Grammy Analysis

This year's Grammys were chocked full of surprises, lots of winners and losers, some incredible wins, and some stinging losses. But overall, considering the lack of quality music this year, I was happy to see the best truly win. Here is a quick look at the winners, the losers, and everyone in between.

Winners

• Lady Antebellum won huge, taking home five awards, including the coveted Record and Song of the Year.
• After losing the Alternative Music Album away to The Black Keys, but in the end Arcade Fire's popular and critical album The Suburbs pulled off an incredible upset taking home Album of the Year over favorites such as Lady Gaga, Eminem, and Lady Antebellum.
• Fantasia, after a tumultuous year, from highs (successful album) to lows (media blitz, overdose), won the Best Female R&B Performance for her hit Bittersweet.
• Lady Gaga may have been snubbed, but she lit up the Pop category and took home the Best Short Form Music Video.
• Esperanza Spaling is an incredible, unknown artist that beat out the likes of Drake, Justin Bieber, and Florence and The Machine, to take home the Best New Artist. Shocking as it was, it was one of the best moments of the night, and one of the most deserved awards.
• Jay-Z and Alicia Keys beat out both categories in the Rap field that they were up against Eminem and Rihanna.
• John Legend and the Roots shugged off an Oscar snub to win a couple of big awards.

Losers

• Eminem may have won Rap Album, but he was completely shut out of the General Categories, and lost some even with the Rap Field, where I (and many others) predicted a sweep.
• Poor Justin Bieber. Actually, not poor Justin Bieber, as he did not deserve to win, but either way, he definitely came up empty.
• Michael Jackson really didn't deserve to win a posthumous Grammy for This is It, but it would have been one last tribute to the king.
• Katy Perry simply couldn't compete with the power of Gaga.

Overall, after last year's Taylor Swift fiasco, this was a pretty mellow ceremony. The winners were deserving, and the surprises were good surprises. While most of the performances lacked the punch of previous years, most of them were pretty good, and enjoyable to watch. Also, it didn't seem to drag as long, and definitely did not last as long as some of the past ceremonies. Despite the year in music being pretty thin, in terms of quality, I thought the Grammys did a good job of rewarding where it was due, and making a ceremony that was fun to watch.

ASC Winners

While the ASC has not always matched up with the Cinematography Oscar, this is good news for Inception. My hope though is that although Pfister deserves some recognition, that Roger Deakins hits a sentimental note with the rest of the Academy and takes home his long-overdue Academy Award.

Wally Pfister: ASC Award for Feature Film, for Inception!

Stephen Windon: Asc Award for TV Movie /Mini-Series for the Pacific, Okinawa
Jonathan Freeman: ASC award for TV Series – Boardwalk Empire, ‘Home’ episode
Michael O’Shea: ASC Career Achievement in TV Award
John Seale: ASC International Award for cinematography (Rain Man, Harry Potter, Perfect Storm, The English Patient)

Grammy Winners

The pre-telecast has begun, so I will put up winners of the more important categories as they come in...its going to be a long night folks. Also look out for the ASC winners.

