Academy Award Week (2013) Best Original Screenplay

Typically the Original Screenplay category has a pretty clear, or there has been a lack of competitive scripts which could compete within this category.  This category tends to honor films based on the following categories

The Unique Wins

What are the unique wins?  In my mind these are somewhat anomalies, and while they may make sense  during the year or in hind sight, there is something truly unique about their wins.

2002-Talk to Her (Hable Con Ella)-Foreign films rarely get a win in major categories outside of Best Foreign Language Film in the "major" categories.  Pedro Almodovar had another nomination in Best Director, but the film was not nominated in the Foreign Language film category.  On the other hand you had 10 time nominee Gangs of New York, the popular Nia Vardalos for My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and a multiple nominee Far from Heaven.

2004-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-This could be seen as a consolation prize, but this was a two time nominee with only a nomination for this and Kate Winslet.  Sunshine was up against more typical films like The Aviator, Hotel Rwanda, The Incredibles, and even Vera Drake.  Sunshine's win was somewhat expected in the sense that the film was very respected, but the film does not fit the norm.

2008-Milk-This was not a consolation prize, Penn won Actor (although people may not have known this was going to happen), but rarely does a bio-pic on this level win within this category.

Best Picture Sweep 

The Best Picture and Original Screenplay have only lined up 15 times in Oscars history, which does not bode well for the winners in this category, unless you are a massive Oscar favorite in the Best Picture category.

2005-Crash-At the time of the ceremony I saw this win as a consolation prize, but this ended up going along with the sweep.  It was easy to predict this win, but this one of those rare times when it predicted Best Picture.

2009-The Hurt Locker-The Hurt Locker vs. Avatar in Best Picture, on awards night The Hurt Locker won more than was expected, and this was a surprise as well.  My thought and many other people predicted Inglorious Basterds would win this as a consolation prize.

2010-The King's Speech-Like Hurt Locker this was one of those wins that was fierce battle, and it's competition was Inception.  Speech was not qualified for the WGA, but won at the BFCA, and BAFTA.  With few wins Speech needed this the way Argo needs adapted screenplay to help amass more wins.

The Consolation Prize (I Have to Win Somewhere)

Statistically this is where most of the winners fit.  All of the films (except Almost Famous) were nominated for Best Picture, and a few other awards, but this was the only win, which made sense.

2000-Almost Famous was snubbed in the Best Picture category the Miramax machine's Chocolat.  Almost Famous only received four nominations, but was a respected film from from Jerry Maguire nominee Cameron Crowe; he won to give the film some attention.

2001-Gosford Park-Park had lots of stiff competition from Memento, and The Royal Tenenbaums, but Park was the most "Oscar bait" film.  Park made the most sense as a winner, and it was the only Best Picture nominee.

2003-Lost in Translation, 2006-Little Miss Sunshine, 2007-Juno-All three of these films fit within the quirky comedy category.  Translation had the Copola name, and was solid.  Sunshine and Juno had heart mixed with quirk, which could never be taken seriously anywhere else.  While Arkin won for Sunshine that was not expected at all.

2011-Midnight in Paris-Midnight in Paris was another great Woody film, which never had a shot at Best Picture, but was one of the most respected films of the year.

So who wins this year....And the Nominees Are....

Amour-Michael Haneke

Django Unchained-Quentin Tarantino

Flight-John Gatins

Moonrise Kingdom-Wes Anderson, and Roman Coppola

Zero Dark Thirty-Mark Boal

Moonrise Kingdom and Flight, only have one, and two nominations respectively, they are out.  This is one of the tougher races to predict.  Django has won the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and BFCA, which gives it the best odds.  Django has a lot of respect, but why the Academy would honor one of the weakest screenplays is beyond me.  Zero Dark Thirty won the WGA, but Django was ineligible.  The difference between 2009 and this year is that Django has the edge because in 2009 Hurt Locker won all the awards Django won.  Yet can Amour pull off that unique foreign language film win, it has five other nominations. At the moment my winner prediction is Django, but this may change.

Will Win: Django Unchained

Spoilers: Amour then Zero Dark Thirty

Top Ten Films of 2012

Within this list I used my own words from past reviews, and ranked my top ten films of 2012.

