When both Amy Adams and Leonardo DiCaprio won at this past weekend’s Golden Globe awards it looked like they might have momentum to get into the Oscar race. Their Globes wins, plus their BAFTA nominations make this seem very likely indeed. It is going to depend on how much the Academy “liked” August: Osage County’s Meryl Streep, and how much they “liked” The Wolf of Wall Street. The Academy is not known for having a tough stomach of late. They used to be bolder a few generations back, but now Martin Scorsese gets taken to task for being the most daring filmmaker in 2014, at 71 years old. You’d think they would tip their hat to the guy instead of acting so horrified. You’d think they’d never nominated A Clockwork Orange or something. Remember when Dr. Strangelove was a Best Picture contender?
Oh for a taste of the good old days when Best Picture didn’t mean the one your grandparents could tolerate.
To get in Amy Adams is going to have to bump one of the solid five – and it looks as though Meryl Streep might be that fifth slot to get the bumped. No, it would have nothing to do with the “controversy” at the National Board of Review, but only to do, very likely, with Streep being the most nominated actress (or actor) of all time, plus her recent win. Voters might feel as though she’s been lauded enough. Deserves got nothing to do with it. Adams, by contrast, is on the upward climb towards her first win and pulled it out for American Hustle. She has the sex thing working in her favor and, if nominated, would be the only one of the five who does. We know our Oscar voters. No little blue pill needed when a woman is having lots of sex, as Adams does in Hustle, and baring her body with youthful abandon — not to mention great acting to boot. Adams was talked about early on as someone who might be up for her first Oscar win. I think Cate Blanchett has this one in the bag but if there is anyone who can upset her it’s Adams. But all of that rests on whether or not she even gets a nomination; Oscar ballots were turned in long before the Globes held their ceremony. No SAG nomination for Adams, despite an ensemble nod for the film. Her win at the Globes is the kind of thing that could boost a contender into the big show — if there had been enough time, which there wasn’t.
That she got a BAFTA nod, however, bodes well for her chances to be that fifth slot nominee. She’ll have to replace Streep. As of today, I don’t think I’d feel confident making that call. I agree with Grantland’s Mark Harris, who has been slowly rolling out his predictions, and recently predicted the solid five — Blanchett, Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, Sandra Bullock, and Streep.
Likewise, Mr. DiCaprio could become a threat in the Best Actor category — should he even receive a nomination. Best Actor is even more cramped than Actress and these voters are going to have to really love The Wolf of Wall Street to allow him in. His appearance at the Globes was interesting. His mere presence caused such a stir. Like McConaughey, he has been acting so long, pulling out characters from dark places — and yet has never gotten an Oscar for it. DiCaprio is a Prince turned King in Hollywood now. That was evident at the Globes. He has at last graduated from the younger actor we all fell in love with in Titanic. His performance in The Wolf of Wall Street is a revelation. He can’t really compete with McConaughey in the likable character department. Leo plays a Wolf so loathsome (especially to men, I’ve found) that they would rather chew off their own arm than give him their vote. Many of them likely didn’t finish the Wolf screener because if you can’t get past that first rough 45 minutes you’ll never know the beauty, the perfection of The Wolf of Wall Street. To me, DiCaprio’s is the Performance of the Year, alongside some very formidable work from Robert Redford, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Bruce Dern, Tom Hanks, and yes, McConaughey.
For DiCaprio to get into the Best Actor race he has to bump one of the solid five — and who is that going to be? Everyone will say Robert Redford because actors like to do two things in movies: show their face and talk. Redford acts the entire film without dialogue — that could be why the SAG voters shunned his exceptional work, and could be why the actors in the Academy do same. Their whole professions revolve around their face and the words they speak. Only hard core old-timer actors, like Actors Studio actors, really know that acting is about so much more than words. And yet… Redford is likely the one who might take the hit should DiCaprio break through.
Both Adams and DiCaprio might have to rest with their Globes, or perhaps their BAFTAS, as the end of their awards journey. Or else, we will hear their names called on Thursday morning. It’s an interesting situation, don’t you think?
I forgot what I was supposed to write when I started to search for the “Moonstruck” reference. it must be so obvious that I’m not seeing it. Anyone?
Anyway… I think I’d prefer Streep getting a nom instead of Adams. I simply think Meryl did a better job although knowing what the Oscar voters are basing their votes on, I won’t be surprised if Meryl gets snubbed. That being said, I agree with whoever said that Emma Thompson should be the one out if Adams gets in. I don’t understand either why she is a lock.
Streep or Adams?
Picture the acting branch demographic. Then imagine who can get more no. 1. That’s what counts.
I think it’s Streep.
I really have a strong feeling just like her Globes win that Adams will make it. I don’t get why people are predicting Streep’s out if Adams gets in? Because he lack of BAFTA nod? I don’t think so. The most vulnerable performance for me is Dench. The Academy will vote for Streep especially with that strong and solid performance backed up by Harvey. I also doubt it’ll be Thompson. Saving Mr. Banks is her comback/return to form after being god-knows-where-have-she-been. I also think that she’ll have the British block. And Saving Mr. Banks will get enough votes for BP. It might be Bullock for the recent win but I really think its Dench who’s out even with Harvey’s backing, her performance for me as good as it is, just isn’t in the high caliber of Notes on a Scandal and Mrs. Henderson Presents (where she should have won instead of Witherspoon)…
I don’t know…
Actually I’m still happy Meryl won for TIL. Not her greatest performance, but a typical Oscar one. And she was the full lead.
Whenever she going to miss or hit tomorrow, she stays my favorite actress.
She has won something (small) for A:OC, that’s still more than she won for Bridges of Madison County for example.
It’s just ironic she might miss for one or maybe THE battiest role of her career, but the Academy has the last word.
But I’d be happy for Amy, even though she’s not going to win, she’s at least then seen as a leading lady.
I thought Bale was the better actor in AH, and should get best supporting or best actor.
Usually the performance everybody expects to miss is the one they don’t leave off the list — ask Glenn Close (and Tilda Swinton), ask Cate Blanchett (and Angelina Jolie), ask Helen Mirren (and whoever she was nominated ahead of in 2009).
I’ve been thinking about the possibility of two snubs. It’s happened.
