and Drama series races!

2012 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Jim Parsons "The Big Bang Theory"
Could Win - Larry David "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or Louis C.K. "Louie"
Should Win - Louis C.K.

Commentary - A really close race, that may surprise some people come Emmy night. Both Larry David and Louis C.K. play themselves, or something close to it, and both are previous nominees. David has a great episode, but since he didn't win for so many seasons, I wonder if he can win this time around. And C.K. is clearly the number two (in my opinion), having so many individual nods. But despite all the love, he couldn't get Louie into the Comedy Series race, say like Lena Dunham did with Girls. But C.K. does have a very relevant episode, visiting the USO. However, one statistic continues to stick out in my mind, and may be the down fall of both C.K. and David. That statistic is: no actor has won this category playing themselves. It seems as if the acting branch committees prefer actors who play a completely different character. So in that spirit, I think that, despite his own trends to buck (no actor has won three consecutive Emmys since Michael J. Fox for Family Ties), Parson's incredibly hilarious episode, combined with the problem for C.K. and David, will be enough for him to squeak out Emmy number three.

2012 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards: Winners

Best Reality Series - Undercover Boss
Best Variety Special - The Kennedy Center Honors
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series - Jeremy Davies "Justified"
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series - Martha Plimpton "The Good Wife"
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - Jimmy Fallon "Saturday Night Live"
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Kathy Bates "Two And A Half Men"
Best Variety Series Directing - Don Roy King "Saturday Night Live"
Best Variety Series Writing - The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Best Special Class Program - 65th Annual Tony Awards
Best Special Class Short Form - Children's Hospital
Best Special Class Short Form Nonfiction - DGA Moments in Time
Best Interactive Media - The Team Coco Sync App
Best Children's Program - The Wizards of Waverly Place
Best Children's Nonfiction - Sesame Street: Growing Hope Against Hunger
Best Animated Program - The Penguins of Madagascar: The Return of the Revenge of Dr. Blowhole
Best Short-form Animated Program - Regular Show
Best Voiceover Performance - Maurice LaMarche "Futurama"
Best Commercial - Proctor & Gamble "Best Job"
Best Nonfiction Series - Frozen Planet
Best Nonfiction Special - George Harrison: Living in a Material World
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - Have You Heard from Johannesburg
Best Nonfiction Directing - Martin Scorsese "George Harrison: Living in a Material World"
Best Nonfiction Writing - Geoffrey C. Ward "Prohibition"
Best Main Title Design - Great Expectations
Best Art Direction Multi Camera Series - 2 Broke Girls
Best Art Direction Single-Camera Series - (TIE) Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones
Best Art Direction Miniseries/Movie - Great Expectations
Best Art Direction for Variety/Nonfiction - (TIE) 54th Grammy Awards and 65th Tony Awards
Best Casting for a Drama Series - Homeland
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - Girls
Best Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special - Game Change
Best Cinematography Multi Camera - How I Met Your Mother
Best Cinematography Single Camera - Boardwalk Empire
Best Cinematography TV Movie/Mini - Great Expectations
Best Cinematography Nonfiction - Frozen Planet
Best Cinematography Reality - Deadliest Catch
Best Choreography - Smash
Best Costumes For A Series - Game Of Thrones
Best Costumes For A Miniseries, Movie Or Special - Great Expectations
Best Hairstyling Single Camera Series - Downton Abbey
Best Hairstyling Multi-Camera Series/Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Hairstyling TV Movie/Miniseries - American Horror Story
Best Lighting Direction Variety Series - So You Think You Can Dance
Best Lighting Direction Variety Special - 54th Annual Grammy Awards
Best Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Miniseries, Movie Or A Special - The Walking Dead
Best Makeup For A Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) - Game Of Thrones
Best Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic) - Dancing With The Stars
Best Makeup For A Miniseries Or A Movie (Non-Prosthetic) -  Hatfields & McCoys
Best Music Direction - The Kennedy Center Honors
Best Music Composition TV Movie/Miniseries - Hemingway and Gelhorn
Best Music Composition Series - Downton Abbey
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - Page Eight
Best Original Music and Lyrics - 65th Tony Awards - It's Not Just for Gays Anymore
Best Single Camera Picture Editing - Drama - Homeland
Best Single Camera Picture Editing - Comedy - Curb Your Enthusiasm
Best Single Camera Picture Editing Movie/Mini - Hatfields & McCoys
Best Multa-Camera Picture Editing - How I Met Your Mother
Best Picture Editing - Short Form/Variety - 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Best Picture Editing Nonfiction - Frozen Planet
Best Picture Editing Reality - Deadliest Catch
Best Sound Editing Series - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Editing TV Movie/Mini - Hemingway and Gelhorn
Best Sound Editing Non Fiction - Frozen Planet
Best Sound Mixing One Hour - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing Half Hour - Modern Family
Best Sound Mixing TV Movie/Mini - Hatfields & McCoys
Best Sound Mixing Variety Series/Special - 84th Annual Academy Awards
Best Sound Mixing Nonfiction - Paul Simon's Graceland Journey: Under African Skies
Best Stunt Coordination - Southland
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects Supporting - Boardwalk Empire
Best Technical Direction Series - Saturday Night Live
Best Technical Direction Special - Memphis (Great Performances)

