02 Mar Jason Hatch’s 2014 Oscar Predictions

Its Oscar Sunday, and just in time I am ready with my picks!  I want to be clear that this is not necessarily how I would vote if I were a member of the Academy. This is simply how I project the Academy will have voted for this year’s nominees. Here are my picks for 9 major categories:

Cinematography: Gravity

This one is a lock in my mind. Gravity was personally one of my least favorite films last year, but there’s no denying its beauty. The look of the film stands way above its competitors, and unfortunately for Gravity this is the only category where that is true.

Adapted Screenplay: The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street is by no means the favorite in this category. It is, however, my favorite film of the year and if it’s going to win any of these, I feel like this would be the one. For that reason it is my pick to win and I will be rooting for it!

Original Screenplay: Her

Her was the most beautiful and profound film I saw last year. The concept was so original and executed perfectly. That being said, I’m not sure of it’s chances in any major categories except this one, which it absolutely to deserves to win.

Supporting Actress: 

Lupita Nyong’o is another lock I have to think. She was so brilliant in 12 Years a Slave and stood out so strongly from the rest of the pack. If she doesn’t win this Oscar, there is something definitely wrong.

Supporting Actor: Jared Leto

I have a severe distaste for Jared Leto. I worked the premiere of his “rock doc” at SXSW last year and it was horrid, but I already didn’t care for him before that. But acting isn’t about being an awesome person and I have to say he totally killed it in Dallas Buyer’s Club. Even if I could vote, he would have my vote. I still don’t like him though.

Directing: Steve McQueen

It’s widely believed that Alfonso Cuaron will win this award for Gravity. I firmly believe that directing is about storytelling and for that reason I am sticking with Steve McQueen as my pick. 12 Years A Slave told us an incredible story and the execution was flawless. This is one I may get wrong, but I still feel good about my pick!

Lead Actress: Cate Blanchett

I am not a huge Woody Allen, but Blue Jasmine has to be the most I’ve enjoyed one of his films. That has almost everything to do with Cate Blanchett who I am a big fan of. This is always a strong category and this year is no exception, but she is my pick to take home a statue.

Lead Actor: Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey may be something of a weirdo but he has stepped his acting game up big time in the last few years and this is his most powerhouse performance yet. I would be surprised if anyone else goes home a winner in this category.

Best Picture: 12 Years a Slave

As I expressed earlier, The Wolf of Wall Street was my favorite film of the year.  I also really loved Her and Dallas Buyer’s Club, but the film that I think the Academy is going to gravitate towards 12 Years a Slave, and rightly so. The words powerful, moving, and important come to mind when I think of that film, and that’s everything a best picture winner should be in my humble opinion.

That about wraps it up for my predictions. Watch The Academy Awards tonight on ABC at 7:30! Follow me on twitter for a brutally fun live tweet: @the karatesquid. I follow back!