Just imagine a line-up like
Cate Blanchett
Judi Dench
Adele Exarchopoulos
Brie Larsen
Meryl Streep
This could be hilarious. The thing is that we don’t know how much passion there is surrounding the solid five. Because Emma, Meryl, Judi Dench and Sandra Bullock really don’t have passion on their side. So any of them could miss. To me Bullock is the weakest of the five, but I’m not that much in love with Emma and Meryl either, though they’re definitely better than Bullock. So this category could turn out to have a shocker.
I can’t see Streep being left off. While no one watched her movie unfortunately, I think she gives the best female performance of the year. Honestly Amy Adams’ performance is straight up mundane compared to Streep this year.
Leo was on the Ellen show last week where she basically campaigned for him. She’s the host of this year’s Oscars. It’s not just us crazies on the interwebs this time.
Good and well-considered posts, Jason. I also think that Leo’s chances get overestimated on the Interwebs. It happens year after year.
With that said, I do think he stands a good shot at getting a nod this year. I’m completely unconvinced he’s a threat for the win, but I can see him getting enough #1 votes to squeeze out someone else for a nomination, It’s Leo or Redford for that #5 slot, both who will benefit, I believe, from the passion voting.
Despite Whitaker’s SAG nod, I don’t see him being much of a threat for a nod. I just can’t see him getting enough #1 votes to vault him onto the list. He seems more like someone who might appear at #4 or #5 on a lot of ballots, but that isn’t enough to get you an Oscar nomination. Same with Bale–it’s hard for me to see him scoring high enough on the passion index. (Plus, I absolutely refuse to believe we’re going to get four acting nominations, again, from a David O. Russell film.)
Ejiofor is cemented, as you say. McConaughey is probably locked in as well, although that lack of a nod with BAFTA is odd. Still, he’s surely in. Dern did surprisingly well with some of the big crit prizes, he has the narrative, this is his one chance to be a “leading man”,,,and Jack Nicholson calls him “Dernsy,” for Christ’s sake. He’s probably in as well. Tom Hanks is a little less certain–if there’s a shocking snub in this category, I agree with a couple other posters that it could be Tam Honks. Still, I’m not predicting it. Those last few minutes alone will probably get him in.
So we’re back to Redford vs. Leo, old vs young, fading buzz vs. controversial buzz. Pick your poison.
Ryan/Sasha, you need to update your contender tracker with the GOLDEN GLOBE wins.
@DaveInProgress: Love your taxes, death and Streep analysis- kudos!
I want to mention that Reese Witherspoon was a critical favorite in 2005, something Amy Adams is not: Witherspoon won New York and National Society of Film Critics honors before being a SAG, Globe (BAFTA?) and Oscar winner for Walk the Line- she was not missing that award.
In terms of the Best Actress race- I’m calling old cards:
Blanchett
Bullock
Dench
Streep
Thompson
What do all of these lovely ladies have in common?
– Previous Oscar winners
– Respected veterans at the PEAK of their craft
– Big, juicy and STARRING roles in their films- each of them command the screen in their own way. Anyone saying Bullock was just “screaming in space” must have (SPOILER—) missed the part where she confesses to George Clooney about the death of her daughter, and this confession is told DURING an oxygen crisis. Bullock more than deserves her spot among the best actress nominees. Ditto for Dench, who at over 80 can carry a movie in her arms and prove once again why she’s one of the best working today.
Say what you want about Saving Mr. Banks, the movie is making plenty of it at the box-office and it’s Emma Thompson doing what she does best. If there ever was a woman who was going to get nominated purely because of their personality and market value, who better than Ms. Thompson- who I declare would make an awesome Oscar host! Even if she somewhat sleepwalks through the film (except that exceptional final curtain), she’s been on the marketing scene. And anyone predicting Saving Mr. Banks to be a Best Picture nominee would be fools to leave off Thompson, the sole reason to see the film (sorry Mr. Hanks, wasn’t buying your Disney schtick).
This leaves Meryl Streep or Amy Adams.
The former is a 3-time Oscar champ, 17 nods under her Prada belt and still going strong in the acting game. Plus, if you have not seen August: Osage County you’re missing Meryl in top-form: She truly is a hoot! It’s a dark comic performance that should have won the Comedy Globe over Adams’ NOT funny work in American Hustle. Streep has gotten in for far less loud work (Music of the Heart was the big head-scratcher, though I loved her in it). Will she be denied because she missed a BAFTA nod? Seriously?
Amy Adams on the other hand is a charming actress, also one the academy likes – 4 nods in supporting roles (though The Master and Junebug are the only ones she deserved). She’s not a leading presence in American Hustle, despite her strong opening and big speech to Bale. Just because she won the Globe means nothing since voting is closed.
We live in an age where we react to the newest announcements. That’s why when Viola Davis won the SAG in 2011 most apparently forgot Streep had won the Drama Globe, and switched their predictions. What happens on Saturday when the SAG awards are handed out and Adams isn’t even in contention? I don’t see anyone tweeting about her then.
Streep is in; Adams out.
I think people are really overestimating Leonardo DiCaprio. I personally am a huge fan, but he does not have the best luck when it comes to the Academy Awards. Just because The Wolf of Wall Street got DGA and PGA nods means nothing for non-SAG nodded DiCaprio, who has had shaky history:
Titanic and The Departed, both Best Picture winners- and he was not among the Best Actor nominees. The latter, his film by far- wins top dice yet they cite him for the less enthusiastic Blood Diamond.
Last year, he stars in popular Django Unchained, wins NBR and seems destined to finally take an Oscar- and the academy ignores him in favor of Christoph Waltz, who then wins number 2.
With such a crowded field, who exactly does Mr. DiCaprio bump off? I currently have him (barely) predicted because of his surprise Golden Globe victory, but even here the Oscar votes were already in before winners announced.
Older voters DO NOT LIKE pretty boys. If they do, only 1 man can get in – this year, that slot is for Matthew McConaughey.
I can’t see Bruce Dern or Tom Hanks being ignored for their big roles in Best Picture contenders, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is cemented.
That leaves us DiCaprio vs. Christian Bale, Robert Redford and Forest Whitaker. Are people FORGETTING that Whitaker got a SAG nomination??? Has this information not been processed on iPads across the world? That is a VERY big deal, especially in such a crowded race. And Whitaker as the Emotional factor and a character people care about, something DiCaprio’s character is slyly lacking.