Album of the Year - Arcade Fire "The Suburbs"
Record of the Year - Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"
Best Rap Album - Eminem "Recovery"
Best New Artist - Esperanza Spalding!!!! (Awesome win)
Song of the Year - Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"
Best Pop Vocal Album - Lady Gaga "The Fame Monster"
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance - Bruno Mars "Just the Way You Are"
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance - Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"
Best Rock Album - Muse "The Resistance"
Best Female Country Vocal Performance - Miranda Lambert "The House that Built Me"
Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group w/Vocals - Train "Hey, Soul Sister (Live)"
Best Pop Collaboration w/Vocals - Herbie Hancock, etc. "Imagine"
Best Solo Rock Performance - Paul McCartney "Helter Skelter"
Best Rock Performance by Duo/Group w/Vocals - The Black Keys "Tighten Up"
Best Hard Rock Performance - Them Crooked Vultures "New Fang"
Best Metal Performance - Iron Maiden "El Dorado"
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album - Michael Buble "Crazy Love"
Best Rock Instrumental Performance - Jeff Beck "Hammerhead"
Best Rock Song - Neil Young "Angry World"
Best Alternative Music Album - The Black Keys "Brothers"
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance - Fantasia "Bittersweet"
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance - Usher "There Goes My Baby"
Best R&B Vocal Performance by Duo/Group - Sade "Soldier of Love"
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance - John Legend & The Roots "Hang On In There"
Best Urban/Alternative Performance - Cee Lo Green "Fuck You"
Best R&B Song - Shine
Best R&B Album - John Legend & The Roots "Wake Up"
Best Contemporary R&B Album - Usher "Raymond vs. Raymond"
Best Rap Solo Performance - Eminem "Not Afraid'
Best Rap Performance by a Duo/Group - Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz "On to the Next One"
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind"
Best Rap Song - Empire State of Mind
Best Male Country Vocal Performance - Keith Urban "Til SummerComes Around"
Best Country Performance by a Duo/Group w/Vocals - Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"
Best Country Collaboration w/Vocals - Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band "As She's Walking Away"
Best Country Instrumental Performance - Marty Stuart "Hummingbyrd"
Best Country Song - Need You Now
Best Americana Album - Marvis Staples "You Are Not Alone"
Best Electronica/Dance Album - La Roux "La Roux"
Best Dance Recording - Rihanna "Only Girl (In the World)"
Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media - Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett "The Weary Kind" from "Crazy Heart"
Best Score Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media - Randy Newman "Toy Story 3"
Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media - Crazy Heart
Best Musical Show Album - American Idiot
Best Spoken Word Album - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents Earth
Best Comedy Album - Lewis Black "Stark Raving Black"
Best Short Form Music Video - Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"
Best Long Form Music Video - The Doors "When Your Strange"
Best Remixed Recording Non-Classical - David Guetta & Afrojack "Revolver (David Guetta's One Love Club Remix)"

BAFTA Winners

Well, an interesting set of winners to say the least. Here are a couple of things we found out:

• David Fincher is not out of this race, and if BAFTA wouldn't reward their own, then I think he still is the frontrunner for BD. That being said, The King's Speech seems to be locked and loaded for the big win.
• There will most likely not be a King's Speech sweep. Many are predicting it to go straight down the board, but I think the awards will be more dispersed this year. Inception and Alice in Wonderland stand to take some technical awards, and Editing and Cinematography could split as well with True Grit and The Social Network.
• Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush do well with the Brits. That combined with popularity of the film, means that if there is any chance of an upset in the Supporting categories it will come from this duo (I will also throw Hailee Steinfeld in as well, as she could easily take the prize).
• Natalie and Colin seem unstoppable at this point, but watch out for Annette.

Best Film - The King's Speech
Best Director - David Fincher "The Social Network"
Best Actor - Colin Firth "The King's Speech"
Best Actress - Natalie Portman "Black Swan"
Best British Film - The King's Speech
Best Supporting Actor - Geoffrey Rush "The King's Speech"
Best Supporting Actress - Helena Bonham Carter "The King's Speech"
Orange Rising Star Award - Tom Hardy
Best Original Screenplay - David Seidler "The King's Speech"
Best Adapted Screenplay - Aaron Sorkin "The Social Network"
Best Animated Feature - Toy Story 3
Best Debut by British Director/Writer/Producer - Chris Morris "Four Lions"
Best Film Not in the English Language - The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo
Best Editing - The Social Network
Best Cinematography - Roger Deakins "True Grit"
Best Original Score - Alexandre Desplat "The King's Speech"
Best Production Design - Inception
Best Costume Design - Alice in Wonderland
Best Makeup and Hair - Alice in Wonderland
Best Sound - Inception
Best Visual Effects - Inception
Best Short Film - Until the River Runs Red
Best Short Animation - Short Eagle Stag

International Film Music Critics Association Nominees

In the end, when it comes to Oscar, I think The King's Speech as Original Score in the bag.

