Oscar Recap

The Oscars, the big early spring Hollywood shindig, has come to a close, leaving us with a fresh new year to anticipate what films will make the cut for next year. Granted, Oscar season is usually October thru December, but you get the idea. Sunday's telecast had "The Hurt Locker" as the big winner, taking two of the major categories.

Here are the results, with my predictions from before the ceremony. Kudos to Steve, our only entrant in the contest, for getting six of seven correct! From Steve, Feb. 12: "Predictions: Hurt Locker, Bigelow, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Waltz, Monique." He only missed Streep, who lost in favor of Sandra Bullock. Steve wins an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas...have fun! (not really, but thanks for submitting!)

Best Picture:
"The Hurt Locker"
I got this one right. A lot of people had it down to this and "Avatar." In my opinion the right film won, despite all the issues Iraqi veterans are bringing up about the truthfulness of it.

Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"
Apparently a good film and good performance. Glad to see Bridges get the recognition he deserves for years of great films. And no, I will not make a "Big Lebowski" reference (though it's a great movie)

Actor in a Supporting Role
Christoph Waltz, "Inglorious Basterds"
I got this one right as well. Great performance and a great film. Glad to see Waltz win. I think he probably ran away with it.

Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"
I really thought Streep would win here, but I've heard Bullock was great in her role. It's pretty funny that she won best actress and worst of the year, getting the Razzie for her role in "All About Steve."

Actress in a Supporting Role
Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"
I had no point of reference in this category, but it sounds like the right person won. Glad to see "Precious" win something for all the accolades it received after it came out. Can't wait to see it on DVD.

Directing
Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"
This is a great win for Bigelow. She's the first woman to win the award, AND her film beat out her ex-husband James Cameron's "Avatar" in both Directing and Best Picture. Must have been a pretty incredible night for her. The shots in the film are great, so she does deserve this award, even though I had hoped for Tarantino. My favorite scene is the sniper battle in the desert. Check it out it you haven't seen it. I'd give her the award just for that scene.

Well, that wraps it up. As I review upcoming films, we'll see if we have any prospects for the 2011 Oscars. Hope you enjoyed the last year in film!