Then there’s the business of Robert Redford. Another old school pretty boy who has also been cursed with bad luck from the academy – acting wise. His only nomination was for The Sting (1974), yet he was impressive but snubbed for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Way We Were and most shockingly- All The President’s Men. He of course then went on to directing Ordinary People, won Best Director, then slept with Demi Moore in Indecent Proposal and finally won an honorary Oscar. But he is a New York Film Critics champion for All is Lost, and if ever there was a chance for voters to make it up to old Redford, this is it.
Christian Bale will make it in only if the horrific marketing of American Hustle allows voters to somewhat be blinded by what can actually be called a worthy performance; the wig and makeup cover most of Bale’s character, and he does nothing inspiring.
So good luck Leo fans- I will be more than happy if he makes it, but of all years, this would be one where we could see him miss…again.
He can’t really compete with McConaughey in the likable character department.
I don’t know about that. What’s the definition of likable here? McConaughey played a bigot. He only changed because of his situation. DiCaprio’s Belfort was a bad dude, but he had lots of pizazz. I don’t know if that’s easy. Ron Woodroof is a victim and Jordan Belfort is a victimizer. So on paper, Woodroof wins. But is that how people really decide who they like? I think the charisma factor is on Leo’s side.
About Dench. Why is she a lock? I only read awards season articles here. But I never got the sense that there was a groundswell for her performance or anything. It seems like a normal day at work for her. Maybe I haven’t been paying attention but figured if Amy bumped someone it would be her.
Not sure why people think if Adams gets in she bumps Streep. Why can’t it be that Adams is second in behing Blanchett and Streep getting in would bump Thompson, or Dench getting in would bump Bullock? The Oscar nominations is the only process where the acting branch ONLY, RANKS the nominees. For BAFTA the entire voting body nominates actors and it is not preferential; they do rank them in BAFTA but that only comes in to play if there is a tie in nomination process. Seriously, I have a hard time seeing Bullock getting #1 votes over the others.
That bar gets higher the more movies you see and the older you get.
That’s true for us, but for AMPAS? “It’s limbo time!”
I keep thinking how crazy the Oscar race is!!!
if Streep had not won fot The Iron Lady two years ago, the main discussion here would be Blanchett vs Streep. She would have been a lock! She could even win!!!!
I think she truly deserves a nomination!
As for diCaprio, it’s funny that he is not a lock, but that everything can change IF he gets nominated. He has been snubbed so many times that the main thing right now is if he will be snubbed again!
If he gets nominated, I believe he can be the frontrunner and even win!!!
It’s crazy how we know for sure that Blanchett will be nominated and win, but at the guy’s side, we still have to wait and see if the best performance will even be nominated!
Keifer, I totally agree..
Meryl Streep really did give one of her best performances EVER! Yes, the film was uneven, perhaps due to the one hour of material that they’ve decided to trim from the play, but the actresses were magnificent.
The only reason one wouldn’t nominate Streep for this is if they haven’t seen the film. The film icons that are Streep and Roberts are way more deserving than Adams and Lawrence playing dress up.
@Keifer – the inevitable things in life – taxes, death and Meryl Streep giving a great performance! It is a given, even when the movie is not so hot, she is. I think even she would champion an Amy Adams mention having publicly spruiked her support for Amy after they collaborated in Doubt and Julie and Julia. I’m with you on Julia Roberts – best performance ever (although i believe she was miscast, they needed her profile and name). I loved the dignity of Chris Cooper, the vulnerability of Benedict Cumberbatch and the nuanced Margo Martindale. I really liked Julianne Nicholson (perhaps the best cast of the group) and Dermot Mulroney who gives charm and flesh to a scuzzball of a character. Sam Shephard – wow, an American icon.
I loved the time i spent watching it, but personally prefer more soulful outings like Hugo, Life of Pi, Amour – movies that transform and move me as well as give me that sense of wonder of what is possible with storytelling. That bar gets higher the more movies you see and the older you get.
IMO, there will be a surprise list a la when Marion Cotillard got in, and there will be Adele Exarchopoulos on it.
Amy Adams
Cate Blanchett
Sandra Bullock
Adele Exarchopoulos
Emma Thompson
I just see the passionate voting blocks for these, and I doubt there is one for Philomena or Streep, who just won.
As for Best Actor, it’s anyone’s guess at this point but I guess BALE will cut through because he’s anchoring the passionately-loved-by-many frontrunner.
So it’s
Bale
Dern
DiCaprio
Ejiofor
McConaughey –
with Hanks alt. Dern I guess.
Blanchett will win anyway. ANYone can win among men.
Just saw “August: Osage County” last weekend.
Streep gives one of her very best performances EVER. It’s right up there with her work in Sophie’s Choice, Out of Africa and Silkwood.
I was not a fan of “The Iron Lady” (or her in it) . . . so it was so great to see her in this role. She deserves a 4th Oscar. Actually, I wish Best Actress would end up being a tie (like 1968) between Streep and Blanchett. I truly can’t make up my mind for whom I would vote.
Also, I’ve never, ever been a fan of Julia Roberts . . . but oh-my-god, this is truly the best performance she has ever given in any movie. Period. I can’t believe I’m even writing this . . . but she deserves the Best Supporting Actress trophy. I’ve never seen her inhabit a character more fiercely or convincingly on screen (and that includes Erin Brokovich).
In fact, all the actors impressed me in this movie . . . supporting kudos to Chris Cooper (deserving of a Best Supporting Actor) and Juliette Lewis and Margo Martindale (also deserving of Best Supporting Actress nods).
Harvey, you pulled out another Oscar winner with this vehicle.
My admiration to all. It’s really one of the best movies of the year.
And should easily win Best Ensemble at the upcoming SAG awards.
I suspect that both Adams and DiCaprio are getting nominated. In Best Actor, I tend to agree with Sasha that it would be Redford who gets bumped to make way for DiCaprio.
However, in Best Actress I’m not so sure. Everybody (or almost) says that Streep will get bumped if Adams gets in…but what about Emma Thompson? Saving Mr. Banks has not really taken off as well as it might have, and that might hurt her chances, especially if Harvey has really been doing the push to make sure that Streep gets in.
@unlikely hood – i also extricated Marcia Gay Harden from the annals of history recently, but didn’t use it as cleverly as your good self.
The random choice that can occur in Support actor or actress seems to rarely if ever happen in the lead category. Others have been mentioned and i always cite Mercedes Ruehl and Rachel Wiesz, Marisa Tomei as seemingly random choices in years that the winner was pretty much left field. The Academy has often rewarded obscure performances and also non actors or one off type achievements but almost never for leading categories. But happy to sit corrected on that!
