2014 MTV Movie Award Predictions: Best Scared as S*** Performance

Will Win - Brad Pitt "World War Z"

Could Win - Vera Farmiga "The Conjuring", Jessica Chastain "Mama", Rose Byrne "Insidious 2"

Should Win - Vera Farmiga "The Conjuring"

Commentary - I personally think that Vera Farmiga is great in everything, and even though I don't particularly like horror films, The Conjuring was certainly a step above the norm within the genre. And while Mama was not that great, Jessica Chastain is a great talent. Both are dark horses here, but they are up against a juggernaut at the MTV Movie Awards. And while The Conjuring and Mama certainly have their following, World War Z was a huge blockbuster, and I think that the teenage girls who make up the largest voting bloc will go for the hunk, and the film that they prefer.

Women in Film's 2015 Crystal + Lucy Honorees

This year, five women have been selected for the Annual Crystal + Lucy Awards, which are presented by the LA based Women in Film. The honors go to creative women who break new ground in the realm of entertainment. The Crystal Award is rewarding the best in film, and the Lucy Award (of course named after the great Lucille Ball) honors the best in television. They also have a Face of the Future, Humanitarian, and Directors Award. All five of these women are at the top of their games, they are extraordinary talents, and all personal favorites of mine. This is a great honor for women who are leading the way in the entertainment industry. Congratulations to Kerry, Cate, Rose, Jennifer, and Eva!

Crystal Award for Excellence in Film - Cate Blanchett
Lucy Award for Excellence in Television - Kerry Washington
Women in Film Max Mara "Face of the Future" Award - Rose Byrne
Dorothy Arzner Directors Award - Jennifer Lee
Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award - Eva Longoria

2014 Empire Award Winners

Gravity takes Best Film for the fan-voted Empire Awards. Emma Thompson, Sally Hawkins, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy take home the acting prizes.

Best Comedy
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa

Best Sci-Fi/ Fantasy
The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

Best Horror
The Conjuring

Best Thriller
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Best Male Newcomer
Aidan Turner, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug

Best Female Newcomer
Margot Robbie, The Wolf Of Wall Street

Done in 60 seconds
There Will Be Blood, collected by David Smith

Empire Inspiration
Paul Greengrass

Empire Hero
Simon Pegg

Best Supporting Actor
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years A Slave

Best Supporting Actress
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine

Empire 25th Award- Action Hero Of Our Lifetime
Arnold Schwarzenegger

Best Director
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity

Best British Film
The World's End

Empire Icon
Hugh Jackman

Best Actor
James McAvoy, Filth

Best Actress
Emma Thompson, Saving Mr Banks

Best Film
Gravity

The Legend Of Our Lifetime
Tom Cruise

German Film Academy Award Nominees

Once again, I am a few days behind on this one, but here are the nominees for the German equivalent to the Oscars:

Best Picture
 Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision
Suck Me Shakespeer
The Dark Valley
Finsterworld
Love Steaks
Two Lives

Best Actress
Carla Juri, Wetlands
Juliane Kohler, Two Lives
Jordis Triebel, Westen

Best Actor
Sascha Alexander Gersak, Five Years
Dieter Hallervorden, Sein letztes Rennen
Hanno Koffle, Free Fall

Best Supporting Actress
Jella Haase, Suck Me Shakespeer
Sandra Huller  , Finsterworld
Katja Riemann  , Suck Me Shakespeer

Best Supporting Actor
Michael Maertens, Finsterworld
Tobias Moretti, The Dark Valley
Kida Khodr Ramadan, Ummah: Unter Freunden

Best Screenplay
Suck Me Shakespeer - Bora Dagtekin
Finsterworld - Frauke Finsterwalder, Christian Kracht
Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision - Edgar Reitz, Gert Heidenreich

Best Children's Film
Bibi & Tina
Ostwind
Sputnik

Best Documentary
Alphabet
Beltracchi – Die Kunst Der Falschung
Master of the Universe

Best Cinematography
Mr. Morgan's Last Love
The Physician
Run Boy Run
The Dark Valley
Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision

Best Editing
Houston
Two Lives
Wetlands

Best Set Design
The Dark Valley
Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision
The Physician

Best Costume Design
Home From Home: Chronicle of a Vision
The Dark Valley
The Physician

Best Makeup
The Dark Valley
Run Boy Run
The Physician

Best Film Music
Ostwind
Nothing Bad Can Happen
Finsterworld
The Dark Valley

Best Sound Design
3096 Days
The Physician
The Dark Valley

Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far: Part I

100. Scream 4 (2011) - Scream 4 did predictably well at the box office when it premiered in April of 2011. In contrast, its critical response was mixed at best, and it is not hard to see why. Let's face it, Scream 3 was a complete disaster, mostly because Kevin Williamson didn't write the screenplay, and the franchise lost all of its humor, becoming the lame slasher film that it so mercilessly and beautifully mocked in the first two sequences. Scream 4 still has its problems, and it is kind of bad when you can tell the parts that Williamson

wrote, and the parts he wasn't able to. But something about Scream 4 has always stuck with me. First, I need to put out a disclaimer that I am not a big fan of horror movies. I like the old classics, and a good Hitchcock thriller is always in the cards, but in general, I avoid them like the plague. So it says something that with the exception of the third installment, I have always loved the Scream movies. For me, Scream 4 managed to capture a huge chunk of the meta-humor and gleefully ridiculous over-the-top kills of the first two installments. Its opening sequence of excessive sequels re-establishes the tradition of great opening scenes, while always managing to make fun of itself. Our old favorites all returned, and the reunion was certainty worth it. But newer, fresh faces, particularly Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettiere brought wicked humor and a fresh crop of characters to revive the story line. And let's not forget that whole final sequence at the house was scary as hell, ridiculous, and classic Scream with the volume turned up. Scream 4 is not a perfect movie by any means, and I'm sure many readers will question its place on this list. But despite its haters and its flaws, it turned out to be an entertaining thrill ride and a great chapter in a fantastic movie franchise.

99. The Muppets (2011) - Over the last couple of decades, The Muppets have had their share of successes and failures on the big screen. When the announcement came that a new Muppets film was going to hit theaters for the first time in over a decade, most of us were probably more than a bit nervous. Especially when the last effort was Muppets From Space. But luckily for those of us who have always found

the fuzzy bunch adorable, not only was it worth the wait, but it felt like all that time allowed for a creative rebirth. This time around, the writing was just sharp enough to help avoid the pitfalls that had doomed some of the previous efforts, and Jason Segal and Amy Adams provided some human energy and spirit in leading roles that continued to bring the cheer, while also bringing The Muppets to a new generation. But the real reason that this film really worked was because it never shied away from what made them so great in the first place. They re-channeled the energy of the late Jim Henson, and once again found the perfect balance of edgy humor, and family-friendly gags. It was modern enough to appeal to new audiences, but by recapturing that energy that many fell was long gone, it nostalgically reached to the children and teens who grew up in the 70's and made them feel like they were coming home. But above all else, what made this round of The Muppets so great was that it was just so much damn fun. It was pure joy and uproariously entertaining. As critics/pundits/bloggers, especially those that follow the Oscars, we seemed to get so bogged down that we forget to just sit back and have fun. The Muppets wasn't made to be a critical favorite or an Oscar contender (although it ended up being both). It was made to make kids of all ages, from one to 92, feel joy and be incredibly entertained, and boy did it knock it out of the park.

