Oscar Predictions

I still can't decide whether 2005 was a weak year or not. Granted, we did not have an Eastwood film, but we had some decent fare. My picks for the Oscars:

Best Actor: I have a huge soft spot for Philip Seymour Hoffman, and because I live in a small market I haven't seen Capote yet, but ... Heath Ledger knocked my socks off in Brokeback, so I'm betting Ledger will get it, and I think he'll deserve it, but if Hoffman wins, I'll be tickled pink.

Best Supporting Actor: When I was 14 or so, I thought Matt Dillon was the best thing ever. It was a real thrill for me for his performance in Crash to be so outstanding. A lot of the pundits are predicting Paul Giamatti will get it as a make-up call for not even being nominated for Sideways, but I hope the Academy is not that shallow.

Leading Actress - couldn't really care about this one this year. The action is in Supporting Actress.

Supporting Actress - just saw Junebug last week. Amy Adams did a bang-up job. I am a big fan of Catherine Keener, though. I wouldn't have said this a week ago, but we just watched Constant Gardener again a few days ago, and I'm going to say the Oscar goes to Rachel Weisz.

Animated Feature - has to be Wallace and Grommit. Grommit knits, I have to love them.

Best Director - Ang Lee, hands down.

Original Screenplay - I'd cast my ballot for Crash.

Adapted Screenplay - toss up for me between Constant Gardener and Brokeback Mountain.

Best Picture - If Crash beats Brokeback, I'll be happy, but anything else will be a miscarriage of justice.

Gotta say that I'm rooting for Best Song to go to "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp." Are they going to have those artistic performances of best song nominees again this year? Hmmmm.