1-Zero Dark Thirty

"This is one of the best films of the year, the subject matter is handled beautifully, by the geniuses Bigelow, and Boal.  Along with Chastain this team is complete, and they work together effortlessly. Zero Dark Thirty is a thrilling ride into the search for a monster, and never lets you leave the edge of your seat."

Of all the films this year Zero Dark Thirty proves to be allegorical to the evolving theme of the film. In an changing society the hunt for a terrorist provides relief yet anguish.  The way Bin Laden was found harkens to the simplicity, with a take down by Navy S.E.A.L.S.  Yet the brutal tactics of torture and cultural differences add to changing global conversation. In a closing thought of where do you want to go next, the question is left to relieve, but haunt. This is the smartest, film of the year, and the team of Bigelow and Boal did it again!

2-Beasts of the Southern Wild

“For Benh Zeitlin's first major feature film this is one of the most masterfully directed films.  Zeitlin's work with the camera, and his actor's, none have which had done any major motion picture, proves that the energy and heart behind a director can make a film.  Zeitlin not only directed the film, but her helped write the screenplay, and helped compose one of the best scores of the year.  As you watch Beasts you would imagine that Zeitlin is an experienced filmmaker, who has mastered the craft of film making and has been making movies for years.  It's not the years that count, but the passion behind the auteur, and Zeitlin's work on this film is nothing short of amazing.”

3-Amour

“Haneke's direction and script brilliantly unfold a tale filled with moments of agony, grief, but ultimately filled with love.  As you watch Georges struggle, or Ann slip further into illness their connection may hit rough patches. Haneke does not spell out his direction with 100 percent certainty; he often works in the grey leaving ambiguity for the viewer to decide the meaning of a touch, a look, or silent moment.  This helps further strengthen the depth of the story, and makes the performances in his film even stronger.”

4-The Master

“One of the brilliant aspects of this film is the way Paul Thomas Anderson focuses on Joaquin Phoenix's Quell and the disillusionment he faces in a post World War II society.  Most people always painted the 50s as this golden era of family values, the husbands/men came home from the war they got their plot of land in Levitttown, settled with their "girl" and led a happy life.  Anderson uses the concept of this lost soul and the newly developed "religion" which takes advantage of those people had no place when they came back from the War.”

5-Argo

“The star of this film (in all ways possible) is leading man/director Ben Affleck.  Affleck moves away from Boston and into the terrain of Hollywood and Iran.  One of my favorite lines in the script comes from the fake make-up artists on the film John Chambers (John Goodman) in which he states "So you want to come to Hollywood and and act like a big shot without actually doing anything?..You will fit right in."  This along with the line about anyone being able to direct are laugh out loud moments, but Affleck proves everyone may be able to point the camera, and shoot, but not everyone can create such great work.  This is one of the best films of the year, and Affleck's direction helps set the stage for everything to be made possible.”

6-Moonrise Kingdom

“We Anderson does an incredible job making the children the center focus of the story while creating interesting and complex supporting characters out of the major stars.  Murray and McDormand are great are Suzy's parents, and they add their brilliant comic flare.  Norton rarely gets to flex his comedic chops, which is a shame because he is a talented actor who can do it all, and I love watching him take his role as Troop Leader 55 so seriously.  I was struck most by Bruce Willis; he hit this role out of the park, and has done some of the best acting I have ever seen him do, his raw emotion mixed with great wit is terrific in this film.  Then there were the great small roles for the flawless Tilda Swinton, the straight man Harvey Keitel, and the incredible Jason Schwartzman who always shines in his films.

7-Holy Motors

“Director Leo Carax a former film critic, takes you on a journey fitting together these different puzzle pieces to create something much larger about film.  Carax worked on a larger budget American film, but the film never came to life. With this project never coming to life Carax, started working on this low budget film, and was finally brought to the screen 13 years after his last picture.  Motors feels  like director David Lynch's Mullholland Dr. both providing a sharp critique on movies today, and the evolution of the modern cinema.  The "actor" goes from gig to gig without the emotional understanding of the part or faking the way they feel about the character.  One of the funniest moments was when Lavant played the dying millionaire whose step niece was grieving for him.  After he said his goodbye in what would be defined as on screen, Monsiuer Oscar gets up asks the girl her name and walks out of the room.”