98. Solitary Man (2010) - Since his on-screen successes of the 80's and 90's, Michael Douglas has made some regrettable casting choices in his older age. But in 2010, he bravely dived into the independent scene with a film and a role that seemed to be mirroring his own life in some ways. He embraced the role and the film, and the result was the underrated comedy gem Solitary Man. The story line revolves around an incredibly unpleasant man, who despite his professional and personal failures, all of which were his fault, has yet to get it. He still walks around with a certain air of cockiness, ignorance, and delusion. Even at the end,

after multiple opportunities have passed right in front him for him to better himself and learn from his mistakes, he stands up with that same old swagger and his audience doesn't know if any of it has had any effect on him at all. This is not the kind of character that audiences embrace, and in fact, many of them as well as critics, shied away from the film, which seems to glorify his behavior. But despite its cynical tone, Solitary Man works, and deep beneath the surface is an interesting and convincing look at a man lost in his own delusions. Its witty script, which definitely has a bite, beautifully constructs Douglas' character, and surrounds him with quirky and equally flawed characters, wonderfully played by a great cast led by Susan Sarandon, Danny DeVito, Mary Louise-Parker, Jesse Eisenberg, and Imogen Poots. But at the center, the reason that this film found success, and doesn't bog down too much in its own cynicism is the delicious performance by Michael Douglas. He has always been better when playing bad, and Ben Kalmen is one of his finest creations, and a breath of fresh air to a remarkable film career that had hit one too many speed bumps. It is Douglas' energy and embracing of the role that made, and still makes, Solitary Man a work worth revisiting.

97. This is 40 (2012) - When it premiered in 2012, This is 40 did not receive as much attention as some of Judd Apatow's previous works such as Knocked Up or The 40-Year Old Virgin. After seeing the film, this was not surprising to me. Like every Apatow production, the film is about thirty minutes too long, and sometimes feels like it is trying just a bit too hard to find your funny bone. But like his previous efforts, and despite his flaws, Apatow always manages to find nuggets of human truth buried beneath the obvious

comedy on its surface. And I think that the critics were either too blinded or too cynical to see the underlying brilliance that made the film succeed despite its obvious flaws. This is 40, at its center is about growing old. It is about trying to embrace that last grasp of youth before it slips away. It is about how a marriage or a career that seems to be humming along just fine, has actually been fraying and pulling at the seams. It is about what happens when you hit the big 4-0, and the seams finally begin to show. No, from its surface none of this apparent. From the surface, it is another stale mid-life crisis comedy, with some raunchy moments to appeal to the younger demographic. The emotional effect, and the depth of the film reveal itself through a subtle, almost sly script from Apatow, that creates and expands these characters from their sidekick origin of Knocked Up, and gives us a real look at a long-term marriage. But the real sell of the film is the chemistry and performances of Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann. They both manage to balance subtlety, and outbursts of emotion as their personal and professional lives start to fall apart. Mann in particular is fantastic, an under-appreciated comedienne and her emotional and funny work here in This is 40 is pitch-perfect. Take my advice, go back and give this one another try, you may find out that you liked it better than you thought.

96. X-Men: First Class (2011) - The first two X-Men films were some of the best science fiction/comic book movies every put on screen, particularly X2 which was emotionally brilliant. Then the franchise hit a few speed bumps. The third film of the original trilogy was a big, loud mess, and the X-Men Origins: Wolverine, is not even worth discussing. So going into First Class, I did not have much hope. But alas, a new vision from Matthew Vaughn, a tense, well-written Cold War-era script, and a fresh talented cast of young
actors revived a once fantastic film franchise, and has set us up for what I hope is a bright future as this new trilogy unfolds. The film sets itself up as a prequel, and the first chapter in the saga of how Professor X and Magneto went from being best friends to enemies. Probably the most brilliant casting move was the duo of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Both Oscar-worthy actors with extensive training, they bring a certain gravitas and intensity to the roles that truly does match their older counterparts Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Among the younger generation, it is Jennifer Lawrence, whose bright shining star continues to brighten every film she is in, and Nicholas Hoult, whose geeky sweetness is simply endearing that truly stand out as incredible film presences. Most importantly, we get an important connection in a story spanning decades, and the set up of the incredible battle that was to come. It doesn't overstay its welcome, and it doesn't feel like another lazy sequel/prequel that was made just to make money. Instead we get a well thought out and vital piece of the X-Men saga that brought new life and new energy to a classic comic book story. Can't wait to see what is in store for the X-Men next.

95. Crazy, Stupid Love (2011) - There are so many romantic comedies produced every year, that it is usually incredibly hard to discern or distinguish one from the other. They usually follow a tremendously well-worn formula that has long ago played itself out. But in the summer of 2011, a bright, fresh new look at the romantic comedy genre was brought to the screen in the form of Crazy, Stupid Love. The biggest difference,
and the most immediate one was the casting. Bringing in the likes of Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Marisa Tomei, and particularly the splendid pair of Julianne Moore and the infectious Emma Stone, was truly a struck of brilliant casting work, and the results were immeasurably improved simply because of the talent on screen. They spark and pop with the material, and create an undeniable chemistry that lights up the screen. But what really sets it apart, for me, was the fresh look at love through a well-written, surprisingly deep and dramatic story. It probably would have been a lot higher on the list if its final act weren't so filled with too many twists and turns, but despite a soft landing, its journey throughout was a refreshingly unique look at love. It starts with a messy divorce and the dissolution of a happy marriage, and leads us to unexpected places. The main story line revolves around Carell's character learning out to pick up women from a suave charmer played with a lot of charisma by Ryan Gosling. But its not the main story or even the side ones that set this romantic comedy apart. It is the small moments. The dichotomy of Gosling's confidence and Carell's vulnerability, the complicated and still smartly viable marriage between Carell and Moore, and the sparkling chemistry between Gosling and Stone. Crazy, Stupid Love proves that one of the most endearing genres, romance, is still alive and well, and makes up easily for small missteps with a lot of passion, a great cast, and new look at love that still manages to bring the charm.

94. City Island (2010) - Every year there seems to be a slew of well-made indie comedies that get swept under the rug and too-quickly forgotten about. City Island was one of those films, as most people out there have never heard of it. It actually has a plethora of bankable stars including Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Emily Mortimer, and Oscar-Winner Alan Arkin. But that didn't seem to help it avoid its relegation to forgotten film. All of this is to say that it is an unfortunate turn of events, and that if you are willing you should
take a trip to City Island with its cast of wacky characters. City Island is set in a small fishing island in New York where the locals and the non-locals all have nicknames and where tradition and family are the most important thing. And of course anytime families protect their traditions and their history, secrets are kept to avoid messing with the shiny exterior. The film, at its core, is about the secrets we keep, even from the ones we love, because we are afraid of the consequences. And when the secrets are finally revealed, what you get is a wickedly, ridiculously funny climax perfectly foreshadowed by its intertwined, and deep exposition. The cast also includes the young talent Ezra Miller and all of them are on top of their game, and tackle the material with energy. It doesn't hurt that writer/director Raymond Felitta has created a cast of characters, and wonderfully funny story of dysfunction that, despite its sometimes unbelievable twists and turns, is actually an incredibly real and touching story about the problems of modern families, and the consequences of not being honest with the ones you love. It is the indie comedy genre at its best, and truly is that undiscovered gem that is worth digging through the masses to discover.

