Eddie’s Oscar Picks 2014

“12 Years a Slave” and “Gravity” to win big, but will “Wolf of Wall Street” Surprise?

Eddie Sheehy, Lifestyles Editor|February 25, 2014

One of my favorite nights of the year is fast approaching and I can’t wait. This sunday, March 2nd, the 86th Academy Awards will be presented, and with a whole host of great movies from 2013, this year is sure to make for an exciting award show. Below are my picks for the winners of each category that will be presented throughout the night. I’ve thought about these very carefully and have watched all of the movies included in the list so believe me when I say my predictions have been thought out and are being made the most genuine way possible.

Best Picture

“12 Years A Slave”

– Though “12 Years” doesn’t come close to my personal favorite movie of the year, I have little doubt it will take home best picture. If the past few years has proved anything to us about the Academy, it should be that the winner of Best Picture is not going to be the majority of Americans favorite. It could be a close call between “Gravity” and this, but I can’t see anything but “12 Years” winning.

Actor in a Leading Role

Leonardo DiCaprio

– Leo has been long over due for this honor. The term, always a bridesmaid, never a bride comes to mind. No one deserves this more than him, but as much as I loved his performance in “Wolf of Wall Street” and as much as I think it’s about time the Academy shows him some love, I can’t guarantee he will win. Of any of my picks in this list, I’d say this is the one I’m most likely to get wrong. McConaughey for “Dallas Buyers Club” is some serious competition, as is Chiwetel Ejiofor from “12 Years A Slave”.

Actress in a Leading Role

Cate Blanchett

– I feel I don’t really need to make an argument here. Blanchett’s role in “Blue Jasmine” has dominated award shows lately, and I predict we can expect more of the same at the Oscars.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Jared Leto

– He’s all the buzz right now, and for anyone who has seen “Dallas Buyers Club” you know why. For the first five minutes of the film, I actually thought he was a woman. His acting is truly amazing and the relationship he held with McConaughey’s character should be more than enough to push him over the edge.

Actress in a Supporting Role

Lupita Nyong’o

– This little known actress is more than deserving of the award. Her scenes in “12 Years A Slave” were emotional and physically demanding, and prove just how great of an actress Nyong’o is. This, coupled with the fact that her only real competition Jennifer Lawrance won last year, should have her sitting pretty come the big night.

Directing

Alfonso Caurón

– As much as I’d like to see Scorsese win, it just won’t happen. Caurón’s “Gravity” stunned and surprised audiences everywhere with its new form of storytelling and it should be of no surprise to anyone if he wins. If he has anyone to worry about, it could be Steve McQueen of “12 Years A Slave”, but Caurón’s new form of film-making should be enough to push him over the edge.

Animated Feature Film

“Frozen”

– Without a doubt this is the best-animated film in years. I love Disney Animation Studios, and as I’ve said plenty of times before, I think they’re a thousand times better than Pixar. Considering the nominees, Frozen should have no problems taking home the big award.

Below I’ve included my picks for the less glamorized awards. I’ve seen just about all of these movies (excluding documentaries and foreign films), but for those movies I haven’t seen, I based my opinion on “movie award experts,” and clips from each category.

Cinematography

“Gravity”

Costume Design

“The Great Gatsby”

Documentary Feature

“The Act of Killing”

Documentary Short Subject

“The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”

Film Editing

“Gravity”

Foreign Language Film

“Broken Circle”