2012 Emmy Predictions: Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Julia Louis-Dreyfuss "Veep"
Should Win - Dreyfuss or Amy Poehler "Parks & Recreation"
Could Win - Poehler or Zooey Deschanel "New Girl"

Commentary - This race was so competitive getting into it, that they had to extend the number of nominees to seven. Names like Laura Linney, Laura Dern, Martha Plimpton, and countless others didn't make the cut. And, no real surprise here, the fight for the Emmy statue is just as competitive. Melissa McCarthy was a surprise winner last year, and has a very physically funny episode this time around. Edie Falco's episode is probably the best acted, unfortunately it may not be funny enough. Tina Fey always submits well, and Liz Lemon is still one of my favorite television characters, even after all these years. And Lena Dunham is the hot new talent, who, on her four individual nods alone got Girls into the competitive Comedy Series race. But I think that in the end it comes down to three. Amy Poehler deserves an Emmy sometime for all of her great work, and another great episode submission keeps her in this race. And in terms of pure physical comedy and adorkable goodness, Zooey Deschanel's episode is dynamite, and because of a goof, voters get a second chance to look at her, which could sway some on the fence members her way. But instead, I am going with a great performance from Emmy favorite Julia-Louis Dreyfuss. She won once for each of her last two series, she is playing a political figure in an election year, and her episode is out of this world funny. I think that it is close, but that she will triumph again.

Lincoln Trailer

Just as I suspected, it looks great visually, the cast seems to be embracing their characters, and Spielberg has found his old-school historical vibe that made past efforts of similar character so wonderful. Like War Horse, I think that his one may not be hip enough for some voters, but will definitely find an audience, and if the reviews are good enough, will play well with the Academy. Here is the highly anticipated trailer:

2012 Emmy Predictions: Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Will Win/Should Win - Giancarlo Esposito "Breaking Bad"
Could Win - Jared Harris "Mad Men"

Commentary - It has been a long time since an actor has won this award for the same role more than once, so that leaves Peter Dinklage and Aaron Paul out, unless then can buck the trend, which is possible. The two Downton Abbey guys are great, but neither stand out enough to not cancel each other out. I think this comes down to two. Jared Harris could easily win, although he too would have to buck a trend himself, the fact that no Mad Men actor has ever won an Emmy award. But his character's dramatic exit this season was just shocking enough that it could be rewarded. Instead though, I think that one particular actor is going to pull a Margo Martindale and win an Emmy. Giancarlo Esposito is not a name that is incredibly recognizable to most people, kind of like Martindale. But like Martindale, Esposito makes such an explosive impression, deliciously evil, and impeccably searing, that I think that he will overcome his lack of name recognition and win an Emmy.