93. This is the End (2013) - There is nothing about This is the End that on paper should work. Its premise is ridiculous, its cast, while talented, are playing themselves, and its many different threads could have easily turned into the disastrous embarrassment Movie 43. But, surprisingly it didn't. In fact, it was the exact opposite. It balanced its actors with ease, it was uproariously funny, and its cast was so game for whatever shenanigans Seth Rogen and his team threw at them, that you couldn't help but be wrapped up in the hardcore, graphic story line that commences. In the years to come, This is the End will probably not be

remembered as a great film, so much as a great experiment. Either way, I don't think it actually matters. What Rogen and his cast of top-notch actors and comedians including James Franco, Emma Stone, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, Mindy Kaling, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Paul Rudd, and Channing Tatum (knowing I have forgotten plenty along the way), wanted to do was create a story that was absolutely ridiculous, surprisingly fresh and inventive, and make its audiences literally laugh their asses off with a raunchy, embarrassingly funny riot. And in that respect they were incredibly successful. Some films are made to attract audiences with big special effects or a premiere summer release date. Some films are prestigious projects angling for high critical scores and butt loads of shiny Oscars, Golden Globes, and other awards. Then there are films that are made for the people, there are the films that are made for one reason only: to be incredibly entertaining. While I enjoy all three categories, I am starting to gain a hell of a lot more respect for the films in that final category. It is nice to every once in a while sit back and enjoy a film, knowing that it is not going to impact the Oscar race. This is the End is one of those films that should not be thought about too much, although it does have surprising depth, but instead should simply be enjoyed for what it is: a hell of a good time.

92. The Way Way Back (2013) - As I have said before, each new film year produces a set of indie comedies that are often criminally ignored. Last year, one of those films was Nat Faxon and Jim Rash's The Way Way Back. I knew it was going to be hard to top their work in The Descendants, and this time they did not have the keen eye of Alexander Payne behind the camera. In the end, it was not as prestigious as The Descendants, and at times could be a bit messier than Payne probably would have allowed. But like their previous script, The Way, Way Back was a emotionally satisfying comedy that uses its talent wisely and
captures the hearts of its viewers. The story revolves around the awkward teenager Duncan (Liam James), who is traveling with his Mom (Toni Collette) and her asshole boyfriend (Steve Carell), who are spending the summer at the beach with his wacky group of friends (including Amanda Peet, and the always fantastic Allison Janney). While trying to escape from this new world of his mom's, which makes him incredibly unhappy, he stumbles on to young love, and stumbles into an old water park run by the fascinating and washed-up Owen, and his on-again, off-again love interest Caitlan (Maya Rudolph). Sam Rockwell's Owen is yet another great role for the underrated actor, who is constantly overlooked despite his impeccable talent, and the whole cast has a brimming chemistry that perfectly captures both the dramatic and awkward moments, as well as the sweet and funny ones. The Way Way Back is wonderfully funny nostalgia trip about the perils of growing up, and the consequences for those that refuse to. It is a wonderful ensemble piece and proves that Faxon and Rash (both of whom have great supporting roles in the film), are not one-trick ponies, but instead, great young talents to watch out for in the future.

91. August: Osage County (2013) - Many thought at the beginning of 2013 that August: Osage County would be the one to beat come Oscar time. But then it premiered to mixed reviews, medium box-office despite its star power, and walked away with only two nominations for its stars Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. I am not trying to argue that one of the nine Best Picture nominees should have been replaced by August: Osage County, or that it wasn't a bit of a disappointment considering the power and history behind the source material, but in the end, I also feel like the film got beat down a lot more than it deserved, and upon a second viewing, I realized that there was a lot to like about the film. It doesn't quite have the bite of

its Pulitzer-Prize winning play, but it also doesn't go on for its incredible length either. But that doesn't mean that it still doesn't pack an emotional punch. It manages its emotional outbursts and dark comedy well, and deftly combines its massive cast, and interweaves its characters relatively well, despite popular belief. But the real reason to see this is the absolutely jaw-dropping cast. The men don't have much play here, but the women really shine, and it gives tasty material to some of the finest actresses working today. Character actors like Margo Martindale get a place to shine along stars, and the always underrated Juliette Lewis proves again why she deserves more roles like this. But the main attraction is the combination of Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. I still think Streep may have overdone it a bit, but I give her tremendous credit for taking on the role with gusto, and bringing so much passion to an iconic role. For me, the real star here is Roberts. She has always been America's Sweetheart, and, despite popular belief is an incredible actress and screen presence. But it has been a while since she has had a role has juicy as this. She tackled it with an emotional ferocity, and proved once again that she is truly a star, and an incredible talent. Go back and take a second look at August: Osage County, I think you will find it is worth the trip.

2014 MTV Movie Award Predictions: Best On-Screen Duo

Will Win - Vin Diesel and Paul Walker "Fast and Furious 6"

Could Win - Kevin Hart and Ice Cube "Ride Along; Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill "The Wolf of Wall Street"

Should Win - Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill "The Wolf of Wall Street", Christian Bale and Amy Adams "American Hustle" or Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey "Dallas Buyers Club"

Commentary - There are three duos where all six of the individuals were rewarded with Oscar nominations, and the duo of Leto and McConaughey won the Oscar for their performances. If the MTV generation voters were bold they would go outside the box with one of these choices. But alas, it is probably the other two nominees that have the best shot. Kevin Hart is one of the hottest comedians, television star, and film stars working right now, so do not underestimate his power in this category. That being said, I think that even the jaded, technology-addicted teens have a heart, and it will be hard to pass up the opportunity to reward the late Paul Walker, who unfortunately was taken from this world far too soon.

2014 MTV Movie Awards Predictions: Best Shirtless Performance

Will Win - Sam Claflin "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Should Win - Not going there

Could Win - Chris Hemsworth "Thor: The Dark World" or Zac Efron "That Awkward Moment"

Commentary - The Hunger Games last year had huge competition from The Avengers, but this year, I think that the MTV voting bloc. This year, I think there is nothing out there that can really stop it, and that means it will probably collect a few trophies along the way. While Chris Hemsworth will have some votes, and you can never count out the teen obsession with Zac Efron, I think that Sam Claflin's incredibly visible shirtless performance will be the one that is hard to pass up for those legions of screaming teenage fans.

True Detective to Compete as Drama Series

This is not entirely news at this point, but I am slow to the draw this week. I am not sure entirely what HBO is thinking here, other than they think it is more worthy of getting into the tougher Drama races, than the slam-dunk TV Movie/Miniseries races. And make no mistake, it was a slam dunk for sure. It was going to win Miniseries most likely, as well as at least actor (for either McConaughey or Harrelson) and probably directing/writing not far out of reach. It would have been a stellar night for the show. But they decided instead to submit it in the Drama races. Now McConaughey and Harrelson will have to fight it out (compared to guaranteed nods) against the likes of Kevin Spacey, Jeff Daniels, Jon Hamm, Bryan Cranston, and Damian Lewis, while the show will have to face some stiff competition for one of those coveted slots in the Drama Series race. I get that HBO has balls, but I don't get their logic here. First, like American Horror Story, it really deserves to be in miniseries, because although it will have the same banner of True Detective throughout its run, each season is a complete, and new story. Anthology series belong in miniseries because each season is a new miniseries. Some may disagree with me on this, but it actually makes sense. More importantly, I don't know why HBO would throw away guaranteed nods and wins just to prove a point, especially because they already have a juggernaut in Game of Thrones. I guess they really want to win again, and True Detective is more up the alley of Television Academy voters than the fantasy-driven Thrones. It will be interesting to see how all of this plays out, but I guarantee you, it will be a lot different ending for the Emmy season than many of us assumed.

2014 Kids Choice Awards Winners

Favorite Movie
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Favorite Animated Movie
Frozen

Favorite Movie Actor
Adam Sandler

Favorite Movie Actress
Jennifer Lawrence

Favorite Male Buttkicker
Robert Downey Jr.

