I love movies. I love talking about movies. I'm not a critic and don't really do movie reviews (unless it involves my thoughts from a social justice angle), but I know some people like to get a sense of what a bunch of people think about certain movies so they can determine which ones are worth seeing (or if they're on the fence about a particular movie), so for the benefit of those people, here's what I thought of the nominated films that I have seen. And no, these are not predictions. Just random, rambling thoughts about some of the categories. I have some predictions, but that's a completely different and (for me personally) uninteresting matter.
May contain non-specific spoilers, depending on how you interpret the word "spoilers."* Also, if you don't know anything about the famous people in the nominated biopics, yes, there are spoilers. But probably not much more than if you just watch the ceremony.
Best Picture
Whiplash: Haven't seen this one, but would definitely consider seeing it. I hear J.K. Simmons is fantastic (see below).
American Sniper: Haven't seen this one either. As much as I resent contributing to box office sales of a movie that beat the record previously held by my all-time favorite war movie (Saving Private Ryan...what can I say? I was a 90's kid), I feel like I probably should watch it, so that I can form an informed opinion about the film and its political implications. Despite my distaste for Clint Eastwood's political views, I'm actually a pretty big fan of him as a director (Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River, Flags of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima, and Invictus all make my ridiculously long personal list of great movies). I'm thinking I may actually like it as a movie.
Birdman: OK, my feelings about this film were kind of a surprise to me. People have been raving about it, and I had wanted to see it since I saw the trailer for the first time some time last year. The seeming oddness of the film gleaned from the information I had prior to watching it suggested it was the kind of film I would really like. Actually, I did like it. I thought it was a good film. The acting was fantastic (see below). But I didn't absolutely love it like I thought I would, and honestly, I'm not sure if I can get behind the degree of enthusiasm that is behind this film. As good as the film it is, I'm actually hoping it doesn't win Best Picture.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: I was extremely and pleasantly surprised when it started making the awards season lists. I happen to love Wes Anderson's brand, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. So, a fantastic film like this being given mainstream recognition by a Best Picture nomination (he's been nominated for Best Original Screenplay twice before) has been a happy development for me. This is a film with great actors, lots of laughs, and Anderson's signature melancholy. It may have been my favorite film from the past year (maybe with the exception of Guardians of the Galaxy, which is obviously a completely different type of film).
The Imitation Game: Good movie. I really liked it. Intriguing portrait of a talented man who suffered a cruel fate because of who he was. Totally deserves the nomination but not the win, in my opinion.
Selma: This. This. This. This. Extraordinary film in so many ways. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire movie. It was raw, powerful, and still so relevant today. I am certainly not of the demographic who should be making any claim about the voice of the African-American community and all that, but the story-telling was just incredible. Yes, I am partial to films with a social justice dimension, but I am also partial to quirky comedies and/or dramas (as you can probably guess from my partiality towards Budapest). I'm not going to rewrite what I've already written about the film, but this is the film. And without watching Boyhood (which is the most likely film I haven't seen that could change my mind on this), this would be my personal pick for Best Picture. I certainly think it is the most deserving for so many reasons.
The Theory of Everything: I really liked this film. I actually liked it a lot more than I thought would (I thought I would like it but not as much I did). I think what got me was that it was neither dull nor melodramatic. And the fact that it was about Stephen Hawing, the person, and not Stephen Hawking, the genius (OK, yes, it was about the person, who happens to be a genius, but you get my point). The film really focused on the heart (rather than the brain), the development of relationships between human beings, and a deeper human love rather than romantic love. I felt the trailers did a disservice by making the film seem like it would be a love story when it said much more about the human relationship between Stephen and Jane Hawking. Anyway, good film, well-deserved nomination, but I wouldn't give it the win, even among only the films I've seen.
Boyhood: Unfortunately, I haven't yet seen this but really want to. As much as I tend to not root for the "favorite" films, this could be a film that would not make me disappointed if it wins.
Best Actor
Michael Keaton (Birdman): I get why he's the favorite. I'm really torn for this category, and think he and Eddie Redmayne both deserve the win. But anyway, Keaton was great, and him winning would be more than OK with me.
Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything): He had an incredibly challenging role, obviously. To depict a genius and living legend who underwent a debilitating physical transformation must be so to say the least, and he did it incredibly well. Until this film, my only impression of Redmayne had been that of Marius from Les Miserables, and I'd always thought Marius was the least interesting character in the classic story (in the book and in any rendition I have ever seen, whether film or musical or both). So it was great seeing his performance in this role. He so deserves the win, just as much as Keaton (who seems to be the favorite).
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game): Cumberbatch is always a great actor. Which kind of did not work in his favor from my perspective. It's so difficult for me to see his performance as extraordinary when he is always so great. Nomination well-deserved. But I wouldn't give it to him based on the other nominees.
Bradley Cooper (American Sniper): Can't say much about his performance since I haven't seen the film. I'm sure he's great. I've always been a pretty big fan of his (since his days as Will Tippin on Alias), so it's always great seeing him being nominated.
Steve Carell (Foxcatcher): I really wanted to see this film, and then I missed it when it was in nearby theaters. I feel that people forget that Carell is a great actor all around because of the impact he's had in his comedic roles (of course, he's great as a comedian). And this role certainly sounds intriguing. I still want to see it.
In general, though, snubbing David Oyelowo was a HUGE mistake. I mean, have these people seen Oyelowo's performance?! He was totally right about The Academy rewarding black actors only for "subservient" roles. In conclusion, #OscarsSoWhite.
Best Actress
Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything): I really liked her character, and her acting was solid. Not sure she should be the winner, though.