FILM SCORE OF THE YEAR
• THE GHOST WRITER, music by Alexandre Desplat
• HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, music by John Powell
• INCEPTION, music by Hans Zimmer
• THE KING’S SPEECH, music by Alexandre Desplat
• TRON: LEGACY, music by Daft Punk

FILM COMPOSER OF THE YEAR

• Alexandre Desplat
• Danny Elfman
• James Newton Howard
• John Powell
• Hans Zimmer

BREAKOUT COMPOSER OF THE YEAR
• Óscar Araujo
• Arnau Bataller
• Daft Punk
• Herbert Grönemeyer
• Nuno Malo

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A DRAMA FILM
• AMÁLIA, music by Nuno Malo
• BLACK SWAN, music by Clint Mansell
• THE KARATE KID, music by James Horner
• THE KING’S SPEECH, music by Alexandre Desplat
• TRUE GRIT, music by Carter Burwell

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A COMEDY FILM

• THE LIGHTKEEPERS, music by Pinar Toprak
• LO, music by Scott Glasgow
• NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS, music by James Newton Howard
• POTICHE, music by Philippe Rombi
• VAMPIRES SUCK, music by Christopher Lennertz

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR AN ACTION/ADVENTURE/THRILLER FILM
• BURIED, music by Víctor Reyes
• THE GHOST WRITER, music by Alexandre Desplat
• INCEPTION, music by Hans Zimmer
• ROBIN HOOD, music by Marc Streitenfeld
• SALT, music by James Newton Howard

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A FANTASY/SCIENCE FICTION/HORROR FILM
• ALICE IN WONDERLAND, music by Danny Elfman
• DAYBREAKERS, music by Christopher Gordon
• HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART I, music by Alexandre Desplat
• THE LAST AIRBENDER, music by James Newton Howard
• TRON: LEGACY, music by Daft Punk

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR AN ANIMATED FEATURE
• HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, music by John Powell
• L’ILLUSIONNISTE [THE ILLUSIONIST], music by Sylvain Chomet
• LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE, music by David Hirschfelder
• TANGLED, music by Alan Menken
• TOY STORY 3, music by Randy Newman

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
• THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, music by Miguel d’Oliveira
• BÉBÉS [BABIES], music by Bruno Coulais
• OCÉANS, music by Bruno Coulais
• WAITING FOR ‘SUPERMAN,’ music by Christophe Beck
• THE WILDEST DREAM: CONQUEST OF EVEREST, music by Joel Douek

FILM MUSIC COMPOSITION OF THE YEAR
• ALICE IN WONDERLAND – “Alice’s Theme” (Danny Elfman)
• THE GHOST WRITER – “The Truth About Ruth” (Alexandre Desplat)
• HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – “Forbidden Friendship” (John Powell)
• HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – “Test Drive” (John Powell)
• THE LAST AIRBENDER – “Flow Like Water” (James Newton Howard)

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A TELEVISION SERIES
• CZAS HONORU [TIME OF HONOR], music by Bartosz Chajdecki
• DOCTOR WHO, music by Murray Gold
• HUMAN TARGET, music by Bear McCreary
• LOST, music by Michael Giacchino
• ULL PER ULL [AN EYE FOR AN EYE], music by Marc Vaíllo

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE FOR A VIDEO GAME OR INTERACTIVE MEDIA
• CASTLEVANIA: LORDS OF SHADOW, music by Óscar Araujo
• DARK VOID, music by Bear McCreary
• JAMES BOND 007: BLOOD STONE, music by Richard Jacques
• LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE, music by Winifred Phillips
• LEGO UNIVERSE, music by Brian Tyler

BEST ARCHIVAL RELEASE OF AN EXISTING SCORE
• THE ALAMO, music by Dimitri Tiomkin (Tadlow/Prometheus) – Conductor: Nic Raine; Album Producers: James Fitzpatrick, Luc Van de Ven; Liner Notes: Frank K. DeWald; Album Art Direction: GINKO DIGI
• BATMAN RETURNS, music by Danny Elfman ( La-La Land ) – Album Producers: Neil S. Bulk, Dan Goldwasser, MV Gerhard, Matt Verboys; Liner Notes: John Takis; Album Art Direction: David C. Fein
• BLACK SUNDAY, music by John Williams (Film Score Monthly) – Album Producers: Lukas Kendall, Mike Matessino; Liner Notes: Scott Bettencourt, Mike Matessino, Jeff Eldridge, Al Kaplan; Album Art Direction: Joe Sikoryak
• CONAN THE BARBARIAN, music by Basil Poledouris (Tadlow/Prometheus) – Conductor: Nic Raine; Album Producer: James Fitzpatrick; Liner Notes: Frank K. DeWald; Album Art Direction: GINKO DIGI
• FAMILY PLOT, music by John Williams (Varèse Sarabande) – Album Producers: Robert Townson, Mike Matessino; Liner Notes: Mike Matessino
• THE GOONIES, music by Dave Grusin (Varèse Sarabande) – Album Producers: Robert Townson, Mike Matessino; Liner Notes: Mike Matessino; Album Art Direction: John Alvin, Drew Struzan
• INDEPENDENCE DAY, music by David Arnold (La-La Land) – Album Producers: Nick Redman, Mike Matessino, Didier C. Deutsch, MV Gerhard, Matt Verboys; Liner Notes: Dan Goldwasser; Album Art Direction: Mark Banning
• LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, music by Maurice Jarre (Tadlow) – Conductor: Nic Raine; Album Producer: James Fitzpatrick; Liner Notes: Frank K. DeWald
• MIKLÓS RÓZSA TREASURY, music by Miklós Rózsa (Film Score Monthly) – Album Producer: Lukas Kendall; Liner Notes: Lukas Kendall, Al Kaplan, Frank K. DeWald, John Fitzpatrick; Album Art Direction: Joe Sikoryak
• SPARTACUS, music by Alex North (Varèse Sarabande) – Album Producer: Robert Townson; Liner Notes: Robert Townson; Album Art Direction: Robert Townson, Matthew Joseph Peak, Bill Pitzonka