2012 Emmy Predictions: Directing in a Drama Series

Will Win - Michael Cuesta "Homeland - Pilot"
Could Win/Should Win - Vince Gilligan "Breaking Bad - Face/Off"

Commentary - The Academy may not go for Downton, Mad Men, or Breaking Bad, who are the three frontrunners in this category. Instead, I think the taut and daring pilot of Homeland will break through and take home the gold.  

2012 Emmy Predictions: Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Will Win - Maggie Smith "Downton Abbey"
Should Win  Anna Gunn "Breaking Bad" or Archie Panjabi "The Good Wife"
Could Win - Christina Hendricks "Mad Men" or Joanne Froggatt "Downton Abbey"

Commentary - Most pundits agree that Christina Hendricks has had her best season on Mad Men, and that her episode is clearly the best submission of the six. So you are probably asking yourself, then why isn't he predicting her to win? Well, there are always other factors in the Emmy race beyond the episodes, and I think that the former will outweigh the latter. Let's first the consider the fact that no actor has ever won an Emmy for Mad Men. Last year both Jon Hamm and John Slattery had knockout episodes and everything seemed to be going there way to finally break the curse. But as the names were read off, Kyle Chandler and Peter Dinklage, once again the Mad Men actors were left out in the cold. That does not mean that I don't think Hendricks can win, it is an extremely close race, but the Downton Abbey women are putting up a fight. A completely surprise nominee, Joanne Froggatt is actually a dark horse contender if you watch her episode, and consider how hot the show is, but I think that one think stands  in her way, as well as Hendricks'. Of course I am talking about the great Maggie Smith. Other than Panjabi, she is the only actress in this category to have won for the role they are nominated for. She is an acting legend, is all over the place with new movies this year, and while her role consists of great one-liners, and not the depth of Hendricks', or Panjabi's or Gunn's for that matter, I think that Emmy voters will have a hard time resisting her again.

2012 Emmy Contenders: Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Ty Burrell "Modern Family"
Should Win - Max Greenfield "New Girl" or Ed O'Neill "Modern Family"
Could Win - Eric Stonestreet or Jesse Tyler Ferguson "Modern Family"

Commentary - Once again, this is a tough race, between three co-stars. I would love to see Ed O'Neil win for Modern Family, but his tapes are just not going to stand out. I would be even happier if Max Greenfield won, but I fear his Schmidt is just a little too out there for older Emmy voters. So really it comes down to the other three Modern Family guys. Jesse Tyler Ferguson had a great season, and was my initial pick, but I think that Eric and Ty are simply just funnier. Eric is probably the best choice if you only look at episode submissions. His is by far the funniest of the actual submissions, especially compared to Ty's annoying tape. But if you watch all four, and look at each performance within all of the tapes, which Emmy voters are not supposed to do, but when you have so many from the same show its hard not to, Burrell is overall the best performer of the four tapes, as the other three submissions are great for him. This is one that might change to Stonestreet in my final list, but at the moment I think Burrell will repeat.

2012 Emmy Predictions: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Will Win - Kathryn Joosten "Desperate Housewives"
Could Win - Julie Bowen "Modern Family" or Kristen Wiig "SNL"
Should Win - Kristen Wiig

Commentary - This has become a competitive race with three women fighting it out for the top spot. If I could vote, I think that Kristin Wiig for her dedication and talent on her final season of Saturday Night Live, and that combined with her newfound movie star status could be enough. Julie Bowen has the funniest of submissions (although Mayim Bialik could be a spoiler), and in most years she would be the frontrunner. But this year there is Kathryn Joosten. She was such a wonderful character actor, and the last episode of DH,which she submitted is so sad with her death. Combine that with the fact that she dies in real life from the same thing that killed her character with the fact that she has won twice for this role, AND was a huge insider within the Academy, I think that this year, she will be hard to overcome. While not many actors have won Emmy posthulmously, I think that Joosten will be the exception to the rule.

New Emmy Poll in Sidebar

This week, the polls let you make your picks for Best Actress and Actor in a Drama Series! Enjoy!

