I love this time of year! It’s awards season for the movies and the granddaddy of them all are The Academy Awards. With the Oscars set to take place this Sunday, it’s time for me to look at the nominees and predict the winners and tell you who I think should win. Now last month I shared my Top 10 Films of 2012, Best Actress Performances, Best Actor Performances, Best Supporting Actress Performances, and Best Supporting Actor Performances. So this isn’t about my personal favorites for the entire 2012 movie year. This is all about the nominees. I’m going to tell you who I think will take home the golden statue Sunday night. I’m also going to share who I’ll be rooting for. One more note, click on any movie title to check out my review of that film. Ok, here we go.

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

1. Amy Adams – “The Master”
2. Sally Field – “Lincoln”
3. Anne Hathaway – “Les Miserables”
4. Helen Hunt – “The Sessions”
5. Jacki Weaver – “Silver Linings Playbook”

The supporting actress category is really, really strong this year. Helen Hunt’s performance is the only one I haven’t seen but that doesn’t matter. She doesn’t have a chance. Amy Adams was really good in “The Master” but that’s a film that I was mixed on and that has received limited love from the Academy. Jacki Weaver is a wonderful actress but I’m not sure she deserved the nomination considering how little she had to do. Sally Field is really good in “Lincoln” but I think she is way behind Anne Hathaway. This is one category that can be called before one person hits the red carpet. Anne Hathaway has it wrapped up and personally I agree.

WHO’LL WIN : Anne Hathaway – “Les Miserables”
WHO SHOULD WIN : Anne Hathaway – “Les Miserables”

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

1. Alan Arkin – “Argo”
2. Robert De Niro – “Silver Linings Playbook”
3. Philip Seymour Hoffman – “The Master”
4. Tommy Lee Jones – “Lincoln”
5. Christoph Waltz – “Django Unchained”

Here’s yet another really strong category filled with some seasoned talents. First off Christoph Waltz is wonderful. But he’s just coming off a recent Oscar win and he has very little buzz going into the big show. Hoffman has a lot of support from those who loved the film but that’s about it. Alan Arkin was outstanding in “Argo” and I could handle him winning except for one thing. He’s only in the film for about 10 minutes. So I see it coming down to two old veterans, Tommy Lee Jones and Robert De Niro. Jones had the early momentum but De Niro has really come on lately. A lot of people are happy to see him giving nomination worthy performances again. He hasn’t won since “Raging Bull” so this could be his night. I hope so because I loved his performance. But I think it’s going to Tommy Lee Jones.

WHO’LL WIN : Tommy Lee Jones – “Lincoln”
WHO SHOULD WIN : Robert De Niro – “Silver Linings Playbook”

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

1. Jessica Chastain – “Zero Dark Thirty”
2. Jennifer Lawrence – “Silver Linings Playbook”
3. Emmanuelle Riva – “Amour”
4. Quvenzhane Wallis – “Beasts of the Southern Wild”
5. Naomi Watts – “The Impossible”

For my money this is the strongest of all Oscar categories. The women of cinema really brought it in 2012 and I loved every one of these performances. First there’s Naomi Watts. I was happy to see her nominated because I thought she was wonderful in “The Impossible”. But it’s a movie that hasn’t been on many people’s radar and Watts has no chance. One of my very favorite performances of 2012 came from young Wallis. Unfortunately she hasn’t a chance mainly due to the lack of support for child actors at Oscar time. That leaves us will Lawrence, Chastain, and Riva. At first it appeared that this was a two woman race between Chastain and Lawrence. But it seems that Riva has gained some steam and rightly so. I loved Chastain’s work and Lawrence was quite good. But no actress in 2012 did what Riva was able to do. It’s the most gripping and committed performance I’ve seen in a long time and she deserves to win. But I think too much is pointing towards Lawrence. Still, keep your eyes on this category.

WHO’LL WIN : Jennifer Lawrence – “Silver Linings Playbook”
WHO SHOULD WIN : Emmanuelle Riva – “Amour”

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

1. Bradley Cooper – “Silver Linings Playbook”
2. Daniel Day-Lewis – “Lincoln”
3. Hugh Jackman – “Les Miserables”
4. Joaquin Phoenix – “The Master”
5. Denzel Washington – “Flight”

There’s a fantastic group of lead actors this year. I can’t say I have a problem with any of these performances being nominated. But this is a category with a sure winner. Denzel Washington gives yet another solid performance in “Flight” but he’s not going to win. Joaquin Phoenix was brilliant in “The Master” but there’s no buzz around him and his general disdain for the awards won’t help him. Hugh Jackman took home a Golden Globe and I thought he was mighty good in “Les Miserables”. But he won’t win here. Then there’s Bradley Cooper. I’m so happy to see Cooper actually taking on a substantive role and knocking it out of the park. But he, like every other nominee mentioned, has no chance with Daniel Day-Lewis in the race. Day-Lewis was nothing short of brilliant in his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln and if he doesn’t win something is terribly wrong.

