Oscars 2014: The Film Fatales Predictions

Nicole: This Award Show has been extremely unpredictable. The film industry can’t quite unanimously decide who gets the recognition. By this time in the season there’s a clear front runner in each category, but this year, it’s anyone’s guess. So, what do you say we hover over our crystal balls like the witches we are and make some predictions? Oh, and care to make it interesting? Say, if I get the most right – I get to Fass Michael’s Bender. 

elizabeth: If you want to go on a bender with Fass Michael (who the hell is that?) be my guest but get a designated driver, will you? I am busy that night and all nights until 2037.What would I like when I win? Probably just the smug feeling I will have knowing that I am better at predictions than you. And, just in case that doesn’t fly, then I would like a major show at the MOMA and a New York Times bestselling memoir. And a 28-inch waist. I was going to mention bringing about world peace, but you know me – when am I ever deep? 

Best picture

"12 Years a Slave"
"The Wolf of Wall Street"
"Captain Phillips"
"Her"
"American Hustle"
"Gravity"
"Dallas Buyers Club"
"Nebraska"
"Philomena" 

Nicole: The battle will most definitely be between American Hustle, Dallas Buyers Club, and The Wolf of Wall Street. I’m going to say American Hustle will take it. (And how August: Osage County and Lee Daniels’ The Butler were ignored here, especially when the category can include up to 10 entries, is beyond me.) 

elizabeth: I am with you about The Butler and August: Osage County snub. My fear is that Dallas Buyers Club might win and that will make me crazy. Okay, the two male actors were fabulous, but I do not want to see a movie win that portrayed someone as despicable as Ron Woodroof in the world of AIDS. End of rant. I am going with American Hustle or the movie that I think really deserves it (and this movie could have knocked off The Butler’s chances--but, hey, wasn’t there room for both?) 12 Years a Slave. 

Best director

Steve McQueen -- "12 Years a Slave"
David O. Russell -- "American Hustle"
Alfonso Cuaron -- "Gravity"
Alexander Payne -- "Nebraska"
Martin Scorsese -- "The Wolf of Wall Street" 

Nicole: I’m leaning toward Cuaron, but it could go to O. Russell or McQueen. But I’m sticking with Cuaron based purely on his technical acumen.

elizabeth: So you don’t care that I suffered from a month-long bout of vertigo after seeing Gravity?  BTW: Nicole cried like a baby during Anchorman 2. From what I read and heard about David O. Russell and his amazing gift for bringing out the best performances in his actors, (remember Silver Linings Playbook?) my pick is to see David O. Russell take the statue. And, what the hell does the “O” stand for? 

Nicole: Yea… I did cry… OF LAUGHTER. And I think the O stands for “Orlando” or “Olly.” One of those two. Or not. 

Best actor
Bruce Dern -- "Nebraska"
Chiwetel Ejiofor -- "12 Years a Slave"
Matthew McConaughey -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
Leonardo DiCaprio -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Christian Bale -- "American Hustle" 

Nicole: If McConaughey continues his streak, he’ll take this…but with each acceptance speech, he’s trying everyone’s patience. He might have to pull an Anne Hathaway post-Oscars and disappear for a little while to give everyone a much-needed break. So, I’m not ruling out DiCaprio entirely. 

elizabeth: I disagree with you about McConaughey and DiCaprio--big time. I keep changing my mind but now I know who really deserves to win. Christian Bale. You don’t even recognize him in American Hustle and his character went from repulsing me to one that I felt a lot of empathy because even though he wasn’t the most ethical guys around, his heart was in the right place. His soul won me over. But he won’t win.  

Best actress
Amy Adams -- "American Hustle"
Cate Blanchett -- "Blue Jasmine"
Judi Dench -- "Philomena"
Sandra Bullock -- "Gravity"
Meryl Streep -- "August: Osage County" 

Nicole: This award SHOULD go to Meryl Streep for her incredible performance as Violet in August: Osage County. But, I do believe the contest is between Amy Adams and Cate Blanchett, with Blanchett taking home the Oscar. God only knows why Adams is a favorite here…her performance in American Hustle is nothing special. 

elizabeth: Here is my theory about Meryl Steep and your favorite sports team (of which I do not have one). Do you only want your team to win once in a while even though another team tried really hard? Streep’s Violet is the best performance hands down. You don’t want to get Violet mad, do you? I think her only competition is Blanchett’s brilliant performance in Blue Jasmine. And you know what, if Blanchett wins, I will be okay with it. 

Best supporting actor

Barkhad Abdi -- "Captain Phillips"
Bradley Cooper -- "American Hustle"
Jonah Hill -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Jared Leto -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
Michael Fassbender -- "12 Years a Slave" 

Nicole: I’m hearing a lot of talk about Jonah Hill here...don’t entirely discount a surprise win to edge out Jared Leto (especially after the brouhaha concerning his less-than-appropriate acceptance speeches. Perhaps he spent a little too much time with McConoughey on set). Despite all that though, I’m thinking Leto will still leave with the Oscar. 

elizabeth: I am going with Bradley Cooper. I think Jared Leto has been recognized for his touching performance as Rayon, but Cooper got robbed at last year’s Oscar and I think he deserves it. Shallow alert: Plus, his is fluent in French and would be a great guide for me when I go to paint in Paris. 

 

Nicole: Wow. You’re an incorrigible flirt, aren’t you? You don’t see me going around all willy nilly casting my votes based on sex appeal and animal magnetism, do you? (That being said…Michael Fassbender: Achtung, mein schatz. Call me.) 

elizabeth: You are so cheap. 

Best supporting actress

Jennifer Lawrence -- "American Hustle"
Lupita Nyong'o -- "12 Years a Slave"
June Squibb -- "Nebraska"
Julia Roberts -- "August: Osage County"
Sally Hawkins -- "Blue Jasmine 

Nicole: I’m thinking Jennifer Lawrence’s race is slowing down a bit and it’s going to go to newcomer Lupita Nyong’o for 12 Years a Slave. I do think Julia Roberts’ performance was very worthy, but it’s doubtful she’ll edge either actress.

elizabeth: I am getting my Oscar mail in ballots today from my printer. I think I deserve it. If the academy is blind to my talent then I would like Lupita Nyong'o to take the honor.

*** 

Nicole: March 2^nd is just around the corner, and this time around, it’s anyone’s Oscar. The only thing I can predict for sure is that there will be a lot of surprises come ceremony night. Strapping on my Louboutins now… 

elizabeth: Louboutins are so last season. Can I send you my best actress acceptance speech so you can glow in my brilliance? 

Nicole: You can…but I’ll be stage left cuing the orchestra to start playing the music the second you utter a single word. 

Watch the Oscars LIVE on ABC March 2, 2014.