2012 Toronto International Film Festival: The Silver Linings Playbook

David O. Russell really returned to form in 2010's The Fighter, and his latest film, a return to his more comedic films, The Silver Lining's Playbook has premeired at the Toronto International Film Festival with pretty great reviews, and lots of positive buzz about its Oscar chances. It is apparently dramatic comedy with lots of dysfunction. According to early reviews, Cooper is apparently the best he has ever been, Lawrence proves why she is one of the best young talents working today, and Russell has found his directing groove. I still worry about comedies at the Oscars, although those who have been able to creatively pull in drama have done relatively well in recent years compared to more raunchy comedies (Bridesmaids being the first real exception). I think that with sustained positive buzz, and probably decent box office, this will be one of those that can hang on. Here are some of the first reactions:

Eric Kohn at Indiewire:

"Turning frantic relationship problems into breezy entertainment, Russell gives "Silver Linings Playbook" the air of a classic romcom, strengthening it with the type of sophisticated insight into human behavior that Preston Sturges might make today. While the thrilling climax involves an absurd bet and rounds things up a little too neatly, Russell never simplifies the shared neuroses that enable Pat and Tiffany to form an unlikely bond. "You are afraid to be alive," she tells him, clearly speaking from experience. The line aptly sums up the appeal of "Silver Linings Playbook," a movie that explores the fear of overcoming challenges by making it possible to laugh at them."

David Rooney at The Hollywood Reporter praises Cooper and Lawrence:

"But while the entire ensemble is sharp, their work would be nothing without two such deftly anchoring lead performances to bounce off. Cooper brings enormous heart to a role that easily might have veered toward the abrasive, and Lawrence shows off natural comic chops that we haven’t seen much from her. There’s self-exposure and risk in both these actors’ work here, which makes for rewarding comedy."

Steve Pond at The Wrap likes its Oscar chances:

"The Silver Linings Playbook," Russell's first movie since the Oscar-nominated "The Fighter" two years ago, came to Toronto without much buzz but debuted on Saturday night in Roy Thomson Hall to a roaring ovation.Featuring a career-changing performance from Bradley Cooper (Ieft with David O. Russell and producer Jonathan Gordon) and another brilliant one from Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings" is a perfectly calibrated comedy that is also deeply moving; it's another major step in Russell's comeback from movie limbo, and a mainstream film with enough heart and clout to immediately figure into a number of Oscar races, definitely including Best Picture."

2012 Toronto International Film Festival: Cloud Atlas

As I expected, Cloud Atlas, which has just premeired at TIFF, is already dividing critics, as either a masterpiece or a mess. I am not sure what to think, because it also received a ten minute standing ovation after its premeire. But in the end, it will probably be more positive than negative, and will definitely be in play for at least some technical nods at the Oscars.

Drew McWeeney at Hitfix claimed:

"I can tell you this:  we'll definitely be running a Second Look piece about this film after it's in theaters, because it is a remarkable movie experience, one that cannot be digested easily, and any attempt to dig in fully would rob you of the sense of discovery that washed over me as I sat in the theater."

Henry Barnes at The Guardian (UK) was not so enthusiastic:

"At 163 minutes Cloud Atlas carries all the marks of a giant folly, and those unfamiliar with the book will be baffled. Yet it's hard to wholly condemn the directors' ambition - this is fast-paced and cleverly assembled, with the best of the performances shining through the prosthetics (Hugh Grant makes great play of the clutch of villains he's dealt). The Tykwer/Wachowski collective offer everything here. Chances are there's something in the hodgepodge for you."

Peter DeBruge of Variety was also pretty enthusiastic:

"An intense three-hour mental workout rewarded with a big emotional payoff, "Cloud Atlas" suggests that all human experience is connected in the pursuit of freedom, art and love. As inventive narratives go, there's outside the box, and then there's pioneering another dimension entirely, and this massive, independently financed collaboration among Tom Tykwer and Wachowski siblings Lana and Andy courageously attempts the latter, interlacing six seemingly unrelated stories in such a way that parallels erupt like cherry bombs in the imagination. The R-rated epic should find a substantial audience when Warner Bros. releases it Oct. 26, assuming critics don't kill it in the cradle."