Favorite Female Buttkicker
Jennifer Lawrence

Favorite Song
“Story of My Life”

Favorite Music Group
One Direction

Favorite TV Show
Sam & Cat

Favorite TV Actor
Ross Lynch

Favorite TV Actress
Ariana Grande

Favorite Male Singer
Justin Timberlake

Favorite Female Singer
Selena Gomez

Favorite Funny Star
Kevin Hart

Favorite Reality Show
Wipeout

Favorite Cartoon
SpongeBob SquarePants

Favorite Voice From an Animated Movie
Miranda Cosgrove

Favorite Book
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

Favorite Video Game
Just Dance 2014

Favorite App Game
Despicable Me: Minion Rush

Favorite Animated Animal Sidekick
Patrick Star

Most Enthusiastic Athlete
Dwight Howard

The Oscar Narrative: First Nomination Predictions - Best Picture

First Nomination Predictions
Big Eyes
Foxcatcher
Get on Up
Gone Girl
Interstellar
Into the Woods
A Most Violent Year
The Search
Trash
Unbroken

Other Contenders - Birdman, Inherent Vice, Carol, Wild, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, Mr. Turner, Suffragette, Boyhood, Whiplash, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, Love is Strange, Cavalry, Suite Francaise, Theory of Everything, Fury, Serena, Ride, Map to the Stars, Dark Place, Miss Julie, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, Child 44, Jersey Boys, A Most Wanted Man, Exodus, Noah, The Judge, The Homesman, Grace of Monaco, Queen of the Desert, Untitled Cameron Crowe Project, Magic in the Moonlight, Macbeth, This is Where I Leave You, True Story, Beasts of No Nation, Pawn Sacrifice, The Drop, Jane Got a Gun, Life, A Little Chaos, Far From the Maddening Crowd, Nymphomaniac, The Gambler, The Hundred Foot Journey, Kill the Messenger, Men, Women, and Children, Elsa & Fred, Mojave, How to Catch a Monster, The Good Lie, The Giver, The Railway Man, The Immigrant

Commentary - Of course with so many titles this early on, there are bound to be some solid predictions on the outside looking in including Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's Birdman, Todd Haynes' Carol, Jean-Marc Vallee's Wild, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Boyhood, Suffragette, Mr. Turner, Boyhood, Map to the Stars, Magic in the Moonlight, and countless others. For now, let's stick to my personal top ten, just disclaimer note that it is not inclusive. Unbroken is already on the circuit drumming up support and buzz. Jolie is talented, the Coens are always great, and the story is phenomenal. David Fincher's last project The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was probably on the cusp of breaking into the Best Picture race, but its tough exterior and darkness probably kept it out. This time around, Fincher will balance a dark story, with a more encompassing appeal. It could be another Oscar nod. Bennett Miller's last two films got Best Picture nods, and Foxcatcher, which wisely moved out of the tough 2013 year could find a solid slot in 2014. Rob Marshall's latest musical effort could either be Nine or Chicago. Either way, it will definitely be a player throughout the season in a lot of major categories, with Best Picture in the hunt. Tim Burton's Big Eyes looks like it will be the film that finally restores his live-action credentials, and has Oscar favorites Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams in front of the camera. I except it to hit well. JC Chandor has been flirting with Oscar glory for a while, and the cast and buzz behind A Most Violent Year, makes it look like this might finally be the project that causes Chandor to breakthrough. Tate Taylor's last film The Help rode its feel-good vibes and incredible cast to a Best Picture nomination. Get on Up could easily do the same, and the first trailer promises that it will be a good time in the theater. It needs to hit its marks like The Help did though to keep it in the race up against tough competition. Stephen Daldry's film have made it into the Best Picture race the last three times, even the ones that sucked. If Trash is even half decent, expect it to garner a surprisingly large amount of votes within the Academy. Michel Hazanavicius hopes to repeat his Artist success with The Past which has a politically-themed plot and a winning cast. Finally, the last couple of years a ground-breaking science fiction film has done extremely well at the Oscars. Last year, Gravity got close to taking home the Best Picture prize. I'm not sure what Christopher Nolan has in store for us with Interstellar, but the cast and teaser trailer only excite me, and I think it could end up being one of the best of the year.

The Oscar Narrative: First Nomination Predictions - Best Director

First Nomination Predictions
Tim Burton "Big Eyes"
JC Chandor "A Most Violent Year"
Stephen Daldry "Trash"
David Fincher "Gone Girl"
Angeline Jolie "Unbroken"

Other Contenders - Mike Leigh "Mr. Turner", Christopher Nolan "Interstellar", Rob Marshall "Into the Woods", Bennett Miller "Foxcatcher", Paul Thomas Anderson "Inherent Vice", Michel Hazanavicius "The Search", Tate Taylor "Get On Up", Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu "Birdman", Terrence Malick "Knight of Cups", David Ayer "Fury", Richard Linklater "Boyhood", Jason Reitman "Men, Women, and Children", Jean-Marc Vallee "Wild", Cameron Crowe "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", Sarah Gavron "Suffragette", Wes Anderson "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Woody Allen "Magic in the Moonlight", Clint Eastwood "Jersey Boys", David Dobkin "The Judge", Peter Jackson "The Hobbit: There and Back Again", Tommy Lee Jones "The Homesman", Saul Dibb "Suite Francaise", Ridley Scott "Exodus", Darren Aronofsky "Noaha", David Cronenberg "Map to the Stars", Daniel Espinosa "Child 44", Ned Benson "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby", Michael Cuesta "Kill the Messenger", Liv Ullman "Miss Julie", Philip Noyce "The Giver"

Commentary - As has been the case the last couple of years, there are a lot of previous nominees and contenders all releasing big projects this year. Some could get moved, some could flop, and even those that succeed will have a hard time crossing that threshold of five. For example, Christopher Nolan has received many Oscar nominations, and his films have won many over the last decade plus, but he has never managed to get into Best Director despite his obviously talented technical wizardry and vision. He is back again with Interstellar, and once again is on the radar. Several other talented previous winners/nominees are looking to get back in, even though I am not currently predicting them.Mike Leigh has managed to get either a directing or screenplay for most of his last couple of projects, including a semi-surprising nod for Another Year. This year he returns with Timothy Spall in the lead as Mr. Turner, and I feel like he could make a splash once again. Rob Marshall hit some rough patches after his successful Chicago. This time around, Into the Woods could prove that his success was not a fluke. Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master was a hit with actors, but not anywhere else, so he needs to prove himself with the directors branch again. Michel Hazanavicius follows up his success with The Artist, with a baity political project starring Berenice Bejo and Annette Bening. Tate Taylor hopes to recapture the magic of The Help with Get On Up, Terrence Malick hopes to rebound from To the Wonder with Kinght of Cups, and Bennett Miller could have another hit on his hands with Foxcatcher. And don't ever forget Alejandro Gonzalez-Inarritu, Jason Reitman, Woody Allen, Cameron Crowe, Jean-Marc Vallee, Wes Anderson, and Ridley Scott. So finally, onto my actual predictions. David Fincher has had a rocky career with the Academy, only making the cut when he had more mainstream crossovers like Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Social Network. Gone Girl looks like the perfect blend of his darker side with a incredibly popular story. Stephen Daldry has made four feature films to date, and every single one of them has either received a Best Director or a Best Picture nomination, and that includes his last two The Reader and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, both of which were simply not that good. Trash looks like it has some promise, and I refuse to underestimate him again. Angeline Jolie has a lot of barriers to break, particularly her gender and the fact that she was an actor first. But Unbroken is such an incredible story, she clearly has a vision, and the Coen Bros. are finishing up the script. If anyone can do, she can. Tim Burton is another artist like Nolan who has never crossed into the top five. He also has a string of live-action clunkers. But I think that the material, and the cast of Big Eyes, could set him up to finally get an overdue Best Director nomination. Finally, JC Chandor is clearly a talented young director, and his films have been flirting with real Academy recognition for a few years now. I think A Most Violent Year looks like an incredibly deep story, and has an incredible cast. This might finally be the film that pushes his film into true Oscar glory.

