Andrew Mayhill
Isaac Newby
The Broadside

Every year filmmakers and actors from around the world hope their work is recognized by taking home the most prestigious award in film: an Oscar. The 84th annual Academy awards are approaching. This past year was great for film and now it’s time to see who will go home with the prize. The award ceremony commences on Feb. 26, at 7 p.m.
Until then, read who we want to win an Oscar for certain categories and who we think will actually win the award.

Best Picture
What we want to win:
“Hugo.” I think out of the lot, “Hugo” is the most original and enlightening film of the bunch and it would be nice to see it receive the credit it deserves.
What will probably win:
“The Artist.” A silent film set in 1920s Hollywood and done with all of the same mannerisms and body language as an authentic 1920s silent film cannot be denied the Oscar for Best Picture.

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Who we want to win:
George Clooney.
Who will probably win:
George Clooney. Clooney not playing a typical Clooney role, and managing to convey emotion and his character’s mind state without being a constantly smarmy “ladies man.”

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Who we want to win:
Glenn Close. She has been nominated several times and she’s never won. This time she plays a very convincing man, and I think she deserves the award for it.
Who will probably win:
Viola Davis. Civil rights issues are a shoe-in for awards and Viola Davis’ performance is solid enough to push her to winning the Oscar.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Who we want to win:
Nick Nolte. Frankly, just because Nick Nolte is awesome.
Who will probably win:
Christopher Plummer. He has an impressive resume showing off his acting skills, and he’s never won before, it’s either this or the academy will do an honorary “Lifetime Achievement” award.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Who we want to win:
Octavia Spencer. It’s odd they would have two nominations for the same movie in the same category but I think Octavia Spencer’s performance was the strongest of them all.
Who will probably win:
Octavia Spencer. This is the first Academy Award nomination Octavia Spencer has had and the Academy will recognize an up-and-comer with an outstanding performance in a powerful civil rights film.

Best Animated Feature Film
What we want to win:
“Rango.”
What will probably win:
“Rango.” “Rango” was funny, genuinely entertaining for the whole family and extremely well made. Plus it showed off that Johnny Depp can feature in movies not made by Tim Burton.

Best Directing
What we want to win:
“The Artist.” I would like Michel Hazanavicius to be recognized for his exceptional work on this film because it was obviously a challenge to make.
What will probably win:
“The Artist.” The amount of effort it would take on the part of a director to pull off a 1920s style silent film in this era of film making is something that won’t be ignored by the academy.

Best Visual Effects
What we want to win:
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes.”
What will probably win:
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” It’s a ridiculous blockbuster that can be justified as a solid reason that people actually visited the theater, regardless of how incomprehensible and mind numbing as this movie was, the special effects, sound effects, and sound design are among some of the best that are on display from Hollywood.

Cinematography
What we want to win:
“The Tree of Life.” Shot for shot, “The Tree of Life” is beautifully filmed and filled with humbling imagery seamlessly woven into blissful and heartbreaking perfection.
What will probably win:
“The Artist.” It’s going to be a sweep for “The Artist” at the Oscars this year. The goal of this film was authenticity in the way it was filmed and they nailed it.