The Oscars

Over the past few weeks the air has been filled with talk and worry that the Oscars would not go on. Finally all has settled down and calm has once again passed through the media.

2007 was an amazing year for movies, giving us films that range from a determined cooking rat to an inspirational story of a young man’s cross country journey to find himself. Now that the oscar nominees have been announced the world of movies has only heightened in excitement. With amazing films and exceptionally talented actors to choose from, the Academy has many difficult decisions to make.

Daniel Day-Lewis is the favorite to win best actor in a leading role for his chilling performance in “There Will be Blood.” It is hard to say for sure when his fellow nominees include some of Hollywood’s most talented. Johnny Depp, for his brilliant musical performance in “Sweeney Todd,” is following closely behind “Michael Clayton” star George Clooney. And who could forget Tommy Lee Jones for his role in the heartbreaking film, “In the Valley of Elah” or Viggo Mortensen’s performance in “Eastern Promises?”

The award for best supporting actor is proving to be less of a competition. If Javier Bardem does not take the prize for his amazingly creepy performance in “No Country for Old Men,” everyone will be shocked. But it would be nice to see Hal Holbrook receive recognition for his heart-wrenching character in “Into the Wild.” When it comes to the female nominees, everything seems less clear.

For best actress, Julie Christie’s performance in “Away From Her” seems to be the favorite, but when put with Ellen Page’s priceless role as a witty and pregnant teen in “Juno.” it is hard not to hope that this young star will take home the Oscar. Still all is up in the air with Cate Blanchett, “Elizabeth: the Golden Age,” Marion Cotillard, “La Vie en Rose,” and Laura Linney, “The Savages,” all having given remarkable performances as well. Cate Blanchett has two chances to win an award on the night of the Oscars, not only for her role in “Elizabeth: the Golden Age” but also in the category for best supporting actress, for her flawless embodiment of Bob Dylan in the independent film “I’m Not There.” Also in this category is Rudy Dee for “American Gangster,” Saoirse Ronan for “Atonement,” Amy Ryan for “Gone Baby Gone,” and Tilda Swinton for “Michael Clayton.”

Of course the category that everyone is most anxious about is best movie. A forbidden love, a pregnant 17-year-old, a corporate conspiracy, a hunt for stolen drug money, and an oil driller each contain the potential to be the next Academy Award winner for best movie. “Atonement,” based on the novel by Ian McEwan, starring Keira Knightly and James Macavoy, is a sensational account of their love affair, torn apart by a lie that results in everlasting effects. Having already clinched the Golden Globe for Best Picture, “Atonement” stands a good chance at achieving the oscar for best movie. “Juno,” on the other hand, is a compelling story focused on the journey of a pregnant teenager and her troubles with relationships. One of which is with the chosen adoptive parents, played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. The originality of the screenplay and the unforgettable wittiness of Ellen Page, offer “Juno” a great chance of success at the Oscars. “Michael Clayton” is another nominee for best movie. This story of corporate conspiracy and lies is both intense and thrilling. While the plot may not have been the most original, the cinematography and acting is something that does not compare to any of the films with a similar story line. However, the two films that it truly comes down to are “No Country for Old Men” and “There Will be Blood.” “No Country for Old Men” is a new take on an old Western, beautifully constructed by the very talented Coen brothers. With suspense that is unlike anything ever created in a film and acting that is breathtaking, it is hard to deny this film positive recognition. Ironically, the film that is giving “No Country for Old Men” a run for its money is a film that has a large difference to the Coens’ masterpiece. “There Will be Blood” is a story about a ruthless oil driller who battles with morals and greed for success. This emotionally filled story that is both intense and thought-provoking is a film that is different from anything ever created. Now suspense has set in as the world waits for the evening of February 24th when we will see who will take home the Oscar.