8-Skyfall

“One of the brilliant aspects of this film is the sense of a world changing, but that this change is causing more chaos than good.  The post 9/11 world where the terrorist runs rampant, and is beyond the simple bald man stroking a cat, the villain has to be smoked out the old fashioned way.  How is the James Bond character relevant, or is he?  This franchise poses the question that was established in Casino Royale.  Bond has to become a new man, even though he may not be ready or even up to the challenges of the the people he will have to face.  Craig tackles this role better than ever in this film, not only showing that he can kick ass, but continuing to show the evolution the character started in this "reboot."

9-Lincoln

“As Daniel Day Lewis steps on stage, there is chill that passed down my spine, something he often invokes with his acting, or presence.  Day Lewis is a brilliant as Lincoln; he brings to life the man, his speeches, and shows you just how comfortable he was connecting with the masses.  Lincoln was one of the few Presidents we have had who came from nothing, Day Lewis connects with this aspect of Lincoln, and proves that within him there is a way for you to connect with him in this role on every level in believe in the greatness of this man.”

10-Looper

“Johnson's script and direction are key players in bringing this world to life.  Bob Ducsay's editing brilliantly blends the complicated elements of the story.  There are moments when you feel that the complicated nature of the story could hold the film back, but Docsay's editing helps strengthen the power of the story, with quick cuts that blend the stories of young and old Joe.”

Art Director's Guild help set the Stage for the Newly Best Production Design Oscar Category

Today the Art Director's Guild announced their awards, and while there were no surprises, except no Moonrise Kingdom these Guild Awards help show which smaller films have more support.  In the film categories they also break down the nominees by genre: period, fantasy, and contemporary film.

The actual Oscar nominees usually fall between the Period and Fantasy film categories.  I think this year's Oscar nominees will be all of the period films (minus Argo) and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  Cloud Atlas and Life of Pi have a strong shot to knock out Django, but I think Django's recent release gives the film a leg up on the competition.

I have to add that the television nominations are also incredible, and they nominated two of my favorite shows, Newsroom, and Community. Bravo!

NOMINEES FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN FOR A FEATURE FILM IN 2012:

Period Film

ANNA KARENINA
Production Designer:  Sarah Greenwood
ARGO
Production Designer:  Sharon Seymour
DJANGO UNCHAINED
Production Designer:  J. Michael Riva
LES MISÉRABLES 
Production Designer:  Eve Stewart
LINCOLN 
Production Designer:  Rick Carter

Fantasy Film

CLOUD ATLAS  
Production Designer:  Uli Hanisch, Hugh Bateup
LIFE OF PI 
Production Designer:  David Gropman
PROMETHEUS 
Production Designer:  Arthur Max
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES 
Production Designers:  Nathan Crowley, Kevin Kavanaugh
THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY 
Production Designer:  Dan Hannah

Contemporary Film

FLIGHT  
Production Designer:  Nelson Coates
SKYFALL 
Production Designer:  Dennis Gassner
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
Production Designer:  Alan MacDonald
THE IMPOSSIBLE 
Production Designer:  Eugenio Caballero
ZERO DARK THIRTY 
Production Designer:  Jeremy Hindle

===

NOMINEES FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN IN TELEVISION FOR 2012:

One-Hour Single Camera Television Series

BOARDWALK EMPIRE Episode:  Resolution
Production Designer:Bill Groom
DOWNTON ABBEY Episode:  Christmas Special
Production Designer: Donal Woods
GAME OF THRONES Episode:  The Ghost of Harrenhal
Production Designer: Gemma Jackson
HOMELAND Episode:  The Choice
Production Designer: John D. Kretschmer
NEWSROOM Episode:  We Just Decided To
Production Designer:Richard Hoover

Television Movie or Miniseries

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM Episode: I Am Anne Frank, Part 2
Production Designer:  Mark Worthington
GAME CHANGE
Production Designer:  Michael Corenblith
HATFIELDS and MCCOYS
Episode:  Ep.#1.1-Night One, Ep.#1.2-Night Two, Ep.#1.3-Night Three
Production Designer:  Derek R. Hill
HEMINGWAY & GELLHORN
Production Designer:  Geoffrey Kirkland
MOCKINGBIRD LANE
Production Designer:  Michael Wylie