WHO’LL WIN : Daniel Day-Lewis – “Lincoln”
WHO SHOULD WIN : Daniel Day-Lewis – “Lincoln”

DIRECTING

1. Michael Haneke – “Amour”
2. Benh Zeitlin – “Beasts of the Southern Wild”
3. Ang Lee – “Life of Pi”
4. Steven Spielberg – “Lincoln”
5. David O. Russell – “Silver Linings Playbook”

This year’s best directing category is the most screwed up of any. It features more egregious and indefensible snubs than any category I’ve seen in a long time. But there are still some good choices here. Ang Lee’s nomination was a big surprise to me. He did a great job but I don’t think he belongs in this conversation. I loved what Zeitlin did in his small but powerful film “Beasts of the Southern Wild”. His nomination was a pleasant surprise but he has no shot to win. Michael Haneke is a director who uses incredible techniques in his films and his work on “Amour” was brilliant. I’d have no problem seeing him win. Then there’s David O. Russell. I know I’m in the minority but I don’t see how he’s on this list especially considering the snubs. His film was a performance driven picture and the movie’s only weaknesses could be traced back to him. I can’t imagine him winning. That leaves Spielberg who really blew me away with “Lincoln”. It’s an amazing accomplishment and I think he will win. Of this group I think I prefer Haneke but this one belongs to Spielberg.

WHO’LL WIN : Steven Spielberg – “Lincoln”
WHO SHOULD WIN : Michael Haneke – “Amour”

BEST PICTURE

1. “Amour”
2. “Argo”
3. “Beasts of the Southern Wild”
4. “Django Unchained”
5. “Les Miserables”
6. “Life of Pi”
7. “Lincoln”
8. “Silver Linings Playbook”
9. “Zero Dark Thirty”

And now it’s time for the big one. There’s some intrigue surrounding this year’s Best Picture category. First let’s do some pruning. “Life of Pi”, “Django Unchained”, “Les Miserables”, and “Beasts of the Southern Wild” are movies that should be really happy to be nominated because they have no realistic chance to win on Oscar night. “Zero Dark Thirty” was an incredible film and one of my favorites of 2012. But considering director Kathryn Bigelow’s directing snub and the pointless controversy surrounding the picture, I don’t think the Academy has any plans of touching this movie. What a shame. “Silver Linings Playbook” could bring in a few Oscars this Sunday. It’s picked up a lot of steam lately but I don’t see it being a contender for Best Picture. I loved “Amour” and I love that as more people are seeing it it’s gaining momentum. Sadly it will be to little, to late. “Lincoln” is still an interesting film. It has a lot of what the Academy seems to gravitate to and it was the early front-runner. That said, I still think it will fall short leaving “Argo” to win the biggest prize of the night despite director Ben Affleck’s snub. I think my personal choice would be “Amour” but I would have no problem with “Argo” winning the night.

WHO’LL WIN : “Argo”
WHO SHOULD WIN : “Amour”

So there’s the Big 6 categories for this Sunday night. What do you think? Where did I get it right and where did I miss the mark? Please take time to share your picks.

The Keith & the Movies Valhalla is a place of tribute for those movies that I hold in the highest regard. These are films that embody everything that is great about motion pictures. These are the best of the best – movies that I truly love and that stand above the rest. There are many great movies that won’t find their way into these sacred halls. But here you will find those films that I believe personify brilliance in filmmaking, storytelling, and entertainment. These glorious 5 star accomplishments are worthy of special recognition as the very best. Ok, enough of the high drama! In other words, these are my favorite movies of all time, ok?

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NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007) – I’m a huge fan of Joel and Ethan Coen and their crime thriller “No Country for Old Men” is one of their very best films. This Best Picture winner features the Coen’s signature mix of blood and grit with their unique brand of dark comedy. The brothers stick surprisingly close to Cormac McCarthy’s novel while at the same time making it unmistakably their own. It’s a riveting hunter versus hunted story led by perfect performances from Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, and Kelly Macdonald. And who can ever forget Javier Bardem’s work as the psychotic Anton Chigurh, one of cinema’s most memorable movie villains. Everything about this picture works – the sweaty southwestern locations, the subtle and dry humor, the sparse and often times absent score, the meaningful yet gruesome violence, the well-structured pacing. “No Country for Old Men” is the jarring revelation of a new age of violence and crime for a small town Texas sheriff. It’s a case against the pursuit of a quick and easy fortune. It shows the domino effect of one poor but crucial decision. I could go on and on. There’s a lot going on under the surface of this film if you just dig enough. But even without that, this is a spectacular action picture with some of the Coen’s funniest moments sprinkled in. It’s the total package and one of my all time favorites.