I think Bullock is in; Dench and Thompson and of course Blanchett; but that 5th spot could go to a number of worthy if not lesser profiled names or movies.
I do think if Adams gets into leading, the one she bumps is Dench. Yes, Dench was amazing but frankly, her movie not the same level of fame and support as the others and may be not enough to get in. The Academy really seems hot for “Hustle” which plays into Adams as she’s central to the movie there so if she gets in, I think it’s over Dench rather than Streep (let’s face it, Meryl Streep can do a five minute cameo in a Farrley Brothers movie and the Academy will nominate her).
@Jorge, you need to learn to use punctuation. Your first post is almost impossible to understand.. And by what accounts is Cate’s win recent? And to me and I’m sure to many she should have at least 2 oscars.
Also.. I’m with those who think Bullock’s performance is actually overrated. I think she delivers a good performance but not a Oscar worthy one. My opinion.
And about Hanks, come on people, he is brilliant in CP. And not just the last 20 minutes. The movie is a thriller yes but a perfectly executed one and he builds up his character like a true master.
I am wondering if it’s possible Adams would get bumped to “Supporting” and thus edge out Lawrence. I know it seems unlikely but not the first time the Academy has shifted like this (remember 2009 when every other awards had Kate Winslet in Supporting for “The Reader” but the Academy made it a leading role instead). If that happens, would hint more for an Adams victory there, might be a way for Academy voters to honor her and still leave the field open for the rest of the worthy contenders. I know unlikely but a possibility; after all, if last year’s noms proved anything, you can NEVER predict what the Academy will do.
It’s true that if either get in, they’ll have an excellent chance of Marcia Gay Hardening their way to a win. No one predicted her nom for Pollock. After she got in, voters said ok, we’ll look at that then. And she was the upset winner.
If American Hustle gets 3 acting nominations in 3 categories, I won’t predict an outcome, but I WILL predict that several people around here will point out – independently of each other, in fact, without knowing that someone else said it – that when films get 3 or more acting nods in 3 different categories they become Best Picture favorites who eventually LOSE – A Streetcar Named Desire, Virginia Woolf?, Network, Reds. Exception: Cuckoo’s Nest
I really think I was the first person here to predict that if Leo got in for WOWS, he would win. This was back when some thought the film wouldn’t get released in 2013…November? I’d have to go back and look.
My top 5 best actress
1.Brie Larson
2.Cate Blanchett
3.Adele Exarchoupolous
4.Greta Gerwig
5.Katie Chang
Who will get nominated
1.Cate Blanchett
2.Sandra Bullock
3.Judi Dench
4.Amy Adams
5.Brie Larson (that’s right I said it I’ll have the last laugh Oscar morning)
At first thought i could not imagine Amy Adams winning over the tour de force performances from Streep, Dench, Thompson but then I remembered two words – Reece Witherspoon! Reece was the co-lead but not the best thing about Walk the Line, but she prevailed (albeit in a not so powerful category – Felicity Huffman perhaps her nearest competition).
But the fact there is doubt expressed here that she even be nominated, it seems a stretch to suggest if she did she goes on to win. But stranger things have happened. I have loved Amy Adams all the way, and like many AD readers have watched her multiple noms in less than a decade and wondered when this delightfully talented and versatile actress will win an award. Norrnally i would say a GG is kinda meaningless, but her winning over Streep is significant, but then Gerwig, Louis Dreyfus and Delpy were never going to be much of a threat were they?
As i said before, it was so lovely to see Amy and Leonardo on a podium actually accepting. He was not the reserved and elusive chap he often seems to be, and she is not just being interviewed on a red carpet about what she is wearing. It is high time both these actors were given their dues. The arguments have been made before about handsome movie stars often being overlooked by AMPAS, and that Leo may be shut out for some time yet, but he is such a fascinatingly intense and committed actor.
I’ve started my kegel training in anticipation of Wolf St opening here next month! Go Leo Go!
Adams is going to knockout Bullock, not Streep…and everyone will be (horrors!) shocked. But they shouldn’t be. Streep, Adams, Dench, Thompson, and Blanchett put forth completely three-dimensional characters in outstanding literate films. Bullock just acted “scared” in a film with a one-dimensional story.
McConaughey won the Oscar with his splendid Golden Globe acceptance speech (that along with terrific acting in DBC)
agree about DiCaprio….roaring great performance….. IMO, O’Toole would have loved it.
There’s FIVE people involved in this last minute musical chairs. Amy Adams, as you’ve stated, v. Meryl Streep & Leonardo Di Caprio v. Robert Redford.
PLUS Harvey Weinstein! You can’t leave Harvey out of this equation and he’s backing Meryl. So Meryl does get in and Amy is left out in the Golden Globe cold, even though she may win for Best Comedy Actress at the BFCA.
Since HW, is NOT in the Best Actor equation here, it’s more than likely Leo beats Redford,for whom the word on the street is not good.
However, HW has two other actors Forest Whitaker, already awarded and VERY well liked, and Idris Elba. Could he get one or both of them in at Leo’s expense? Well, it’s something to think about. You KNOW he’s going to try.
Suck it up people bullock Is a lock as much as blanchett is period!
Amy Adams has been a better actress in 5 years than bullock in 25 I won’t deny that but there is no way in hell that the performance of Adams is better than bullock in gravity ok ?
Stop to hate bullock and Lawrence just because they are popular And
Doesn’t take themselves to seriously
I think both Amy and Leo are in. Sure, Meryl is an Oscar legend, but the Academy loves Adams quite a bit too so I don’t think it’s a crazy idea to suggest she beats out Meryl. I personally loved her performance in AH, and the film is surging. I also think Leo is in because I don’t think Redford makes the list; I don’t buy the “he’s overdue” argument because he (Redford) has only a single acting nomination under his belt. Leo on the other hand has 3, and I feel like WoWS will get some nominations now that everyone has actually seen the film (SAG clearly didn’t).
I agree with anyone who says Dicaprio should bump Hanks and Adams should bump Dench. Full stop.
That said, if I had a vote (and I did for the AD poll!):
Actress:
Bullock
Gerwig
Delpy
Thompson
Blanchett
Actor:
Dicaprio
Isaac
Bale
Ejiofor
McConaughey
I thought Leo was so amazing in wolf, I really hope his name is called on Thursday. He was such a star at the globes. His speech was so gracious and his press conference was great too. He brought his mother as his date and what can I say if I saw him walking down the street I’d probably pass out!