But it is Scott Feinberg of THR's analysis that I appreciate the most:

"I can't say that I loved the sum of its parts, but I was still blown away by many of the parts themselves -- the performances (although it's hard to single any one or two people out when everyone had so much to do), the editing (by master juggler Alexander Berner), art direction/production design (who must have felt like they were responsible for many movies), visual effects (coordinated by a team of over 100 people), especially the makeup (anyone that can make Hanks look like himself in Castaway, Mike Myers in Austin Powers, Russell Crowe in Gladiator, and Elton John, all in one film, deserves heaps of praise). I suspect that Oscar voters will feel similarly."

2012 Toronto International Film Festival: A Place Beyond the Pines

Overall, the reviews have been mostly positive, although there are some negative ones that stand out simply because they make me think that it would not be something that does well with the public. I thought that Blue Valentine was well-acted, but had some missing holes in its overall narrative, and was a little too heavy handed and slowpaced, which I tend to blame on writer/director Derek Cianfrance. I hope this one, with its action based theme will be a little more exciting to back up what are apparently good performances. Here is a variety sampling of the type of reviews it has been getting:

Eric Kohn at Indiewire was enthusiastic about the film:
"Derek Cianfrance's sophomore feature "Blue Valentine" was a tender actors' showcase that played loose with its timeline to explore the ups and down of a relationship. The director's latest effort, "The Place Beyond the Pines," contains a far more ambitious structure that covers four overlapping character arcs over the course of 15 years. That the movie succeeds both as a high-stakes crime thriller as well as a far quieter and empathetic study of angry, solitary men proves that Cianfrance has a penchant for bold storytelling and an eye for performances to carry it through. With "Pines," the gamble pays off."

Henry Barnes at The Guardian (UK) was mixed, especially with the second half:
"The Place Beyond the Pines is ambitious and epic, perhaps to a fault. It's a long, slow watch in the final act, a detour into the next generation that sees the sons of Luke and Avery pick away at their daddy issues together. Cianfrance signposts the ripple effects of crime with giant motorway billboards, then pootles along, following a storyline that drops off Mendes and Byrne before winding on to its obvious conclusion. The remarkable opening, featuring a tracking shot through the flashing lights of the fair right into the Cage of Death, seems a very long way away. Perhaps Gosling as raving psycho was too much to sustain for the full trip, but it's a shame that this putters out so abruptly. The Place Beyond the Pines needed a foot on the gas, instead there's sugar in the tank."

Jeffrey Wells from Hollywood Elsewhere was one of those that simply didn't like it:

"Except for the bank-robbing and road-chase sequences I didn't believe a single moment in this film. I couldn't buy any of it. Okay, I bought some of it but only in fits and starts. You can't have Gosling play a simple-dick man of few words who entertains audiences with his talent as a motorcycle rider and then turns to bank-robbing on the side -- that's way too close to his stunt-driving, getaway-car character in Drive."

So basically, I think its Oscar chances come down to its acting. From the positive reviews and even the mixed ones, Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Dane DeHaan and Ben Mendelsohn are all very good, which I expected, and could be in serious Oscar contention. The film as a whole may not be up the Academy's alley. We'll have to wait and see.

2012 Emmy Predictions: Directing/Writing TV Movie/Miniseries

Directing for a TV Movie/Miniseries
Will Win/Should Win - Jay Roach "Game Change"
Could Win - Kevin Reynolds "Hatfields & McCoys"
Commentary - If Game Change is the frontrunner, then my guess is that it sweeps the Directing and Writing awards, although Kevin Reynolds did direct a miniseries that broke ratings records, and could be a spoiler.

Writing for a TV Movie/Miniseries

Will Win/Should Win - Danny Strong "Game Change"

Could Win - Abi Morgan "The Hour" or Steven Moffat "Sherlock"

Commentary - Once again I think Game Change takes it, but Abi Morgan got a BAFTA nod this year, and is rising in popularity. I know The Hour was not nominated for the top category, so maybe this is a spot where Sherlock's British cleverness can upset.