No Country for Old Men is the third inductee into the Keith & the Movies Valhalla. But there are more amazing movies to come in the near future so stay tuned. What are your thoughts on this Coen brothers classic? Is it worth the accolades it’s received or is it an overrated picture? You now know my opinion. It’s one of the very best. Take time to share your comments below.

I had a lot of fun going back and revisiting my most anticipated movies of 2012 list from last January. It was interesting to see which films lived up to my expectations, which movies fell short, and which ones made it into consideration for my Best of 2012 list. I am proud to say that several of the movies really impressed, but unfortunately a couple of them disappointed and one was pushed back to a 2013 release date. But that was 2012. This is a new year and that means a new list. So enough horseplay, right? Without further ado here are my most anticipated films of 2013. Like last year, some on this list have legitimate question marks. But like last year, all on this list really intrigue me.

#10 – “EVIL DEAD” The original “Evil Dead” remains one of my favorite horror movies of all time so normally I would be very sceptical of a new remake. But optimism quickly replaced scepticism just by seeing Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell heavily involved. The pair were the forces behind the original film and if you’ve seen the released red band trailer, you can see their fingerprints all over this picture. It looks gory and gruesome but it also looks potentially frightening and that’s something that we rarely get with the modern horror movies of today. This thing could tank. But it could also be old school horror in its glory.

#9 – “THE WOLF OF WALL STREET” Whenever Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio team up the results are usually pretty terrific. This new collaboration sees Leo playing a stockbroker surrounded by Wall Street corruption and mob influences. The film also features a great supporting cast featuring Matthew McConaughey and last year’s Best Actor Oscar winner Jean Dujardin. On the flipside it also features Jonah Hill, something that is a cause for concern. Nevertheless Scorsese is an amazing filmmaker whose credentials prove him to be a master of his craft.

#8 – “WORLD WAR Z” I swear 2013 looks like it’s going to be a big, big year for science fiction. The first sci-fi movie on this list mixes in a dab of horror. It is “World War Z”, a post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak picture starring Brad Pitt. Now I can see where some people may be experiencing zombie fatigue but not me. This movie sounded like a lot of fun and that was before I saw the trailer. Now I’m thoroughly pumped for it. Of course there is the risk of this turning out to be another catastrophic zombie movie. But I’m really thinking that this could be something special. Don’t believe me? Just check out the trailer then mark June 21st on your calendar.

#7 – “THOR: THE DARK WORLD” The first Thor movie was one of the bigger surprises in Marvel’s cinematic universe. It had the potential to be really good or a real cheesefest. Marvel handled it perfectly resulting in an exciting and often funny superhero romp. Now it’s time for the sequel and just like with all of this wave of Marvel films it ties into the larger movie universe. Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman both return but more exciting is the return of the wonderful Tom Hiddleston as Loki. He alone is worth the price for the ticket. I am a little cautious with this one but I have faith in the creative minds at Marvel.

#6 – “INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS” There’s not a lot of information out there about “Inside Llewyn Davis”. So why on earth is it even on my most anticipated list? Simple. It’s written and directed by my favorite filmmakers Joel and Ethen Coen. The brothers have been known for dipping their toes in just about every genre. This film is about the 1960’s New York folk music scene. Sounds pretty drab doesn’t it? Well not in the hands of the Coen’s. Their cleverness and creativity always interests me and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. It’ll be smart, witty, and undeniably unique. Add the interesting leads of Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan and this could be a real treat.

#5 – “MAN OF STEEL” I really want there to be a strong Superman franchise. There’s lots of things “Superman Returns” did right but it couldn’t overcome director Bryan Singer’s creative liberties. Now we get another reboot but this time there’s a lot of promise. Christopher Nolan and David Goyer, the creative geniuses behind The Dark Knight trilogy, are heavily involved in this production which really excites me. The fact that Zack Snyder is directing worries me some. But listen to this supporting cast: Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, and Diane Lane. Yep, I’m all over this one and my fingers are crossed.

#4 – “TO THE WONDER” Terrence Malick doesn’t make a lot of movies but when he does they’re attention getters. Now, out of the blue, we are getting two films out of him in a three year span. His last film “The Tree of Life” was my favorite movie on 2011 so naturally I would be interested in this one. I am a sucker for Malick’s style and even when he may miss the mark slightly I am consumed by his presentation. This looks like another Malick gem this time starring Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Javier Bardem. This could be really good and I can’t wait for it to hit theaters.