Episode of a Half Hour Single-Camera Television Series

COMMUNITY Episode:  Pillows and Blankets
Production Designer:  Denise Pizzini
GIRLS Episode:  Pilot
Production Designer:  Judy Becker
MODERN FAMILY Episode:  Mystery Date
Production Designer:  Richard Berg
PARKS & RECREATION Episode:  Soda Tax
Production Designer:  Ian Phillips
THE NEW NORMAL Episode:  Sofa’s Choice
Production Designer:  Tony Fanning

Episode of a Multicamera, Variety, or Unscripted Series

2 BROKE GIRLS Episode:  And The Silent Partner
Production Designer:  Glenda Rovello
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION            

Production Designer:  Bruce Rodgers
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Episode:  The Magicians Code Part 1
Production Designer:  Stephan Olson
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Episode:  Mick Jagger Host
Production Designer:  Keith Raywood
THE VOICE
Production Designer:  Anton Goss, James Pearse Connelly

Oscar Roundup 2012: Ineligibility Shades Writer's Guild Nominees, and eventual Oscar Screenplay Nominees

As the field narrows, the Globes announced, SAG announced, the critics lists out, and the Oscar ballots due, the Guild Awards may less and less of an impact of awards season.  The Writer's Guild Awards are one of the least successful precursors, mainly because they rules a good amount of scripts ineligible, and thus prevent a clear indicator of a stronger percentage of nominees.

Let's look at the past two years statistics:

2011

Original Screenplay (WGA on Left, Oscar on Right)

Win Win	The Artist
Bridesmaids	Bridesmaids
50/50	A Separation
Young Adult	Margin Call
Midnight in Paris	Midnight in Paris

Adapted Screenplay

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo	The Ides of March
The Help	Tinker Tailor Solider Spy
Moneyball	Moneyball
The Descendants	The Descendants
Hugo	Hugo

In 2011 only 2 films matched in the Original Screenplay category, and three within the Adapted category, most of the discrepancies came because of ineligibility.  This ineligibility problem has happened year after year, and proves to make predicting these categories challenging.

2010

Original Screenplay

Black Swan	The King’s Speech
Please Give	Another Year
Inception	Inception
The Kids are all Right	The Kids are all Right
The Fighter	The Fighter

Adapted Screenplay

I Love You Phillip Morris	Winter’s Bone
The Town	Toy Story 3
The Social Network	The Social Network
127 Hours	127 Hours
True Grit	True Grit

2001

 Original Screenplay

Moulin Rouge	Memento
The Man who Wasn’t There	Amelie
Gosford Park	Gosford Park
Monster’s Ball	Monster’s Ball
The Royal Tenenbaums	The Royal Tenenbaums

Adapted Screenplay

Black Hawk Down	Shrek
Bridget Jone’s Diary	In the Bedroom
A Beautiful Mind	A Beautiful Mind
Ghost World	Ghost World
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring	Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring

Looking at 2010, and 2001 both years seem to follow that strong pattern that only 3 out of 5 nominees make it to the Academy Awards, so what films are the likely nominees this year?
WGA Original Screenplay Nominees

Zero Dark Thirty

Moonrise Kingdom

Looper

Flight

The Master

Strong Ineligible Contenders
Django Unchained
Amour
The Intouchables
The Impossible
Middle of Nowhere

Look for these to be the top five at the WGA, but come Oscar time Looper either Flight or The Master will be replaced with Amour, and Django Unchained. The Oscars typically have a foreign language 

nominee in this category, and they are not going to ignore this aspect of Django.

WGA Adapted Screenplay Nominees
Lincoln
Argo
Silver Linings Playbook
Life of Pi
The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Strong Ineligible Contenders
Beasts of the Southern Wild
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Deep Blue Sea
Les Miserables 
Rust and Bone

Look for Perks to be the unfortunate casualty here, being replaced by Beasts of the Southern Wild.  Fans of this film will want Benh Zeitlin to get some major attention, and unfortunately this is the most realistic place for him to be nominated.  This is going to be the first time in 4 years most of the nominees line-up.