Best Picture

Scott’s Pick

Nearly all of the nominees this year for best picture have blown me away. But the two films that really stand out are “The King’s Speech” and “The Social Network.” One is a thoughtful meditation of the struggles of a would-be monarch while the other is indicative of a generation. I think the one that has the edge here, though, is “The Social Network.” The Academy is constantly trying to skewer younger in the demographics, and having “Network” bring home the top prize is a sure way to do it, or at least garner more interest. Aside from that, “Network” is just an amazing film.

Reed’s Pick

If the sequence of events plays out like award seasons prior, the winner of the Golden Globe for best picture will not receive the Academy Award, which is a damn shame. “The Social Network” is a chronological powerhouse that is a pitch perfect observation of our new America, and an incomparable film on the grounds of acting, directing and writing. It’s a film that everyone is a part of and can empathize with. While “The King’s Speech” may win the show, “The Social Network” is the best picture of the year.

Director

Scott’s Pick

Throughout his career David Fincher has made some of the most interesting and compelling films. From his breakout film “Seven” to the criminally underrated “Zodiac,” Fincher has kept audiences on their toes throughout the whole journey. While his competition, “King’s Speech” director Tom Hooper has been coming from behind to potentially win, this award should go to Fincher, whose masterful eye told the rise of the world’s younger billionaire.

Reed’s Pick

Once again, the Academy has failed to recognize Christopher Nolan as one of the best filmmakers living today, not even handing him a nomination for directing “Inception.” Nevertheless, Darren Aronofsky is at the top of his game, just when you thought he couldn’t get any better. If “Black Swan” were directed by anyone else, it would have been nothing more than a mediocre thriller. Aronofsky’s haunting angles and delivery were as superb as “Requiem for a Dream.” He’s a master at putting the audience way out of their comfort zone, which is no easy feat. David Fincher will most likely win, which I honestly wouldn’t complain about, but Aronofsky did something more to an audience than make them think; he made them feel pain.

Actor

Scott’s Pick

While everything in “The Social Network” was done masterfully, Colin Firth’s performance in “The King’s Speech” really outshines the competition. After sweeping every major award so far for this role, the idea of Firth not winning is just ridiculous. His only possibly competition is Jesse Eisenberg, who nailed the role of Mark Zuckerberg, but just didn’t give the depth that Firth did.

Reed’s Pick

This is a close one to call. Jeff Bridges and Colin Firth both play characters the public is already familiar with; the real-life portrayal of a royal highness with a speech impediment, and a drunken lawman already depicted in a classic western. Both Firth and Bridges have evolved over their careers from personality actors into character actors, completely transforming into the embodiment of story, time and purpose. But after winning every award under the sun in the past few months, the sequence of event points toward Firth.

Acrtress

Scott’s Pick

Annette Bening could win this and I’d be happy for her, especially after losing out on the Oscar that should’ve been hers for “American Beauty.” However, Natalie Portman is the front runner this year and I’m 99 percent sure she’s going to be taking home the gold. It wasn’t until “Black Swan” that I realized I may not have been giving Portman enough credit for her acting ability. The character she had to play in “Swan” was literally insane and her performance was certifiable.

Reed’s Pick

“Winter’s Bone” was this year’s little movie that could, praised by a majority of critics all across the country. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Ree is one of the most powerful and challenging lead woman roles I’ve ever witnessed. This is an actress who came out of nowhere and stunned the status quo, giving big names like Nicole Kidman and Annette Bening a run for their money. Lawrence deserves it, but will be robbed by the demented ballet dancer that is Natalie Portman. I think Portman needs more than “Black Swan” to eventually win an Oscar, but that won’t be the Academy’s opinion this Sunday.

Supporting Actor

Scott’s Pick

Yes, Geoffrey Rush was outstanding in “The King’s Speech,” but I’ve always been of the thought that if someone’s already won an Oscar, someone else should get the edge. And since Rush won in 1996 for best actor in the film “Shine,” I’m going to give the edge here to Christian Bale, who once again transformed himself into a character that is almost unrecognizable on screen. The character he portrays in “The Fighter” is so pathetic and nearly hopeless that it’s hard not to root for him just a bit. Bale is the person who should and will win the Oscar.

Reed’s Pick

Like I said in my review of “The Fighter,” Christian Bale’s execution as a washed-up boxer is as haunting as an episode of “Intervention,” while inspiring the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood between him and Wahlberg. It’s simply grade-A acting, and Bale deserves nothing less than an Academy Award. He should win, and he will win.

Supporting Actress

Scott’s Pick

I’m so conflicted in this category. First of all, based on pure performance alone, Hailee Steinfeld should win this award. Her performance as the spitfire Mattie Ross in “True Grit” was something that only the Coen Bros. could have derived out of a girl of this age. However, for the person who will actually win the award, I say it’s going to go to Melissa Leo in “The Fighter,” who was also nominated last year for best actress for her performance in “Frozen River.”

Reed’s Pick

I don’t think Hailee Steinfeld deserves to win because she’s so young for such a pivotal role. I think she deserves to win because she’s absolutely marvelous. Her fast-talking, smart-alec, keen performance of Mattie Ross was presented with perfection, which is no easy task for any actress of any age under the direction of the Coen Brothers. I’m very excited to see what the future brings for this fine actress. Out of all the nominees for supporting actress, there’s only one who truly transformed and shaped their entire project. The trophy goes to Steinfeld.

Original Screenplay

Scott’s Pick

I want “Inception” to win here and I definitely think it should. It was undoubtedly one of the most original films of the year. And with Nolan not receiving a nomination for best director, this would be a suitable consolation prize. However, I think this award will go to “The King’s Speech.”

Reed’s Pick

If “Inception” doesn’t win best original screenplay, I have lost all faith in the Academy. This is hands-down one of the most original films to explode out of Hollywood in the past decade. For Christ’s sake, an Oscar for Christopher Nolan is way too long overdue. He reinvented the superhero, and now has reinvented the way writers will approach the complex sci-fi thriller. Unfortunately, if my calculations are correct about Hollywood, it’s going to “The King’s Speech,” which is a good story, but not groundbreaking.