Marion Cotillard (Two Days, One Night): I actually hadn't even heard of this movie. Knowing some of her past roles, I'm sure the nomination is well-deserved.
Reese Witherspoon (Wild): I've really wanted to see the film and am sad that I still haven't. I thought it looked worthwhile when I first saw the trailers (in which Witherspoon already looked extraordinary), but it's also gotten a ton of hype as a feminist film. Maybe I should read the book, then watch the film when it comes out on-demand or on digital.
Julianne Moore (Still Alice): I haven't seen this film either! I heard about it once award season started up, and that was the first time I realized that Moore has not yet won an Oscar despite past nominations. She is a great actress and super-well-established, so I wouldn't be surprised if she wins.
Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl): Oh. My. God. I read the book before I saw the movie (both are highly recommended, by the way). And she is perfect in the role. Just perfect. I know I haven't seen Julianne Moore's performance, but I wouldn't hesitate giving it to her.
Best Director: What I have to say in this category is probably mostly redundant given what I've said for Best Picture (except Foxcatcher, which I haven't seen, so nothing to contribute here). All I have to add is that not nominating Ava DuVernay was a disgrace. Boo, domination of old, white men. Oh, but I'm going to reiterate that I'm pretty happy Wes Anderson was nominated.
Best Supporting Actor
Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher): Like I said, I haven't seen this movie, even though I've wanted to. That being said, MARK RUFFALO IS IN THIS MOVIE?! I am generally fond of Ruffalo's acting, so OK.
Edward Norton (Birdman): He was great. Like I said, I thought the hype surrounding the film was not entirely undeserved but a bit excessive, but Norton (along with Keaton) was amazing, and definitely deserving of a win. That being said, everyone seems to be going with J.K. Simmons on this category, so that's that.
J.K. Simmons (Whiplash): Apparently, he's the favorite. I can't really say much since I haven't seen the movie, but I do know that he is a great actor. I have this tendency of noticing character actors and actors in minor roles, so I've been pretty familiar with Simmons for a while and was surprised that people didn't really know him. I mean, he was Juno's dad! And he's in the Farmers Insurance commercials! He's also great. And he happens to be in one of my all-time top three favorite films (Thank You For Smoking). So without watching his performance, I'd be happy with him going home with an Oscar.
Robert Duvall (The Judge): Haven't seen the movie. I'm guessing he can be fairly characterized as an Academy favorite, given his multiple nominations and one win.
Ethan Hawke (Boyhood): Haven't seen the movie. He's been in some good roles over the years.
Best Supporting Actress
Emma Stone (Birdman): She was pretty good. I've always liked her and am glad she's joined the ranks of award-material actresses. She certainly has come a long way since Zombieland, which is a great movie but obviously not Oscar-caliber.
Patricia Arquette (Boyhood): Haven't seen the movie. Would love to. She's a good actress. That's all I've got.
Meryl Streep (Into the Woods): Can this woman ever do any wrong in acting, especially in the eyes of The Academy? I mean, how many nominations and wins does she have again? She was a pretty great witch. But I kind of don't want her to win...again.
Laura Dern (Wild): Woah, she was in Wild? Now I really have to see this movie. Jurassic Park forevah (like I said, I'm a 90's kid). Oh, the award? I have no idea. Also, I didn't realize she has a past Oscar nomination.
Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game): She was good. I liked her character. That being said, I like Knightley in general, but I've rarely been super-impressed by her acting. She always feels the same. It's not at all that she's a bad or mediocre actress, but I just tend to like people who give off very different vibes in different roles for awards.
Best Animated Feature Film
The Tale of Princess Kaguya: Embarrassingly, I haven't seen this yet. It's based on a beloved Japanese folktale, and everything I've read about in the months leading up to its release has been positive. I really want to see it. But I'm not getting my hopes up for a win because it wasn't well-publicized like some of the other films.
How to Train Your Dragon 2: Is it just me or have sequels gotten better in recent years? I loved the original and loved this sequel as well. I think the best thing about both films is that they can have relatively heavy themes and story developments for a kid's animated film. I have a feeling that this film is the favorite (it is probably the most popular of the nominees), and that it has a good chance of winning. I loved it, but maybe I'm kind of anti-establishment-oriented. Its popularity makes me hesitant to offer my support for the win.
The Boxtrolls: I haven't seen it, although I've seen the trailers in theaters and on TV many, many times. The trailer wouldn't have enticed me, but some clips I've seen and what I've heard about the film have piqued my interest. I'm hoping to watch it at some point.
Big Hero 6: The trailer didn't do it justice. It just didn't. It was the perfect animated superhero film in my opinion, and I absolutely loved it. This is the one I'm rooting for.
Song of the Sea: I hadn't even heard of this film and had to look it up. Non-mainstream films that get nominations here are generally pretty good, so I'm going to trust that it is worthy.
Maybe there just wasn't enough room with all the great movies, but I still say snubbing The LEGO Movie (which was one of my favorite movies from last year) was almost as big a mistake as snubbing Oyewelo for Best Actor and DuVernay for Best Director. And I'm not just saying that because the directors and I share an alma mater (Go Green!).
So, those are my feelings about the major Oscar categories this year. Whoever wins in whatever category, I'm sure I'll be happy with Neil Patrick Harris hosting the ceremony. Hopefully, everyone else will be as well.
*I recently had a disagreement with my fiance as to what exactly constitutes a "spoiler." He was of the opinion that "it was a really good episode" or some other super-general expression may constitute a spoiler depending on the show, and that for this reason, he interprets even such general expressions to be a spoiler pretty much all around. OK, then.