The Oscar Narrative: First 2015 Nomination Predictions - Best Actor

First Nomination Predictions
Chadwick Boseman "Get On Up"
Steve Carell "Foxcatcher"
Benedict Cumberbatch "The Imitation Game"
Oscar Isaac "A Most Violent Year"
Joaquin Phoenix "Inherent Vice"

Other Contenders - Ralph Fiennes "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Jack O'Connell "Unbroken", Matthew McConaughey "Interstellar", Ben Affleck "Gone Girl", John Lithgow "Love is Strange", Alfred Molina "Love is Strange", Michael Keaton "Birdman", Jeremy Renner "Kill the Messenger", Brendan Gleeson "Cavalry", Timothy Spall "Mr. Turner", Eddie Redmayne "Theory of Everything", Christoph Waltz "Big Eyes", Robert Downey Jr. "The Judge", Brad Pitt "Fury", Russell Crowe "Noah", Philip Seymour Hoffman "A Most Wanted Man", Michael Fassbender "Macbeth", Al Pacino "Manglehorn", Al Pacino "Imagine", Colin Firth "Magic in the Moonlight", Bradley Cooper "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", James McAvoy "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby", Christian Bale "Exodus", Jeff Bridges "The Giver", Tommy Lee Jones "The Homesman", Mark Wahlberg "The Gambler",  Tobey Maguire "Pawn Sacrifices", Jonah Hill "True Story", Ben Stiller "While We're Young", James Corden "Into the Woods", Dane DeHaan "Life", Miles Teller "Whiplash", John Cusack "Love & Mercy", Paul Dano "Love & Mercy", Tom Hardy "Child 44", Gael Garcia Bernal "Rosewater", Martin Freeman "The Hobbit: There and Back Again"

Commentary - For some reason, this year's Best Actor race, at first glance, doesn't seem to have the punch or power of last year's but alas, the year is still young. First let's start with those currently on the outside looking in. Ralph Fiennes is this year's first contender, but could be the early contender to survive. Jack O'Connell is the unknown lead in one of the year's most buzzed projects, Angelina Jolie and the Coen Bros' Unbroken. John Lithgow and Alfred Molina will have to figure out whether they are co-lead or one lead and one supporting, but both are apparently terrific in Love is Strange. Two British veterans Brendan Gleeson and Timothy Spall have two buzzed leading roles. Christoph Waltz and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman are borderline lead/supporting for their respective roles. Also watch out for Michael Keaton, Jeremy Renner, Ben Affleck in Fincher's Gone Girl", Robert Downey Jr. up against Robert Duvall in The Judge, Al Pacino in two projects, Mark Wahlberg, young talents Miles Teller and Dane DeHaan, Brad Pitt for Fury, Colin Firth in Woody Allen's latest, Bradley Cooper in Cameron Crowe's latest, James Corden up against all those big names in Into the Woods, Tom Hardy, Eddie Redmayne, Tommy Lee Jones, and maybe Christian Bale. So then who is in? The last time Joaquin Phoenix paired up with Paul Thomas Anderson it ended with an Oscar nomination, his third. Phoenix may be a wildcard as a person, but he is an incredible actor, and despite all his antics, clearly the actors within the Academy respect his work. Many people were upset that last year's Inside Llewyn Davis was basically snubbed by the Academy. I personally think it is one of those films that grows on you with multiple viewings, so it is easy to see why if they only got through it once, they might not have appreciated it. That being said, it only took one viewing for me to appreciate the talent that is Oscar Isaac. He has nabbed the leading role in the JC Chandor film A Most Violent Year, and if he knocks it out of the park again, I don't think he will be ignored. Last year, a lot of buzz surrounded Bennet Miller's Foxcatcher, particularly the potentially potent role for usually funnyman Steve Carell. He was bumped off last year cause the film moved, but he definitely keeps his name in the conversation. The final two slots are for stars on the rise. Chadwick Boseman was great as Jackie Robinson in 42 (the film was a bit pedantic), and he gets another chance to play an American legend in James Brown. This time he has The Help's Tate Taylor at the helm, and what are sure to be great supporting performances surrounding him from the likes of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. If he channels the soul and energy of Brown, he could be one to watch for. The final slot for now goes to an actor who truly has been on the rise. He role in Sherlock has made him an international television star and an Emmy nominee. Last year, he had great roles in The Hobbit, August: Osage County, and a particularly juicy turn as Kahn in Star Trek Into Darkness. His star is on the rise, and his upcoming role has famed and tragic Alan Turning, could the one that makes him an Oscar nominee.

The Giver Trailer

The Giver is an interesting case in modern cinema. Yes the film adaptation is coming on the heels of popular successes The Hunger Games, and most likely Divergent (the reviews are terrible but it will make a lot of money), but this one has the potential to be different, the potential to be better. The Lois Lowry YA novel is a much source material, and was around long before this new phase of dystopia literature hit this new generation. Plus, at least you know you are going to get some top notch scenes out of Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges. As always, we'll have to wait and see.  

The Oscar Narrative: First 2015 Nomination Predictions - Best Actress

First Nomination Predictions
Amy Adams "Big Eyes"
Berenice Bejo "The Search"
Emily Blunt "Into the Woods"
Michelle Williams "Suite Francaise"
Reese Witherspoon "Wild"

Other Contenders - Cate Blanchett "Carol", Carey Mulligan "Suffragette", Anne Hathaway "Interstellar", Julianne Moore "Map to the Stars",  Rosemund Pike "Gone Girl", Nicole Kidman "Grace of Monaco", Rooney Mara "Carol", Nicole Kidman "Queen of the Desert", Hilary Swank "The Homesman",Jessica Chastain "A Most Violent Year", Jessica Chastain "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby", Jessica Chastain "Miss Julie", Felicity Jones "Theory of Everything", Charlize Theron "Dark Places", Helen Hunt "Ride", Jennifer Lawrence "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1", Jennifer Lawrence "Serena", Natalie Portman "Jane Got a Gun", Helen Mirren "The Hundred Foot Journey", Emma Stone "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", Emma Stone "Magic in the Moonlight", Naomi Watts "While Were Young", Marion Cotillard "Macbeth", Tina Fey "This is Where I Leave You".

Commentary - The big question is, can Cate Blanchett get back in just after winning this year? The answer is yes, but I am currently leaving her out until we get a look at some of the other contenders, but her leading role in Todd Hayne's latest Carol could be a true awards magnet. I also think we should look out for Carey Mulligan in an historical film Suffragette, Anne Hathaway in Christopher Nolan's latest, Julianne Moore, Rosemund Pike in the high-profile Gone Girl, Nicole Kidman as Grace Kelly, Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth, Jessica Chastain in several roles, Helen Hunt in her second directorial debut, Jennifer Lawrence in the long-delayed Serena, Helen Mirren in Lasse Hallstrom's latest, and Emma Stone who has two high profile roles in Woody Allen and Cameron Crowe films. But let's dive into the predictions. Amy Adams could be the favorite this year if Big Eyes breaks Tim Burton's rotten streak. She earned her fifth nomination this year, and is so hot on the Oscar circuit over the last decade, I think that if she knocks the Margaret Keane biopic out of the park, then she could be the favorite to win. Berenice Bejo proved in The Past this year, that she could be riveting when she speaks as well as when she doesn't. Her up against Annette Bening in a politically charged film could be one to really watch for. After a few years absence from the race, Michelle Williams returns with her juicy turn in Suite Francaise. She is clearly loved by Academy voters, and is another one that seems destined to eventually take one home. Reese Witherspoon returns almost a decade after winning for Walk the Line with a harrowing turn in Wild, which could be a Bullock-esque survival story that provides for plenty of great Oscar-worthy moments. Finally, I am taking a leap here with Emily Blunt. She has been flirting with an Oscar nod for while, and if she exceeds expectations (the film as well for that matter), she could finally cross the finish line.