#3 – “OBLIVION” Yep, another science fiction movie makes my list but this one intrigues me most of all. Tom Cruise stars as a drone repairman who works high above the war torn remains of Earth. He ends up accidentally setting off a series of events that brings with them shocking revelations. That’s really all I know. But I can say the recently released trailer really grabbed me. The cool premise and amazing visuals has the sci-fi part of me drooling. Many of the details about “Oblivion” have been intentionally hidden. But the studio is “excited” about the project. So am I.

#2 – “IRON MAN 3” I remember when I first heard that Robert Downey, Jr. had been cast to play Iron Man. I thought Marvel Studios had lost their collective minds. Now can you imagine anyone else playing him? I love what Downey, Jr. does with his Tony Stark character both in “The Avengers” and the previous two Iron Man pictures. “Iron Man 2” wasn’t as good as the first film but even it had its moments of pure fanboy brilliance. Now he’s back and what a cast he has along with him. Paltrow and Cheadle are back. But new are Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, and Ben Kingsley. This will be a big film and needless to say I’m all over this one!

#1 – “MUD” At only 34 years of age, Jeff Nichols has become one of the most intriguing directors working today. He only has two films under his belt but both demonstrated his amazing style of Southern storytelling. “Shotgun Stories” was great and his second film “Take Shelter” was one of the best of 2011. “Mud” takes him back to the deep south. Its been called a modern-day Huckleberry Finn and stars Matthew McConaughey. Nichols is a fellow Arkansas guy and the way he captures the rural southern landscapes is unlike any other. “Mud” did well at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and it’s my clear #1 movie to see in 2013.

So how about you? What are some of your most eagerly anticipated films of 2013. Here’s hoping we have a lot of good things to talk about doing the upcoming movie season!

I don’t know about you folks but I love awards season. After a year of movie watching it’s fun to see where your favorites measure up with those of critics and movie fans around the world. And of course then there are the Oscars. This morning the 2013 Academy Award nominees were announced and let me just say it’s a healthy field. But as with every batch of Oscar nominees, there are surprises and snubs. Here are my quick first impressions from this year’s nominees.

SURPRISES

*Did anyone see “Silver Linings Playbook” getting a nomination in every single major category? I doubt it. Now it’s unfair for me to comment on this film because I skipped it. But considering the host of great movies and performances from 2012, it’s a surprise to see this one getting this much Academy love.

*I was THRILLED to see “Beasts of the Southern Wild” get so much recognition. I’ll be stunned if it wins much of anything come Oscar night but the fact that this little movie garnered so much attention from the Academy is fantastic. This will also ensure that more people will get to see this overlooked gem. And how can I not be happy for Quvenzhane Wallis, the youngest Oscar nominee ever! She was incredible and deserves to be there come Oscar night.

*I’m going to categorize this one as a surprise mainly because it wasn’t a film that I loved. But I was surprised to see “The Master” not nominated for Best Picture. Paul Thomas Anderson’s complex film is something that I thought the Academy would be drooling over but apparently not. It received nominations in several categories but not the big one.

SNUBS

*This will sound weird considering I haven’t seen “Zero Dark Thirty”, but even I can recognize a snub when I see one. The film gathered several nominations but none for director Kathryn Bigelow. That’s not good news for Bigelow especially considering everyone expected her name to be there, but it’s even worse news for the movie. Historically a movie doesn’t win Best Picture without winning Best Director.

*How did Tom Hooper not get nominated for Best Director for his work on “Les Miserables”? The highly ambitious musical just missed my Top 10 of the Year list but it’s still a very good film and was nominated for several Oscars, just none for Hooper. What makes this more of a head-scratcher is that he won the Best Director Oscar for “The King’s Speech”, a movie I really liked but a considerably less challenging film. I just don’t get this one.

*Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” was shut out of almost everything. He did get a nomination for Best Original Screenplay (a no-brainer) but this movie deserved much more attention. This is a snub that really makes me wonder how the minds of the Academy work. I can’t figure it out.

GOOFY CLOSING THOUGHTS…

*The Academy did something hilarious this year that I’ve seen in the past. “Amour” did very well, racking up several nominations including a Best Picture nod. It was also nominated for Best Foreign Film. Ok, since none of the other Best Foreign Film nominees were nominated for Best Picture, isn’t it safe to say that “Amour” has that Oscar wrapped up? Those folks can save their money and watch the Oscars from home.

*Some of the most fun I’ve had during the past year was trying to defend my 4 Star review of “Snow White and the Huntsman”. Well guess what? Now I can call it the “Oscar Nominated Snow White and the Huntsman”. It received two Oscar nominations (Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design). True vindication, right?