The 82nd Annual Academy Awards nominations have been moved to March 7, 2010. The Oscars are usually held in February but have been moved to make room for the Winter Olympics. Nomination ballots were sent out to Academy members on December 28, 2009. The 5,777 completed ballots have to be returned to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) by 5pm on January 23, 2010 to be
This year’s Academy Awards show is extra special because of the duel hosting talents of Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. Steve Martin previously hosted the 73rd and 75th shows, the former of which earned him an Emmy nomination. (Proving that awards shows can be self-feeding.) While Alec Baldwin has never hosted the Academy Awards he has been an Oscar presenter, and is riding high on the success of his role as Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock. With the co-hosting powers of these comedic veterans it is hoped that this sometimes dull and plodding awards show can be lifted with laughter. We shall see.
So while we don’t know who the nominees are yet, we can project some of the suggested nominees in the largest categories.
Best Actress Academy Award Nominee Predictions
Natalie Portman, Brothers
Nominated for an Oscar for her role in Closer (2005), is Natalie Portman too young to win at age 28?
Michelle Pfieffer, Cheri
Michelle Pfieffer was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Dangerous Liaisons (1988), for Best Actress in The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), and for Best Actress in Love Field (1992). Is the year that Michelle Pfieffer finally takes home an Oscar?
Audrey Tatou, Coco avant Chanel
Best known for her starring role in Amelie (2001), Ms. Tatou has never been nominated nor has she won an Academy Award.
Meryl Street, Julie and Julia
Honestly, Meryl Streep has been nominated for more Oscars than God, but she has only ever won two Academy Awards. (Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and Best Actress for Sophie’s Choice (1982). At age 60, Streep could be considered the grand dame of American film—give her the gold!
Charlize Theron, The Burning Plain
Already an Oscar veteran, Charlize Theron won big in 2003 as Best Actress for her performance in Monster. Theron was also nominated for Best Actress in 2005 for her performance in North Country.
Best Actor Academy Award Nominee Predictions
George Clooney, Up In the Air
The incredibly handsome George Clooney has lots of Oscar clout. (Insert large girl sigh here.) Clooney has won only one Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor in Syriani (2005), but has been nominated for Writing Good Night and Good Luck (2005), and for Best Actor in Michael Clayton. (2007) Please know, Mr. Clooney, that my sweaty fingers are crossed just for you.
Colin Firth, A Single Man
Firth has never been nominated nor has he won an Academy Award.
Mark Wahlberg, The Lovely Bones
Mark Wahlberg was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Departed (2006)
Robert Duvall, Get Low
The great Robert Duvall has been nominated for Oscars for: Apocalypse Now (1979) for Best Supporting Actor, The Great Santini (1979) for Best Supporting Actor, The Apostle (1997) for Best Actor, A Civil Action (1998) for Best Supporting Actor. Mr. Duval won Oscar gold for Best Actor in Tender Mercies (1983). Maybe it’s time for Duvall to get more than one Oscar?
Best Picture Oscar Nominee Predictions
Up In the Air
The Lovely Bones
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Avatar
Where the Wild Things Are
So who do think deserves an Oscar? You may cogitate and get your Academy Award groove on here and here.