The Oscar Narrative: First 2015 Nomination Predictions - Best Supporting Actor

First Oscar Predictions

Albert Brooks "A Most Violent Year" 

Johnny Depp "Into the Woods" 

Mark Ruffalo "Foxcatcher" 

Martin Sheen "Trash" 

J.K. Simmons "Whiplash"

Other Contenders - Robert Duvall "The Judge", Idris Elba "Beasts of No Nation", Josh Brolin "Inherent Vice", Benicio Del Toro "Inherent Vice", Edward Norton "Birdman", Christoph Waltz "Big Eyes", Channing Tatum "Foxcatcher", James Franco "True Story", Chris Pine "Into the Woods", Billy Magnussen "Into the Woods", Daniel Huttlestone "Into the Woods", Liev Schreiber "Pawn Sacrifice", Bill Irwin "Interstellar", Matt Damon "Interstellar", Michael Caine "Interstellar", Wes Bentley "Interstellar", Topher Grace "Interstellar", David Oyelowo "A Most Violent Year", Phillip Seymour Hoffman "A Most Wanted Man", James Gandolfini "The Drop", Gary Oldman "Child 44", Christopher Walken "Jersey Boys", Ethan Hawke "Boyhood", Alfred Molina "Love is Strange", Domhnall Gleeson "Unbroken", Jai Courtney "Unbroken", Garrett Hedlund "Unbroken", Alex Russell "Unbroken", Aaron Paul "Exodus", Neil Patrick Harris "Gone Girl", Shia Labeouf "Fury", Adam Driver "This is Where I Leave You", Robert Pattinson "Life", Sam Riley "Suite Francaise", John Goodman "The Gambler", Toby Jones "Serena", Rhys Ifan "Serena", Kyle Chandler "Carol", Tyler Perry "Gone Girl", Patrick Fugit "Gone Girl", Keith Robinson "Get on Up", Craig Robinson "Get on Up", Dan Aykroyd "Get on Up", Bill Murray "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", Jay Baruchel "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", John Krasinski "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", Alec Baldwin "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", Hamish Linklater "Magic in the Moonlight", F. Murray Abraham "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Mathieu Amalric "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Williem Dafore "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Harvey Keitel "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Jude Law "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Edward Norton "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Bill Murray "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Jason Schwartzman "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Tom Wilkinson "The Grand Budapest Hotel" 

Commentary - Narrowing down this field, any of the fields for that matter is so difficult at this stage that you wonder how you come to any conclusion. This is a category for me that has been kind of a dud for a while now. This year's crop was the best in several years, yet ended with no mystery to it. Don't get me wrong, loved Leto in Dallas Buyers Club (and Plummer in Beginners and Waltz in Django), but I do hope this category is either as strong or stronger than last year, and no matter what, at least a little bit of a race. Into the Woods is one of the biggest question marks going into this season. Will it be Chicago or Nine? Also with such a large cast, it will be difficult to discern this early on, who will emerge from the pack. Chris Pine, Billy Magnussen, and Daniel Huttlestone are all talents trying to get their first nomination. But according to fans of the play, while Johnny Depp's The Wolf is a small part, it is also an incredibly memorable one. Depp hasn't been in the Oscar game the last several years. But he proved he can carry a musical with Sweeney Todd, and at one time was an Academy favorite. This could be his ticket back into the race. This year, the slate was full of first time or second time nominees. There wasn't really a veteran among the bunch. This is kind of unusual, because this category has always been chocked full of veteran actors, particularly under-rewarded ones. This year, three major veterans, none of which have received enough attention (in my opinion) have flashy roles that could finally get them some spotlight. Albert Brooks was horribly snubbed in 2011 for Drive, but this year, he returns in a similar role with A Most Violent Year. The pedigree this time around looks more Oscar friendly, and voters may still feel bad enough to get him a consolation nod. Of course, he also could get in because he is fantastic and nails it. Either way, he is a strong contender. Two personal favorites of mine could enter this race for the first time this year. J.K. Simmons got rave reviews for his role in Whiplash out of Sundance. He has been bouncing around the independent circuit for years, churning out great role after great role. If the film, which apparently could alienate some viewers, gains traction, Simmons might get a well-deserved career nomination. The other potential is Martin Sheen. In all of his years in film, Sheen has never received an Oscar nomination. I find this inconceivable, but alas it is the truth. This year, his role in Stephen Daldry's Trash could be the right fit. So far, all of Daldry's films have received at least one acting nomination, and if Mara's nod comes for Carol, then Sheen could be the recipient of the film's good will. A guy can hope at least. Finally, I had predicted Mark Ruffalo to get in for his physical transformation in Foxcatcher, but then they moved the film. If it is as good as I think it will be, I still expect him to be a huge contender. The rest of the field is deep including: Robert Duvall opposite Robert Downey Jr., The guys from The Grand Budapest Hotel, Idris Elba (who many felt was deserving last year for Mandela), Christoph Waltz, Edward Norton, Benicio Del Toro, Liev Schreiber, the guys from Interstellar,Unbroken (too many in a largely unknown cast to determine who will emerge as of now), and Cameron Crowe's untitled new entry, David Oyelowo, James Gandolfini and Philip Seymour Hoffman in posthumous roles, John Goodman, Gary Oldman, Adam Driver, and the potentially deep casts of Get on Up and Gone Girl. 

The Oscar Narrative: First 2015 Nomination Predictions - Best Supporting Actress

First Oscar Predictions

Annette Bening "The Search"

Jessica Chastain "A Most Violent Year"

Viola Davis "Get On Up!" 

Rooney Mara "Carol" 

Meryl Streep "Into the Woods"

Other Contenders -  Anna Kendrick "Into the Woods", Octavia Spencer "Get on Up!", Jessica Chastain "Interstellar", Ellen Burstyn "Interstellar", Kristin Scott Thomas "Suite Francaise", Carrie Coon "Gone Girl", Rosemund Pike "Gone Girl", Vanessa Redgrave "Foxcatcher", Felicity Jones "Theory of Everything", Jane Fonda "This is Where I Leave You", Hailee Steinfeld "The Homesman", Brie Larson "The Gambler", Emma Stone "Birdman", Natalie Portman "Birdman", Sarah Paulson "Carol", Kiera Knightley "The Imitation Game", Jena Malone "Inherent Vice", Katherine Waterston "Inherent Vice", Rachel McAdams "Untitled Cameron Crowe Project", Sigourney Weaver "Exodus", Jennifer Connelly "Noah", Emma Watson "Noah", Marcia Gay Harden "Magic in the Moonlight", Jacki Weaver "Magic in the Moonlight", Patricia Arquette "Boyhood", Maya Rudolph "Inherent Vice" Reese Witherspoon "Inherent Vice", Sasha Pieterse "Inherent Vice", Helena Bonham Carter "Suffragette", Krysten Ritter "Big Eyes", Lesley Manville "Mr. Turner", Melissa Benoist "Whiplash", Saoirse Ronan "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Lea Seydoux "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Tilda Swinton "The Grand Budapest Hotel", Marisa Tomei "Love is Strange", Lucy Punch "Into the Woods", Christine Baranski "Into the Woods", Tracey Ullman "Into the Woods", Laura Dern "Wild", Gaby Hoffman "Wild", Samantha Morton "Miss Julie", Parker Posey "Grace of Monaco", Carrie Fisher "Maps to the Stars", Mia Wasikowska "Maps to the Stars", Olivia Williams "Maps to the Stars"

