We pick our Oscar winners
The Oscar nominations have revealed a mixed bag of big-name films and actors rubbing shoulders alongside the odd wildcard entry which could upset the expected roll call of winners.
With Scorsese's The Aviator leading the race with 11 nominations, we take a look at the main Academy Award categories and assess who This is London thinks will walk away with the coveted statuette come February 27.
Best Film:
The Aviator seems the leading choice here — and although we'd love to see a wow-factor surprise win for Sideways, it's pretty unlikely. But seeing as many Oscar-watchers feel Martin Scorsese will definitely pick up the Best Directing gong, it could be that Clint Eastwood's boxing film snatches this award away from under Scorsese's nose. Our money’s on Million Dollar Baby.
Best Actor:
Although there's an impressive list of acting talent honoured this year - Leo, Clint Eastwood, Johnny Depp and Don Cheadle - the buzz is so centred around Jamie Foxx it's hard to hear anyone else. We're placing our bets squarely on Jamie Foxx for Ray.
Best Actress:
A much more competitive group this year — and it's much harder to call. However, we’ve got to make a choice, and with Annette Bening's film Being Julia having not caused much of a stir, and Imelda Staunton's Vera Drake being too controversial a figure for conservative Hollywood, we'll put this on Hillary Swank for Million Dollar Baby!
Best Director:
Whether he is truly the 'best' this year against Alexander Payne, Mike Leigh, Clint Eastwood and Taylor Hackford (not a chance), Martin Scorsese, is our favourite to finally walk away with a little gold statuette of his very own.
Best Supporting Actress:
Again, a lovely list of talented women playing very disparate roles. Sophie Okonedo is a relatively unknown Brit - much as we'd like her to win — so it’s a close battle between Laura Linney, Virginia Madsen, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman. We're going to stick out necks out, and toss a coin between Cate and Natalie. Oh, look, it's Cate Blanchett. That was a toughie.
Best Supporting Actor:
Jamie Foxx has another nomination here - but surely it would be just too selfish to hog both categories? However delightful and deserving Thomas Haden Church was in Sideways, we reckon this award is winging its way to Clive Owen for Closer.