FILM MUSIC RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR
• Film Score Monthly
• Intrada
• La-La Land
• MovieScore Media
• Varèse Sarabande

Grammy Predictions: General Categories and Music Video

Album of the Year

Should Win: Lady Gaga "The Fame/Monster" or Arcade Fire "The Suburbs" or Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"

Will Win: Eminem "Recovery"

Commentary: While Eminem's Recovery was miles above his previous effort, it is no where near his past efforts, or near the above mentioned contenders of Gaga, LA, and AF, all of whom deserve to take home this prize over Slim Shady. However, Eminem leads in nominations, and is sure to pick up at least one, possibly more.

Song of the Year
Will Win: Lady Antebellum "Need You Now:
Should Win -  Cee Lo "Fuck You"
Commentary: I would love to see Cee Lo win for his infectious hit, but my guess is that the well-done LA track Need You Now is the safer track. Watch out for Eminem and Rihanna though, especially if a sweep is in the works.

Record of the Year 
Will Win -  Eminem feat. Rihanna "Love the Way You Lie"
Should Win - Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind"
Commentary - Love the Way You Lie is probably too big to ignore, but Empire State of Mind was an anthem for the generations, and should, and possibly could steal this one away.

Best New Artist
Will Win - Drake or Justin Bieber
Should Win - Florence + the Machine
Commentary - My gut tells me that Bieber will win, an unfortunate embarassment for the Recording Academy, but my hope is that the inventive Florence and the Machine beats out the bigger dogs in the fight to take home the gold.

Best Short Form Music Video

Will Win/Should Win - Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"

Commentary - Because anyone else would simply be wrong

London Film Critics Circle Winners

The Social Network continues its critics' streak, and Annette Bening wins over Natalie Portman (an omen?). The King's Speech takes the British awards, and will most likely win the BAFTA this Sunday.

Film of the Year: The Social Network

Actor of the Year: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Actress of the Year: Annette Bening, The Kids Are All Right
Director of the Year: David Fincher, The Social Network
British Film of the Year: The King’s Speech
British Director of the Year: Tom Hooper
Screenwriter of the Year: Aaron Sorkin
British Actor of the Year: Christian Bale
British Supporting Actor of the Year: Andrew Garfield
British Actress of the Year: Lesley Manville
British Supporting Actress of the Year: Olivia Williams

Grammy Predictions: Pop and Dance

Best Pop Vocal Album
Will Will/Should Win - Lady Gaga "The Fame/Monster"
Commentary: The album that should win Album of the Year may face competition from Perry and her nod in both categories, and unfortunately Bieber also has a shot, but I think they will go Gaga for Gaga.

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Will Win/Should Win - Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"

Commentary: Still shocked that it was snubbed for Record of the Year, but should win this category with ease.

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

Will Win - Michael Jackson "This is It"

Should Win - Michael Buble "Haven't Met You Yet"

Commentary - Buble and Bruno Mars are the biggest spoilers, but I think the Grammys will take one last opportunity to reward the King of Pop.

Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group w/Vocals

Will Win - Train "Hey Soul Sister (Live)"

Should Win - Sade "Babyfather"

Commentary - Sade's smooth vocals would be nice, but my guess is that Grammy favorites Train take home the prize.

Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals

Will Win - Elton John and Leon Russell "If It Wasn't For Bad"

Should Win - Lady Gaga and Beyonce "Telephone"

Commentary - Gaga should win another one, but my guess is that John and Russells legendary matchup will take the prize. Also look out for Imagine, simply because of the starpower.

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Will Win/Should Win - Barbra Streisand "Love is the Answer"

Commentary - Babs is back, and is performing. My guess this is her welcome back gift.

Best Electronica/Dance Album

Will Win/Should Win - La Roux "La Roux"

Commentary: Their crossover hit Bulletproof should help them secure them over previous winners The Chemical Brothers.

Best Dance Recording 

Will Win - Lady Gaga "Dance in the Dark"

Should Win - Robyn "Dancing on My Own"

Commentary - I would love to see Robyn take home a Grammy for her Techno comeback, but my guess is that Queen Gaga sweeps. Also watch out for Rihanna. 

Grammy Predictions: Rock and Alternative

Best Rock Album
Will Win: Muse "The Resistance"
Should Win: Neil Young "Le Noise"

Commentary: In a weak year for Rock music, Neil Young should get this award. But my guess is that the legend status of Young, Petty, and Pearl Jam splits votes allowing the more hip Muse to take home the prize.

Best Rock Song

Will Win: Muse "Resistance"

Should Win: The Black Keys "Tighten Up"

Commentary: This category is tricky as Muse, Kings of Leon, and The Black Keys are all possibilites. I am going with Muse, as they seem to be the most popular of the bunch.

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance
Will Win: John Mayer "Crossroads"
Should Win: Neil Young "Angry World"
Commentary: Mayer will likely beat out four better alternatives simply because he was well represented this year in terms of nominations, and the Grammys love him. But watch out for McCartney and Young.

Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo/Group w/Vocals
Will Win: Muse "Resistance"
Should Win: The Black Keys "Tigthen Up"
Commentary: Once again, Muse will probably win over the much more-deserving Black Keys. Watch out for Arcade Fire.

Best Alternative Music Album
Should Win/Will Win: Arcade Fire "The Suburbs"
Commentary: This brilliant gem snagged an Album of the Year nod, and while it will most likely not win that category, it should take this one easily.

Grammy Predictions: R&B

Best Male R&B Performance
Will Win: Usher "There Goes My Baby"
Should Win: El DeBarge "Second Chance"
Commentary: El DeBarge could be a spoiler, but my guess is that Ushers catchy tune takes the prize.

Best Female R&B Performance
Will Win: Fantasia "Bittersweet"
Should Win: Jazmine Sullivan "Holding You Down"

Commentary: I see this as a three-way race between Sullivan, Monica, and the lady I predict to ride her comeback and personal troubles all the way to a long-overdue Grammy win, Fantasia.

Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo/Group w/ Vocals

Will Win: John Legend & The Roots "Shine"

Should Win: Sade "Solider of Love"

Commentary: While I'm still dissapointed in Sade's general category snubs, I still don't think they even have a shot here, as Legend and the Roots could sweep their categories.

Best R&B Album

Will Win/Should Win: John Legend and The Roots "Wake Up!"
Commentary: This socially conscience album should upstage the comback stories on its tale (Monica and Fantasia)

Best Contemporary R&B Album
Will Win: Usher "Raymond vs. Raymond"
Should Win: Janelle Monae "The ArchAndroid"
Commentary: What an awesome night it will be if Janelle Monae wins this award. However, I feel that Usher's hitmaker Raymond vs. Raymond will overpower Monae and take home another Grammy.

Best R&B Song
Will Win/Should Win: Shine
Commentary: While the Oscars may have shamefully snubbed this song, the Grammys will most likely make up for it, if not for the song, then at least for the star power of The Roots and John Legend.

Best Urban/Alternative Performance
Will Win/Should Win: Cee-Lo "Fuck You"
Commentary: While it should win Record of the Year, my guess is that this wonderfully old-school/dirty word anthem will have to settle for this award instead.

Best Traditional R&B Performance
Will Win - John Legend & The Roots "Hang On In There"
Should Win - Betty Wright "Go [Live]
Commentary - I would love to see Wright win, but I think Legend's got this one.