Commentary - The dust has only just began to settle on the last Oscar season, and us jittery pundits can seem to wait to start the next one. Over the next week or so, I will preview the top six categories, as I compile my list for the Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far, and eventually start looking at the MTV Movie Award Winners and the potential Tony nominees. But for a week, let me start to indulge in the next Oscar season, while I am still feeling the glow of the last one. This particular race, Supporting Actress, can always trip up pundits in the beginning. It seems like every year either a young, first timer, or out of the blue contender pops up (think Lupita Nyong'o), or an overlooked veteran (think June Squibb), populate the nominees among more obvious choices (think Jennifer Lawrence). So my current predictions featuring an Oscar winner, and four previous nominees seem a bit off, but alas, when making early predictions, all you have to go on is history and prestige. You can't predict the wild cards yet, because you don't know the game yet. One thing I do know is that the Academy loves Meryl Streep, and that if Into the Woods is even half-decent, then she will be one of the leading contenders again this year. By Marshall has to live up to the hype of Chicago, something he has yet to do in the 12 years since it won Best Picture. After watching the trailer for Get On Up! I do feel like Taylor and his two favorite actress can recapture some of the Oscar glow that they brought with The Help. That means that once again Spencer and Davis could be getting some welcomed attention. A trailer is not always the best bet for predictions, but Davis' long-lost mother could add just the emotional depth that this film needs to go from glossy biopic to Oscar contender, and after losing that hotly contested Best Actress race (which still bothers me), she is due for another try. Another actress I keep waiting for Oscar to finally embrace is Annette Bening. And one of these days, she is going to win a career-encompassing Oscar. This year, her role in Michel Hazanvicius' The Search, featuring an NGO in war-torn Chechnya, could provide the perfect platform for her to finally get the recognition she deserves. The last two slots I am currently filling with recent nominees who, so far, have had hot careers in many prestige projects. Jessica Chastain returns to the fold with several high profile projects, but it looks like her role in JC Chandor's latest, A Most Violent Year, opposite two of last year's biggest break-out stars Oscar Issac and David Oyelowo, could be the one that gets her a third Oscar nomination. Finally Rooney Mara is going to have a hell of a year coming up. Some people are predicting her as a supporting role in Trash, but that could be a borderline lead role, so for now, I am sticking with her role in Carol up against Cate Blanchett. The film has Todd Haynes at the helm, and if Mara can hold her own against Blanchett, and her supporting rival Sarah Paulson, who is quickly gaining awards traction with her string of baity roles. Beyond these five (six with Paulson), there is Davis' co-star and previous winner Octavia Spencer. She was left off last year for Fruitvale Station, but could get that second nod this time around. Anna Kendrick, Christine Baranski and Lucy Punch all could join Meryl among the ranks for Into the Woods. Paul Thomas Anderson's latest Inherent Vice has several possibilities including Reese Witherspoon. Instellar's Chastain and Ellen Burstyn, Felicity Jones, a baity role from Kristen Scott Thomas opposite Michelle Williams, Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave, Brie Larson, Hailee Steinfeld, Natalie Portman and Emma Stone from Birdman, and the David Fincher's two new subjects Rosemund Pike (Who could go lead), and the potential breakout this year Carrie Coon, all also hope to join the fight to the finish. 

Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far: 2013 Finalists

Struck By Lightning

Spring Breakers

The Croods

The Place Beyond the Pines

Iron Man 3

Mud

Star Trek Into Darkness

Frances Ha

Before Midnight

The Kings of Summer

This is the End

The Bling Ring

Monsters University

The Heat

The Way Way Back

Fruitvale Station

The Wind Rises

Blue Jasmine

The Spectacular Now

Lee Daniel’s The Butler

Short Term 12

Enough Said

Rush

Stories We Tell

Prisoners

Blue is the Warmest Color

The Broken Circle Breakdown

The Great Beauty

20 Feet from Stardom

The Act of Killing

The Hunt

Kill Your Darlings

Captain Phillips

12 Years a Slave

All is Lost

Gravity

Ender’s Game

Dallas Buyers Club

Philomena

Nebraska

Frozen

Inside Llewyn Davis

American Hustle

Saving Mr. Banks

The Wolf of Wall Street

August: Osage County

Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far: 2012 Finalists

The Grey

Chronicle

21 Jump Street

A Royal Affair

Mirror Mirror

American Reunion

Damsels in Distress

The Cabin in the Woods

Marvel’s The Avengers

Moonrise Kingdom

Oslo, August 31^st

Safety Not Guaranteed

Brave

The Invisible War

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Take This Waltz

The Dark Knight Rises

The Queen of Versailles

Killer Joe

Searching for Sugar Man

Hope Springs

Compliance

ParaNorman

Anna Karenina

Arbitrage

The Master

Amour

End of Watch

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Looper

Frankenweenie

Pitch Perfect

Argo

Holy Motors

The Sessions

Cloud Atlas

Skyfall

Flight

Wreck It-Ralph

Lincoln

Silver Linings Playbook

Life of Pi

Killing Them Softly

Zero Dark Thirty

The Impossible

Not Fade Away

This is 40

Django Unchained

Les Miserables 

Tate Taylor's Get on Up Trailer

The new trailer for Tate Taylor's The Help followup promises a lot of great music, and a lively performance from the young, and talent Chadwick Boseman. Of course, there are a lot of things that could be pitfalls, the biggest being that it is too lite, and doesn't end up being more than many biopics, a greatest hits list. But it is exciting to see Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis return to baity roles, Davis' in particular looks to be an emotional and game-changing turn for the plot and tone of the film. It will most likely be up to this cast to deliver to sell the film. I loved The Help, but it was solely because of the incredible performances. The question that most people have is, does this have Oscar potential? The Help went on to be nominated for Best Picture and won an Oscar. Lee Daniel's The Butler, featuring a similar theme and premiering to an almost identical response, went home with zero nods, even after doing incredibly well at SAG. I think it really depends on whether it does as well as Taylor's The Help in terms of good enough reviews and most importantly, the box office. And it also depends on the year. In 2011, the Oscar race was not as strong as it was in 2013, where many great films also missed the cut due to incredible competition. No matter what though, this looks like another great opportunity for Boseman, who is clearly a young talent to watch for. As always, we'll have to wait and see. 

Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far: 2011 Finalists

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

The Adjustment Bureau

Rango

Win Win

Meek’s Cutoff

Scream 4

Bridesmaids

Midnight in Paris

The Tree of Life

X-Men: First Class

Beginners

Super 8

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Crazy, Stupid Love

Attack the Block

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The Help

Drive

Moneyball

50/50

Take Shelter

The Ides of March

Margin Call
The Descendants

Hugo

The Muppets

The Artist

Shame

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Young Adult

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

Albert Nobbs

War Horse

The Iron Lady

A Separation

Top 100 Films of the 2000's...So Far: 2010 Finalists

I have narrowed down the list, trimmed out the fat, and these are the real contenders, the finalists for each year. First off 2010 (naturally).

Shutter  Island

The Ghost Writer

City Island

How to Train Your Dragon

Waking Sleeping Beauty

Exit Through the Gift Shop

Please Give

Iron Man 2

Mother and Child

Solitary Man

Winter’s Bone

The Kids Are All Right

Inception
Toy Story 3

Animal Kingdom

Never Let Me Go
Easy A

The Town

The Social Network

Inside Job

127 Hours

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

The King’s Speech

Black Swan

The Fighter

I Am Love

Somewhere

True Grit

Biutiful

Barney’s Version

Blue Valentine

Another Year

The Illusionist

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For Trailer

I am a few days behind on this one. I know that most likely this film will have no impact on the Oscar race, but I really looking forward to it. I just hope it lives up to the success of the first one, especially since its fans have been waiting a long time for this one.