Calling these is really a crap shoot. I love Amy Adams, but I think her nomination would signify “coat tails” for the film – plus the sex factor, which she didn’t seem to be that comfortable with as an actress. I found Streep’s work in AOC to be uneven – great some of the time but not so great other times (the direction and screenplay had problems). Upshot: Too tough to call.
Leo deserves a nomination, and I agree with those who feel Hanks is vulnerable, but I think its an uphill climb for DiCaprio. And considering all the great work McCanaughey has done the past few years, I wish he’d get nominated for something better than what he did in DBC.
Best Actor:
Ejiofor
McConaughey
Dern
Phoenix
Hanks
Best Actress:
Exarchopoulos
Streep
Blanchett
Thompson
Larson
These are both truly such tough calls.
My final guess says DiCaprio beats out Redford for the nomination.
Dern
DiCaprio
Ejiofor
Hanks
McConaughey
For Best Actress, I see alternate scenarios beyond Streep vs. Adams. What if Bullock got a surprising snub? The thing about Adams is, if you loved the movie, you loved Amy Adams, and you likely thought she gave the best and most essential performance in the movie (along with Bale)–that’s what I think anyway. It’s all deception, self-deception, always two layers at once, representative of the whole movie. And I think lots of people loved American Hustle, and recognized exactly that. So she will be in a very strong place. But how can you say no to Streep’s performance? Only if you haven’t seen the movie. But enough people will have seen it and will put Streep in the top 3 female performances of the year. HOWEVER, Bullock (or Thompson) might be #4 or #5 on lots of lists. That just might make the difference. Yes, my prediction says surprise snub of Sandra Bullock. It could certainly happen. Prediction:
Adams
Blanchett
Dench
Streep
Thompson
so streep misses out because she didnt get a bafta nod? but matthew didnt so… i mean what kinda logic is that lol.
yeah, streep def did not give the weakest actress performance. as quite a few have said its sandra bullock. both adams and streep deserve to be in as imo both were great
. i am trying to see WOWs before Thurs to comment on leo though!!!
… and these are the two real dark horses of the race, not just for the nom, but for the win itself.
Leo may channel all the love that “The Wolf of Wall Street” may get from the acting branch. It’s been over 20 years from his first nomination and plenty of people think he should have a couple of statuettes already in his hand, and has snubbed also plenty of times. It’s high time, and he had an excellent year with a body of work of range that, oddly enough, focus on two characters with similar characteristics (the other one being “The Great Gatsby”, of course). Given that Lead Actor is far from being a locked up race (on the contrary, we would be hardly surprised by any name, being read), Leo may be coming full steam at Oscar night.
Adams is a similar case, her biggest problem is that Blanchett seems a done deal. But with Dench and Streep not catching enough fire, with Bullock declining as Gravity seems now focused on Directing and technicals… Adams looks likely for a 5th nomination, and it all will depend on how much the acting branch think they owe anything to Blanchett and how much they loved American Hustle.
I still think that the winners at Oscar night will be both Drama GG winners, but watch out for these two, they are in the race.
Funny, when I first saw “American Hustle,” I really enjoyed it but wasn’t blown away by it. But all these weeks later, the one thing that stands out in my mind about it is Amy Adams. So while I can’t say she deserves to be nominated instead of Streep, Dench or Thompson (none of whom I’ve yet seen), I can say her performance made an impact on me.
As for “The Wolf of Wall Street,” I wish at least one person would acknowledge that it’s possible to dislike that movie not because the content was too much to take but simply because it wasn’t very good. I’ve loved all of Scorsese’s “tough” films (“Mean Streets,” “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “GoodFellas”) so it’s not about being safe. It’s that I thought “WoWS” was a hot mess and Leonardo DiCaprio’s hammy scene chewing was grating. People too often mistake loud and showy for good acting, and in my opinion that’s the case with Leo this year.
Best Actress:
Amy Adams
Cate Blanchett
Sandra Bullock
Judi Dench
Emma Thompson
Best Actor:
Leonardo DeCaprio
Bruce Dern
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Tom Hanks
Matthew McConaughey
Cate has Best Actress in the bag. Maybe McConaughey is the frontrunner for Best Actor, I’m not so sure yet. I’m still waiting for an upset at the SAG Awards by Ejiofor.
I’m going to predict Leo gets nominated but Amy doesn’t. That reflects the strength of the performances, and really of the writing, not the actors’ abilities. I say that because while I find Leo fascinating in the right role, he has been hit or miss in the last several years. Overdue nonetheless. And Amy is one of the hardest-working people in Hollywood, generally unsung for it, and also really talented and more versatile than practically all of her peers.
I love Hustle and think it’s much more deserving of the acting nomination sweep than Silver Linings was. But it’s SUCH an ensemble film, and Lawrence and Cooper such scene-stealers with more unpredictable characters, that I can live without Adams and Bale getting nominated. For the record I would probably bump Dern for Bale and (or really Hugh Jackman), and that’s assuming I don’t think much of his performance if I ever get to see it. I prefer Adams to Bullock, and of course she isn’t the least bit vulnerable, but let’s be honest, anyone other than Bullock, Hanks, and Streep would NEVER get a nomination for a genre film. And the dramatic material in Gravity isn’t THAT meaty or multidimensional. But anyway, rant over. If Bullock I will probably scream in shock louder than Kate Capshaw in Indiana Jones and Naomi Watts in King Kong, put together. Rant over.
Adams was great, it’s just that she’s overshadowed and her competition have more challenging roles. Meryl’s first scene was awkward (blame the director more than her–and do you think anyone directs Meryl anymore or she just does it all herself?). Then it’s another for de force and the meatiest part she’s had in years, certainly the *meatiest* and best written dramatic part she’s had since A Cry in the Dark. Normally she would get in, and even if she doesn’t give a damn herself, I would feel bad for her that they excluded her mostly because take her for granted.
Meryl and Julia were the best things about August, but I may be in the minority saying Meryl was best in show. Not that Julia wasn’t excellent and truly rising above the script, but she just had so little to do, mostly reacting to Meryl. So I completely agree with their category placements and think both deserve nominations.
If Hustle gets all four acting nominations, does Lawrence win again? If both leads miss, it won’t win Picture. I can see Amy Adams missing a la Richard Gere for Chicago and the film could still win. Still, as strong as Leo is, if Amy can unseat Meryl, Bale can totally get in.
The Oscars don’t give nominations very easily. With that being said, Leo is in a very good spot. He’ll be in a great spot cone Thursday. Keeping fingers crossed.
I knew that starting with the BAFTA nods it would be a make or break week for him.
So far he is 2 for 2 – got the BAFTA nod and won at the Globes. I hope he’ll be 4 for 4 by Thursday – I.e get the Oscar Bod win at the BFCA Best Comedy Actor.
rooting for both!
To me, DiCaprio’s is the Performance of the Year
I agree. I consider it Leo’s best performance ever. He truly deserves an Oscar nomination for this performance.
This time I prefer to see Streep over Adams .adams was the weakest performance in AH ,Jennifer Lawrence stole the completely show to her , dench or Thompson should be out in favor or Adele
Bullock is a lock ,like it or hate it ,period
And is the only one who can beat blanchett wich I see difficult blanchett was good but the movie is so average ,I don’t think blanchett should win for that performance she will be back for a better performance and not gonna win because she won recently just like this year Jennifer Lawrence she shouldn’t have won last year and this year where she actually deserves to win won’t happen because she is not ready to be a two times oscar winner
My favorite actor and my fav Actress be nominee in the same year 🙂 it’s only gonna be better if Leo and Amy wins and see Scorsese Winning too
Also…DiCaprio and Adams ! Aww, Catch me if you can reunion on Awardsdaily !
I have this weird feeling Tom Hanks will be left off. To me, he comes off as the Best Actor contender who has respect but no passion. McConaughey, Ejiofor, Dern, DiCaprio, Redford ALL have very vocal and passionate fanbases…and that’s why I wouldn’t be surprised if they were the final five. Having said that, I do predict Hanks to get a nod, only a considerably more unexpected one : his first supporting for Saving Mr. Banks.
Also re:Adams, what may also hurt her that the ladies of the consensus five ALL carry their movies, even Streep who though part of a big ensemble, is most certainly the glue that holds them all together, meanwhile Adams is part of a big ensemble and I honestly don’t think that she carries the film or that she deserves a nod over anyone from the consensus quintet.
P.s. We are greatly underestimating Bale who has better precursors than DiCaprio and Redford and is in the potential BP frontrunner.
It is AMY ADAMS fifteenth year in HOLLYWOOD she got a surprise from GOLDEN GLOBE and she might even get a big surprise for OSCAR .If AMY ADAMS acted in BLUE JASMINE surely AMY ADAMS might have won also.in drama category.Since BLUE JASMINE is more of a female oriented movie more screen space was allotted to CATE BLANCHETT and nothing more.AMY is also a brilliant actress.Surely AMY ADAMS might win for her role in BIG EYES since that too is a female oriented movie
The thing is that even if Adams is nominated, she is not going to win this year. She was nominated last year as well. I can definitely see her sneak in as well.
As for DiCaprio, he has a narrative for the win. He may not be the favourite but he is a threat. I think he’ll be nominated. I am impressed that Sasha thinks that his is the performance of the year. His speech at the Globes was very classy and eloquent.
I think that he’ll make it in. Plus, he’s winning the Best Comedy Actor at the BFCA which will further improve his buzz. The BAFTA will be tricky. He should have really been nominated at the SAG over Whitaker but it was a late show.
If Leo plays his cards right (so far he has) he can really go for it. To me, he’s definitely in. After he got in the BAFTA, I was more relaxed about his chances and now with the GG win it’s a no brainer. I hope it is true. I know Sasha will be very happy for him.
Eric,
“Bite off their own hand” would’ve been more faithful.”
I think if DiCaprio is nominated he will win. Voters will review his performance — he’s in almost every scene of the film.
I am almost ready to make my final predictions, but let me throw a couple of curve balls out there:
Best Actor
I feel, like 98% of everyone, Ejiofor, McConaughey, and Hanks are carved in wood. Pretty sure Dern gets the fourth slot, but he too could miss out – which would make me very sad. So if Redford does not make the list, DiCaprio could get in – or are we going to end up having that “See, the Academy don’t like him!” debate come Thursday again?
As good as they were I seriously doubt Bale {American Hustle is all about the women now} or even Elba can sneak in. I also feel bad for Isaac and, to not the same extent, Whitaker, as both Inside Llewyn Davis and The Butler are sinking fast after looking so prominent early on. My final thought on this is that even though awards campaigning repels Phoenix, am I the only one that can see him taking that fifth slot for Her – long shot I know…
Best Actress
Let’s be bold and say Blanchett is the only certainty here for a nomination. Okay, I’ll give you Bullock too. But that’s it. I think…
The thought of Streep getting bumped out seems like madness – because of who she is to the Academy rather than the actual performace. But isn’t August: Osage County fading away a bit now? Like Saving Mr Banks? Could Thompson miss out? In some ways I am more certain Adams will get in than Thompson and Streep. Madness I know. The other women have won Oscars already, give Greta Gerwig, Brie Larson and Adele Exarchopoulos some well deserved limelight…
Halting the walk on the wildside though I think we pretty much know the line-ups, and not much going into the nominations really suggests something unexpected. Adams and DiCaprio to me would not be unexpected. Just a shame there are only five slots.
I was disappointed by McConaughey’s performance. Beyond the physical change in his appearance, his acting really didn’t go all that deep. I expected much more. It would be a shame if DiCaprio is left out. It’s his most uninhibited performance yet. I loved it. I also loved Oscar Isaac’s work but he doesn’t have a chance.
I think DiCaprio will make the cut, he has this careerbestconsensus glow around him, similar to what Phoenix had last year, I don’t think Adams will pull through, though. Had voting ended only one week later than it did, she would have been an easy upset, but with voting ending barely after her somewhat surprising Bafta nomination and long before her Golden Globe win, I think perception was still favoring the consensus quintet (Blanchett, Dench, Bullock, Thompson, Streep) when it actually mattered Oscar-wise.
Adele Exarchopoulos was better than Bullock and Adams. Period.
i’m rooting for adams over streep. i’m sick of streep giving great performances in mediocre movies. look at the nominations she’s had for best actress… the iron lady…one true thing….music of the heart… yawn after yawn after yawn… to me it is about having a great performance in a great film.
I think Dicaprio actually has a pretty strong shot which is great despite the mixed reception of the film.
I rather they just nominate Adams for supporting actress for Her. Her character in Hustle falls somewhere in the background in the 2nd half and has very little to do or say. I’ve even noticed some have argued that she’s supporting in Hustle. She’s definitely more lead than Lawrence, but the film is such an ensemble piece that there are many beats without Bale or Adams.
My top five:
1. Bullock
2. Exarchopoulos
3. Larson
4. Dench
5. Blanchett
Also, since 2000, only two of the Golden Globe winners for Best Actress (Musical/Comedy) have not reaped nominations:
Renee Zellweger for “Nurse Betty” (2000)
and
Sally Hawkins for “Happy Go-Lucky”.
This bodes well in Amy Adams’ favor.
Conversely, on the actor side, 7 of the past Musical/Comedy winners have failed to reap bids:
George Clooney for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000)
Gene Hackman for “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001)
Richard Gere for “Chicago” (2002)
Sacha Baron Cohen for “Borat” (2006)
Colin Farrell for “In Bruges” (2008)
Robert Downey, Jr. for “Sherlock Holmes” (2009)
and
Paul Giamatti for “Barney’s Version” (2010)
This does not bode well for DiCaprio. Although, for the past two years, the winner has reaped a bid, and Jean Dujardin even won the Oscar in 2011.
(All right. It’s just come up. Thanks, Ryan and/or Sasha.)
I think, if both get nominated (hope so), DiCaprio has most chances at winning than Adams. Blanchett is a lock, but in the actor race, needer of them is… I think Chiwetel Ejiofor is the main contender, but with McConaughey Golden Globe win (unfortunately) things may have change… However this may give a chance to DiCaprio… If actors membership are undecided why not vote for DiCaprio!??! For me, he gave the best performance this year, and he is so overdue!!
Top 5:
Bruce Dern
Leonardo DiCaprio
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Tom Hanks
Robert Redford
The question I have in the Adams vs. Streep debate is this–which performance is more likely to get the #1 votes? Is Adams’ performance really the sort that voters would rank as the #1 best performance by a lead actress of 2013, especially when she tends to get lost in the shuffle a bit in the third act? I can see how some voters might rank Streep #1–voters who love those big, loud, “no one is S’POSED to smoke!” Actressy performances. I’m not so sure about Adams.
On the other hand, she’s in the film that is far more popular, so…I don’t know.
I’m also wrestling with the DiCaprio vs. Redford debate. #1 voting seems like it could help them both. If DiCaprio gets in, though, I doubt he’s a threat for the win. You need passion to get nominated, which could help DiCaprio, but you need consensus to win, and I think WoWS is probably too divisive for him to come out on top in a consensus vote.
Why has everyone turned against Captain Phillips all of a sudden?
It’s an excellent movie with Tom Hanks giving his best performance since Cast Away. Never has Hanks’ performance in all these years caught my attention. But yes a nomination won’t be necessary.
(@AD,
I know you must have been engaged with many things. But it would be great for my comment to show up at your earliest convenience following the moderation-awaiting list. Thanks.)
Sasha,
I liked the “Moonstruck” reference.
I haven’t seen Wolf yet. But speaking for myself, re Jack, I believe the Academy as a whole would like to think that they have their own collective mind for what it’s worth; so, to me at least for now they are not going to follow suit in the wake of the GG win. Again: for now, the only way to get Leo a higher chance to squeeze in is that, they need collectively to love Wolf enough . . . . Alas, from what I’ve gathered, it seemed so opposite a route . . . .
I haven’t seen #all# films yet in which the five actresses on Sasha and some reader’s lists co-star respectively either. But as good (but not great) as it gets for Miss (Ryan) Stone this year; no offense, but if this is what it takes to get Amy in at one of the near-locks’ cost — well, don’t throw bricks for I eat none as food — I wouldn’t mind to bid farewell to Miss (Ryan) Stone for one last time.
*Blind Side . . . . . . . . Academy members/voters . . . . . . . . Blind Side . . . . [I wouldn’t normally do this kind of thing but with a strong year like this, if you’d like, Voters, you might want to factor it in as well]*
To me the Best Actress line-up is the most difficult to predict, I want Amy Adams in it, loved her performance in American Hustle but I don’t know who I would bump out. I didn’t like so much saving Mr. Banks, but Emma Thompson was definitely the best part of it.
About the Best Actor line-up, I agree with Brett, Leonardo DiCaprio should be nominated instead of Tom Hanks. In my opinion Capitan Phillips is the most overrated film of 2013, but it’s the kind of film that the Academy loves it, so I’m crossing my fingers to see on Thursday Leo’s name. Besides would love to see Joaquin Phoenix in it. Her is one of my favorite films of the year and he was amazing in it and my line-up would be the same that Efe wrote: Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Dern, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Matthew McConaughey and Joaquin Phoenix.
One thing to watch for is the love for Her.
I could see the five best actresses being the predicted five and Adams left out, but the supporting actress category is, to me, two locks (Nupita and J. Law), one probable lock (Squibb), and two that honestly are up for grabs. I don’t think Oprah is ‘in’ like a lot of others.
I could see Adams getting a nom for Her in this category.
“Adams will get in. But it won’t be replacing Streep. It will be replacing Dench or Thompson”
Amen! We can always dream..
assisted
If the voters — overwhelming old, straight, white males, as we’re reminded ad nauseum — want to choose based on their Viagra asisted genitalia, they’d be more likely to give a BSA nomination to ScarJo for “Her” (or “Don Jon”) than a BA nom to Amy Adams.
Adams will get in. But it won’t be replacing Streep. It will be replacing Dench or Thompson.
All this talk of ‘oh well these five are solid’ is all well and good but Adams is making a push and WINNING things while some of these other ‘locks’ are only there because everyone has predicted it flat out will ONLY be those five for so long.
I think Tom Hank’s performance in CP is fantastic, he was really convincing in the role of a captain trying to keep save his crew and the climax was just espetacular. I do love this movie, it’s so intense.
Yes, attitude is very important, but Hollywood is loaded with actresses with sexy attitudes. My problem with Amy’s performance wasn’t about the lack of sexy attitude. (The plunging neckline was kinda ridiculous — not much in jeopardy of falling out. Maureen O’Hara to Ally Sheedy in “Only the Lonely”: “You’re built like a 13 year old boy.”
“I’d love to see Sandra Bullock kicked out, she is the weakest of all. Sincerely the most overrated performance.”
Totally in agreement.
Sandra Bullock deserves to win, in Gravity she gives an immense performance.
But my guess would be Dern is not nominated, and Joaquin takes his place.
In all seriousness, why does Tom Hanks need to be a lock?! What the hell! He has good dramatic acting for 20 minutes in the movie, the rest is a thriller. Him not being there would open up places for Joaquin, Bale, Leo..
I think Adams gets in by bumping either Streep or even Dench (great performance but smallest movie). I also think Leo gets in bumping Redford.
The two performances are too hard to ignore.
I have to agree, I think Sandra Bullock did a great job in Gravity, but not enough to have all this attention, win a lot of awards and be one of the favorites this year. I just don’t get it.
My top 5 is: Meryl, Cate, Dench, Emma and Amy.
I’d love to see Sandra Bullock kicked out, she is the weakest of all. Sincerely the most overrated performance. Haven’t the Academy had enough giving her one Oscar which she didn’t deserve at all in the first place?
Wow Tony, you have a very artificial view of what it means to be sexy…..Amy Adams, who I have always found attractive (she calls herself a blank canvas), was a knockout in American Hustle – the clothes, the plunging neck lines were all incredible and perfectly period. The only time I didn’t find her that sexy was when she was all permed up – the camera seemed to hate her, although her sequin jumpsuit LOVED her.
In closing, Double D’s do not equate sexy. It’s an attitude.
There is a slight overacting by Streep in A:OC but it might be because of the dialogues being adapted from a theater play. A play, even adapted, would have to conserve some theatre qualities.
Leo all the way, there were about 10 great male performances in 2013, but I would love to have him there if only because in a three-way race with Matthew and Chiwetel, Chiwetel would fall back because he would be only a 1-time nominee. (sad, but we all know it’s true)
I’m very curious how it goes.
Maybe Meryl Streep herself isn’t very excited about getting nominated this time when she has a very little chance to win. Piling up so many nominations doesn’t sound so fun.
I really want Adams to get in. Although I’m OK with Streep getting snubbed, I actually think it should be Thompson. She definitely is the weak link of the five. For some reason, she is a lock. I would love the Actress line-up to be;
Judi Dench
Sandra Bullock
Brie Larson
Cate Blanchett
Amy Adams
As for Actors, I don’t think it’s THAT strong of a year. As a race, yes maybe it’s competitive. But as performances go, Actresses rule as always.
My line-up would be;
Leonardo DiCaprio
Bruce Dern (should win)
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Matthew McConaughey
Joaquin Phoenix
No Redford or Hanks please. If any other actor gave those 2 performances, there wasn’t any chance they’d be in the question.
Thus, I hope to god Adams and DiCaprio get their nominations. Since it would keep the race interesting. Both actors to me are shamelessly robbed for Oscars, it would be great to see them win.
I honestly think that Hanks should be the one bumped for DiCaprio. Captain Phillips continues to be the most overrated movie of the year and Hanks’s five minute cry fest at the end seems to be getting him all the awards attention.
Let’s put it this way Academy. When you think of DiCaprio what do you think? Jack, yes. Suave, yes. Charming, yes. Likeable, absolutely! Now look at Wolf of Wall Street….COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! Acting, yes.
Hanks on the other hand. How many times have you seen Hanks cry in a film? Almost every film you say? Correct. How many Oscars has he won were he’s done that very thing…2, that’s right. Soooooooooooooo who are you voting for again?
Would love to see Phoenix in the race. Hell I’ll love to see HER win Picture, Director and Screenplay.
Was DiCaprio’s part a stretch for him? Not really. And, as I’ve said before, Redford wasn’t asked to do much with his face; his body performed tasks. My five (in alphabetical order): Bale, Dern, Ejiofor, Hanks (despite the wavering accent), McConaughey. I don’t expect Bale to make the final five; they seem to like Phoenix.
What is this obsession with Amy Adams’ supposed sexiness? She’s cute, but she’s not 25 years old and sportin’ DDs. I’ve liked most of her work, but I thought her performance was the weakest link in AH. I’ll stick with the lineup of the five previous winners.
Loved Meryl Streep but hated the movie.
American Hustle is good (not great) but found Amy Adams weak.
CONCLUSION: Meryl Streep should be nominated.
Loved Leo and liked Wolf.
Found All Is Lost watchable but Redford was kind of hard on nerves.
CONCLUSION: Leo should get in and kick Redford out.
Everything is great about All Is Lost, except I was too aware I was watching Robert Redford acting. He didn’t do anything wrong. I can only describe it as being completely aware he was acting out what it would be like to be lost at sea. I didn’t have an sympathy for him. I spent most of my time enjoying the cinematography and wondering how they got some of their shots. And that the editing was good.
The first thing I wanted to do afterwards was see a Making Of doc on it.
Point is, Redford won’t be nominated, but it still doesn’t mean Leo is in.
I think Joaquin makes it in, and Bruce Dern. Along with Hanks, MattMac, and Chiwetel.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Amy Adams. I keep thinking of Sally Hawkins who won the GG for “Happy Go Lucky” and then failed to get an Oscar nom. Of course, HGL wasn’t as big of a movie as American Hustle.
I think is criminal not put Meryl in the best actress category. I saw her performance today and was one of the greatest performances of her and of all time, in my opnion. What she do in that movie is fantastic, beyond expectation.
And I do like August Osage County, I don’t understand the hate about this movie, maybe because a lot of these people saw the play before.
But I still believe that Meryl will get that spot and DiCaprio also. Actually, both should be in the top of the predictions lists, not in the bottom, it’s absurd!
I”m ok with an Adams nomination but not DiCaprio
I finally saw All is Lost last night – and although I liked the film and was happy to see Redford, I didn’t feel that this performance is even worth buzzing about. Yes, I know I am in the minority and it wasn’t because most of his performance was silent (remember, I was on the Dujardin bandwagon early on), it was mainly because I found the performance to be very self conscious which is not the Redford I grew up on….maybe that was the point, but I just wasn’t buying it.
I rarely ever find myself saying this, but I do hope to hear DiCaprio’s name on Thursday morning.
I can do without Adams, but not because I don’t like her or her performance, but I just really can’t see any of the presumed 5 missing out. Again, I think I’m in a camp who didn’t think Streep was over doing it. I thought she played mental illness, addiction EXTREMELY well. Funny, two of the great performances of the year feature scenes where the main character took too many pills…..hmmmm