Picks for the Academy Awards…but you be the judge

By RYAN SHOEMAKER

Walt Disney once said, "The motion picture has become a necessity of life, a part of our balanced existence. People are always going to demand and enjoy movies in the theater. Patronage will depend more than ever upon what we put on the screen." Looking back at 2009, Mr. Disney's words are truly prophetic. The Academy has opted to switch back to 10 Best Picture nominations for the first time since 1943, when "Casablanca" took home the top prize. What follows are one man's picks and ponderings of the past year of film.

BEST PICTURE: There are several notables here, including the animated masterpiece “Up,” just the second ever animated film nominated for the top prize. “The Blindside,” the surprise hit from the fall, a great movie, but a long shot at best. “Inglourious Basterds,” the unofficial dark-horse in this derby, an instant classic from director Quentin Tarantino. Honestly, it's a two-horse race though. The gripping “Hurt Locker,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow is a raw, powerful, war epic. “Locker” would win Best Picture most years, but it is not meant to be. The clear winner in my eyes is the sweeping spectacle of "Avatar." James Cameron's second masterpiece is a cut above the rest. This film has changed movie making forever, and for that he deserves the big prize. WINNER: AVATAR

BEST DIRECTOR: It is another two-horse race for the top directing prize. Cameron and Bigelow go head to head. Ironic, considering they were once married. I expect James Cameron's name to be called, but would not be surprised to see Bigelow accepting this top prize. WINNER: JAMES CAMERON

BEST ACTOR: There is only one name worth mentioning, Jeff Bridges, who gave the performance of the last decade as Bad Blake in "Crazy Heart." He was unequivocally the heart and soul of that picture, and he deserves every accolade he receives. Others nominated include George Clooney for "Up In The Air" and Morgan Freeman for "Invictus". WINNER: JEFF BRIDGES

BEST ACTRESS: Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock and Helen Mirren are among those nominated. Pundits have pegged Ms. Streep to take home the Oscar, I respectfully disagree. My pick is Sandra Bullock. You truly forget that you are watching Ms. Bullock in "The Blind Side." She becomes Leigh Anne Tuohy. Meryl Streep was nominated for her fascinating turn as Julia Child in "Julie and Julia." Helen Mirren was nominated for her work as Leo Tolstoy's wife Sofya Andreyevna. WINNER: SANDRA BULLOCK

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: There are a few names to remember in this category: Stanley Tucci for his demonic portrayal of the neighbor next-door in the otherwise disappointing "The Lovely Bones." Matt Damon for his work as a South African rugby player in "Invictus." Last but not least is Christoph Waltz, who plays Nazi Col. Hans Landa in “Inglourious Basterds.” He deftly moves between cordial conversation and deep interrogation. He uses twisted humor, and horrifying cunning to always get his man. A true master of his craft. WINNER: CHRISTOPH WALTZ

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: This is arguably the most wide open ace of the night. I have a hard time picking just one. Each of the fine actresses was fantastic in their respective roles. Maggie Gyllenhaal is nominated for "Crazy Heart," Mo'nique for "Precious," Penelope Cruz for "Nine," Vera Farmiga for "Up In The Air" and Anna Kendrick also from "Up In The Air." My pick here is another "upset" giving the nod to Anna Kendrick. She is positively outstanding opposite George Clooney in their film. Insiders have pegged Mo'nique for this award; honestly any of the five could nab this award. WINNER: ANNA KENDRICK

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: I have one question, is it fair to the other four films to have to go head to head with one of the best movies of the last five years? The answer is no, and the winner here is "Up." Honorable mention to "The Princess and the Frog" and the under-appreciated "Coraline." WINNER: UP

DON AND JOYCE FOWLER’S OSCAR PICKS

From a perspective of older filmgoers, and even though we think it is impossible to judge one great performance over another, these are our favorites - not the ones we expect to win - for 2009: BEST PICTURE: The Blind Side

BEST DIRECTOR: James Cameron, Avatar

BEST ACTOR: Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart

BEST ACTRESS: Meryl Streep, Julie and Julia

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Stanley Tucci, Lonely Bones

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: UP

NOTE: The Oscars will be presented this Sunday, March 7