2015 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award Dates

Nowadays, each group is ready to start the next season, before the dust has had time to settle on the previous one. So today, the Screen Actors Guild went ahead and announced its calendar for the 2014-2015 ceremony. Check out the dates below, and this weekend stay tuned as I start my first Oscar predictions of the new season!

Friday, March 14, 2014
Nominating Committees Drawn by Random Sample

Monday, July 7, 2014
Submissions Open at sagawards.org/submissions

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014
Submissions Close at 5 p.m. PT at sagawards.org/submissions

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014
Nominations Ballots Mailed

Monday Dec. 8, 2014
Nomination Ballots Due at the Elections Firm by 12 Noon p.m. PT

Monday, Dec. 8, 2014
Records Pulled for Final Balloting

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014
Nominations Announced at 6 a.m. PT

Monday, Dec. 16, 2014
Final Voting Information Mailed to Members

Monday, Jan. 5, 2015
Publicists Ceremony Credential Applications Close

Friday, Jan. 23, 2015
Final Votes Must be Cast Online or Ballots Received by the Elections Firm by 12 Noon PT

Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015
21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far: 2013 Contenders

The Grandmaster

Gangster Squad

Struck By Lightning

Mama

Sound City

Warm Bodies

Identity Thief

Side Effects

To the Wonder

Jack the Giant Slayer

Stoker

Emperor

Spring Breakers

Admission

Oz the Great and Powerful

I’m So Excited

The Croods

Trance

The Place Beyond the Pines

Evil Dead

Upstream Color

Oblivion

At Any Price

Iron Man 3

Mud

42

The Iceman

What Maisie Knew

Star Trek Into Darkness

The Great Gatsby

Fast & Furious 6

Frances Ha

Before Midnight

Epic

The Kings of Summer

The East

Now You See Me

Only God Forgives

Much Ado About Nothing

This is the End

Man of Steel

The Bling Ring

World War Z

Despicable Me 2

Monsters University

The Heat

The Way Way Back

Fruitvale Station

Pacific Ri

Turbo

The Conjuring

The World’s End

The Wind Rises

The Wolverine

Blue Jasmine

The Spectacular Now

We’re the Millers

Elysium

Ain’t Them Bodies Saints

Lee Daniel’s The Butler

Jobs

Drinking Buddies

Short Term 12

About Time

Enough Said

Rush

Prisoners

Thanks For Sharing

Don Job

Filth

Blue is the Warmest Color

The Broken Circle Breakdown

The Great Beauty

20 Feet from Stardom

The Act of Killing

The Square

The Hunt

Omar

Kill Your Darlings

Captain Phillips

Romeo and Juliet

12 Years a Slave

All is Lost

Gravity

Ender’s Game

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa

The Counselor

Thor: The Dark World

Dallas Buyers Club

Last Vegas

Philomena

The Book Thief

Nebraska

The Best Man Holiday

Frozen

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Black Nativity

Oldboy

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Inside Llewyn Davis

Out of the Furnace

American Hustle

Saving Mr. Banks

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Her

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Wolf of Wall Street

August: Osage County

Lone Survivor

2014 Society of Camera Operator Awards

Camera Operator of the Year – Feature Film
Peter Taylor, ACO, SOC – Gravity

Camera Operator of the Year – Television
Don Devine, SOC – Mad Men

Lifetime Achievement Award
Chris Haarhoff, SOC, Camera Operator
Bill Coe, Camera Technician
Barry Wetcher, SMPSP, Still Photographer
Jack Carpenter, Mobile Camera Platform Operator

The Distinguished Service Award 
Founder of Filmtools, Inc., Stan McClain, SOC.

President's Award
Leonard Chapman, Founder of Chapman-Leonard Studio Equipment

Technical Achievement Awards 
President Tom Hallman, on behalf of Pictorvision
Dave Grober, Founder and President, on behalf of Motion Picture Marine.

Historical Shot
J. Michael Muro for his zip line shot in The Mighty Quinn.

Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far: 2012 Contenders

Haywire

The Grey

Big Miracle

Chronicle

The Woman in Black

Wanderlust

Footnote

Friends With Kids

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

John Carter

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

21 Jump Street

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

The Hunger Games

A Royal Affair

Mirror Mirror

American Reunion

Damsels in Distress

The Cabin in the Woods

Monsieur Lazhar

Chimpanzee

Marley

Marvel’s The Avengers

The Five-Year Engagement

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Dark Shadows

Rust and bone

Men in Black 3

Moonrise Kingdom

Oslo, August 31^st

Snow White and the Huntsman

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

Prometheus

Safety Not Guaranteed

Brave

The Invisible War

To Rome With Love

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Beasts of the Southern Wild

People Like Us

Take This Waltz

Ted

The Amazing Spider-Man

The Dark Knight Rises

The Queen of Versailles

Ruby Sparks

Killer Joe

Searching for Sugar Man

Celeste and Jesse Forver

Hope Springs

The Bourne Legacy

Compliance

Cosmopolis

ParaNorman

Robot & Frank

Sparkle

Premium Rush

Lawless

Anna Karenina

Arbitrage

The Master

Amour

End of Watch

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Won’t Back Down

Trouble With the Curve

Hotel Transylvania

Looper

The Waiting Rom

Frankenweenie

The Paperboy

Pitch Perfect

Argo

Here Comes the Boom

Seven Psychopaths

Sinister

Smashed

Holy Motors

The Sessions

Cloud Atlas

Skyfall

Flight

A Late Quartet

Wreck It-Ralph

Lincoln

Chasing Ice

Silver Linings Playbook

Life of Pi

Rise of the Guardians

Killing Them Softly

Hyde Park on Hudson

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Guilt Trip

Zero Dark Thirty

The Impossible

Not Fade Away

This is 40

Django Unchained

Les Miserables

Parental Guidance

Quartet

Promised Land

Tammy Teaser Trailer

This could just end up being another stupid comedy, but the cast, which also includes Allison Janney and Susan Sarandon, as well as Sandra Oh, has a lot of promise, and this project which is a collaboration of McCarthy, and her husband Ben Falcone, could be a Bridemaids-esque sleeper.

Top 100 Films of the 2010's...So Far: 2011 Contenders

The Company Men

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

Gnomeo and Juliet

Cedar Rapids

The Adjustment Bureau

Rango

Jane Eyre

Paul

Win Win

The Lincoln Lawyer

Insidious

Source Code

In A Better World

The Conspirator

Rio

Hanna

Meek’s Cutoff

Scream 4

Thor

Incendies

Cave of Forgotten Dreams

The Beaver

Bridesmaids

Everything Must Go

Midnight in Paris

Kung Fu Panda 2

The Tree of Life

X-Men: First Class

Submarine

Beginners

Super 8

Bad Teacher

Cars 2

A Better Life

Horrible Bosses

Winnie the Pooh

Captain America: The First Avenger

Sarah’s Key

Another Earth

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Crazy, Stupid Love

Attack the Block

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The Whistleblower

The Help

Fright Night

Higher Ground

Warrior

Contagion

Drive

Moneyball

Once Upon A Time in Anatolia

Margaret

50/50

Take Shelter

The Ides of March

Real Steel

The Way

Margin Call

Puss in Boots

Like Crazy

J. Edgar

Melacholia
The Descendants

Arthur Christmas

Hugo

The Muppets

A Dangerous Method

The Artist

Shame

My Week With Marilyn

Carnage

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Young Adult

Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

Albert Nobbs

In the Land of Blood and Honey

We Bought a Zoo

War Horse

Pariah

The Iron Lady

A Separation

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close