2012 Venice Film Festival Awards

Golden Lion: "Pieta," Kim Ki-duk
Silver Lion (Best Director): "The Master," Paul Thomas Anderson
Special Jury Prize: "Paradise: Faith," Ulrich Seidl
Best Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix, "The Master"
Best Actress: Hadas Yaron, "Fill the Void"
Best Screenplay: "Something in the Air," Olivier Assayas
Technical Achievement Award: "It Was the Son," Daniele Cipri
Best Young Actor: Fabrizio Falco, "It Was the Son" and "Dormant Beauty"

PRELIMINARY AWARDS
FIPRESCI Award (Competition): "The Master," Paul Thomas Anderson
FIPRESCI Award (Orizzonti/Critics' Week):"The Interval," Leonardo Di Constanzo
SIGNIS Award: "To the Wonder," Terrence Malick
SIGNIS Award (Special Mention): "Fill the Void," Rama Burshtein
Audience Award (Critics' Week): "Eat Sleep Die," Gabriela Pilcher
Label Europa Cinemas Award: "Crawl," Herve Lasgouttes
Leoncino d'Oro Agiscuola Award: "Pieta," Kim Ki-duk
Leoncino d'Oro Agiscuola Award (Cinema for UNICEF mention): "It Was the Son," Daniele Cipri
Pasinetti Award: "The Interval," Leonardo Di Constanzo
Pasinetti Award (Documentary): "The Human Cargo," Daniele Vicari
Pasinetti Award (Best Actor): Valerio Mastandrea, "Gli Equilibristi"
Pasinetti Award (Special): "Clarisse," Liliana Cavani
Brian Award: "Dormant Beauty," Marco Bellocchio
Queer Lion Award: "The Weight," Jeon Kyu-Hwan
Arca CinemaGiovani Award (Best Film of Venezia 69): "The Fifth Season," Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth
Arca CinemaGiovani Award (Best Italian Film): "The Ideal City," Luigi Lo Casco
Biografilm Lancia Award: "The Human Cargo," Daniele Vicari; "Bad 25," Spike Lee
CICT-UNESCO Enrico Fulchignoni Award:"The Interval," Leonardo Di Costanzo
CICAE Award: "Wadjda," Haifaa Al Mansour
CinemaAvvenire Award (Best Film of Venezia 69): "Paradise: Faith," Ulrich Seidl
CinemAvvenire Award (Diversity): "Wadjda," Haifaa Al Mansour
FEDIC Award: "The Interval," Leonardo Di Costanzo
FEDIC Award (Special Mention): "Bellas Mariposas," Salvatore Mereu
Mimmo Rotella Foundation Award:"Something in the Air," Olivier Assayas
Future Film Festival Digital Award: "Bad 25," Spike Lee
Future Film Festival Digital Award (Special Mention): "Spring Breakers," Harmony Korine
P. Nazareno Taddei Award: "Pieta," Kim Ki-duk
P. Nazareno Taddei Award (Special Mention): "Thy Womb," Brillante Mendoza
Magic Lantern Award: "The Interval," Leonardo Di Costanzo
Open Award: "The Company You Keep," Robert Redford
La Navicella-Venezia Cinema Award: "Thy Womb," Brillante Mendoza
Lina Mangiacapre Award: "Queen of Montreuil," Solveig Anspach
AIF-FORFILMFEST Award: "The Interval," Leonardo Di Costanzo
Mouse d'Oro Award: "Pieta," Kim Ki-duk
Mouse d'Argento Award: "Anton's Right Here," Lyubov Arkus
UK-Italy Creative Industries Award: "The Interval," Leonardo Di Costanzo
Gillo Pontecorvo-Arcobaleno Latino Award:Laura Delli Colli
Christopher D. Smithers Foundation Award:"Low Tide," Roberto Minervini
Interfilm Award: "Wadjda," Haifaa Al Mansour
Giovani Giurati del Vittorio Veneto Film Festival Award: "The Company You Keep," Robert Redford
Giovani Giurati del Vittorio Veneto Film Festival Award (Special Mention): Toni Servillo
Primio Cinematografico Award: "Terramatta," Costanza Quatriglio
Green Drop Award: "The Fifth Season," Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth