Just a reminder that the Gurus’ Top 10 is not that different from the AD readers Top 10, based on our poll — more than a month ago. The significant difference being the sudden emergence of Slumdog Millionaire at TIFF (Slumdog wasn’t on our August Poll at all.)
Does this mean AD Readers are as smart as the Gurus of Gold? I’d say smarter. Because you guys had your list lined up weeks ago, and you’re not giving up on The Dark Knight.
Sure, I’m biased, but except for the absence of Slumdog Millionaire (which nobody was talking about in August) the AD Readers Poll looks to me like a more solid ranking of top contenders than the predictable predictions the Gurus are giving us. Of course, we have our secret weapon, don’t we? Founding Guru and Awards Daily Fearless Leader, Sasha Stone, who’s taught us everything we know about Oscar forecasting.
When we retake the poll in a week or two in the light of fresh developments, no doubt Slumdog Millionaire will jump to frontrunner status. I’d encourage everyone to hold tight to your devotion to The Dark Knight for now (It’s the only title in the top 5 any of us has actually seen, after all). As if you need my encouragement to pledge allegiance to the film that’s generated more passionate feelings than any other movie this year. Also, can anyone say with certainty that Australia still won’t dazzle its way into the final five? We’re all guessing at this point, but I’m guessing no matter what Baz Luhrman gives us for Christmas it’ll more exciting than the pair of socks I usually expect from Ron Howard.
Breakdown of the chart comparisons and details of our August 20 Poll after the cut.
Gurus of Gold (Sept 24)
1. Frost/Nixon
2. Milk
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
4. Slumdog Millionaire
5. Revolutionary Road
6. The Dark/Knight
7. The Soloist
8. Australia
9. Doubt
10. Changeling
AD Readers Poll (Aug 20)
1. The Dark Knight
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
3. Revolutionary Road
4. Australia
5. Milk
6. Changeling
7. Doubt
8. WALL•E
9. Frost/Nixon
10. The Road
