THE ACADEMY AWARDS Sunday, Feb. 27 - 8 p.m.
ABC
Best Picture
-Will Win:
The Social Network
-Could Win:
The King's Speech
-Should Win:
Black Swan
The academy is looking for something big and flashy this year in order to break its streak of awarding the Best Picture trophy to lesser-known independent features. The Social Network already won Best Picture at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards and has grossed over $200 million worldwide. The King's Speech is a close runner-up, gaining increased attention and popularity in recent weeks. Black Swan, however, was the best movie of 2010 and has charmed audiences with its beauty and menacing dark side alike.
Best Director
-Will Win:
David Fincher, The Social Network
-Could Win:
Tom Hooper, The King's Speech
-Should Win:
Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan
Fincher, director of other favorites like Fight Club and Se7en, seems to be the favorite here. Fincher's gotten a lot attention recently for his work on The Social Network and will surely be in the spotlight for years to come. Hooper was the winner at Director's Guild Awards and may upset Fincher's expected win. Aronofsky made the better film this year, however, with Black Swan.
Best Supporting Actor
-Will Win:
Melissa Leo, The Fighter
-Could Win:
Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech
-Should Win:
Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Leo plays the mother to Bale and Wahlberg's characters. Helena Bonham Carter gives a respectable performance as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, wife of King George VI. Leo, however, portrays more than just a Boston Irish stereotype in her role; she plays a mother who's both an antagonist and a victim evoking sympathy.
Best Actor
-Will Win:
Colin Firth, The King's Speech
-Could Win:
Javier Bardem, Biutiful or Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network
-Should Win:
Colin Firth, The King's Speech
Firth's portrayal of King George VI struggling to beat his stammer is one of the best performances of the past several years. Eisenberg and Bardem both performed superbly in their roles, but Firth is sure to win.
Best Actress
-Will Win:
Natalie Portman, Black Swan
-Could Win:
Annette Benning, The Kids are All Right
-Should Win:
Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Portman spent over one year training for her role in Black Swan and blew audiences away with her rendition of the dark side of ballet. Bening gave an admirable performance as Julianne Moore's wife and mother to two teenagers in The Kids Are All Right, but Portman's hard work and impeccable performance are sure to secure her the Oscar.
Tune in to see how these predictions measure up to the academy's choices!