IMAGES FROM ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS JUST WHAT THE FICTIONAL DOCTOR ORDERED...
P
aging Dr. Howser, Dr. Doogie Howser... Ok, so Neil Patrick Harris has proven that he is, was, and will be WAY more than his TV beginnings. Playing a child genius M.D. was really just a way for us all to be introduced to the man he is today.
From being the cad on How I Met Your Mother to finding his place as a Broadway darling (with a statue to prove it), Harris has become a beacon for child actors everywhere on the power of reinvention and how being honest about yourself can lead to inspiring results. A newly wed (he married his partner, David Burtka last year), this father of twins is taking showmanship to a whole new level. He wowed viewers as a host of the Tony Awards (three times) and held his own hosting the Emmys in 2013. Now his heading to the big stage and the world will see if his magic persona is more than just an illusion of legendary status. I have a feeling it is.
As you flip through the Watchlist, keep an eye out for this bookmark. While I can’t say with certainty who will take home the prize, these are the ones I think are safe bets.
AMERICAN SNIPER
B EST PICTURE, ACTOR, FILM EDITING, SOUND EDITING, SOUND MIXING, & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Based on a true story, and one of the highest grossing films of 2015, AMERICAN SNIPER tells the tale of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle who became a legend due to his accuracy in the field yet found returning home a bit more complicated. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring the incredible Bradley Cooper, there is some talk that he might be a dark horse and win the Best Actor category. And that’s not because of his amazing skills handling a baby doll...
BIRDMAN
UNEXPECTED or (THE VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, CINEMATOGRAPHY, SOUND EDITING, SOUND MIXING, & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Visually arresting and probably one of the most interesting (and head scratching) films of the year. BIRDMAN is sure to take home some gold. Whether it is for directing or acting... well, the voices in my head say it is a toss up. It is a safe bet to say that it will win for cinematography because the seemless shots were like no other. Available for purchase on Amazon or iTunes now.
BOYHOOD
BEST PICTURE, SUPPORTING ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Talk about a passion project with some serious vision. Richard Linklater and his team have been working to bring this epic film, about a boy growing up, to the screen for over 12 years. Filmed in clips, we follow Mason and his family as he grows from a boy into a young man. While I would not say it was a favorite film of mine this year, there is no doubting the talent and expansiveness of the project. Expect Patrica Arquette to walk away with a statue. Available to purchase now on iTunes or Amazon.
GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
the
B EST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING, COSTUME DESIGN, MAKE-UP & HAIRSTYLING, PRODUCTION DESIGN, SCORE & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Wes Anderson brings his quirky, colorful world to life again. Ralph Fiennes stars as Gustave H the consierge of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL who goes on a wild adventure with his friend/lobby boy, Zero Moustafa. Eccentric and creative, there is no doubt that a few statues will be awarded, though probably not for the biggest prizes. Get it now, to rent or own, on iTunes or Amazon.
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IMITATION GAME BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING, SCORE, PRODUCTION DESIGN & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“Sometimes its the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.” Based on the life of Alan Turing this dynamic film has Benedict Cumberbatch doing what he does best - thinking. Smart and socially awkward, Turing proves to be one of the most brilliant minds in the world as he works to break the Nazi’s Enigma Code. By doing so he not only helped stop a war and saved millions of lives, but also became became something like the grandfather of computers. He was a chapter of history that has been little explored, but that, it has been shown should never been forgotten. Preorder it now on iTunes or Amazon.
“GLORY”
MUSIC & LYRICS: JOHN STEPHENS & LONNIE LYNN PERFORMED BY: JOHN LEGEND FEATURING COMMON
One day, when the glory comes It will be ours, it will be ours Oh, one day, when the war is won We will be sure, we will be here sure Oh, glory, glory Oh, glory, glory Hands to the Heavens, no man, no weapon Formed against, yes glory is destined Every day women and men become legends Sins that go against our skin become blessings The movement is a rhythm to us Freedom is like religion to us Justice is juxtaposition in us Justice for all just ain’t specific enough One son died, his spirit is revisitin’ us Truant livin’ livin’ in us, resistance is us That’s why Rosa sat on the bus That’s why we walk through Ferguson with our hands up When it go down we woman and man up They say, “Stay down” and we stand up Shots, we on the ground, the camera panned up King pointed to the mountain top and we ran up One day, when the glory comes It will be ours, it will be ours Oh, one day, when the war is one We will be sure, we will be here sure Oh, glory, glory Oh, glory, glory glory Now the war is not over Victory isn’t won And we’ll fight on to the finish Then when it’s all done We’ll cry glory, oh glory We’ll cry glory, oh glory
Selma’s now for every man, woman and child Even Jesus got his crown in front of a crowd They marched with the torch, we gon’ run with it now Never look back, we done gone hundreds of miles From dark roads he rose, to become a hero Facin’ the league of justice, his power was the people Enemy is lethal, a king became regal Saw the face of Jim Crow under a bald eagle The biggest weapon is to stay peaceful We sing, our music is the cuts that we bleed through Somewhere in the dream we had an epiphany Now we right the wrongs in history No one can win the war individually It takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energy Welcome to the story we call victory Comin’ of the Lord, my eyes have seen the glory One day, when the glory comes It will be ours, it will be ours Oh, one day, when the war is one We will be sure, we will be here sure Oh, glory, glory Oh, glory, glory glory When the war is done, when it’s all said and done We’ll cry glory, oh glory
SELMA BEST PICTURE & SONG Largely overlooked by the Academy, this timely look back at the rise of the Civil Rights movement is not only filled with powerhouse performances, but crafted by a masterful director and brilliant storyteller. While it might not bring home the big award, we can at least find a little solace in the fact that is all but a lock to bring home an award for Best Song.
STILL ALICE BEST ACTRESS A film that is not easy to forget. Julianne Moore potrays Alice Howland, a linguistics professor whose world gets flipped upside down as she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Bold, heartbreaking and a true award-worthy performance, she is all but a lock to bring home a statue (which is something after being nominated four other times). If you missed it in theatres, you can preorder it on iTunes or Amazon now.
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THEORY of EVERYTHING
BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, ACTRESS, SCORE & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
In a word: WOW! Eddie Redmayne is nothing short of genius as he embodies the role of Steven Hawking. From a young doctoral candidate to the world’s foremost expert on astrophysics, Redmayne’s performance is physical and so subtle that he takes you along for the ride of a lifetime that is only made better by the quiet power Felicity Jones brings as Hawing’s first wife. From beginning to end, the film is expertly told, but it is Redmanye who, for his first nomination, will likely bring home the gold. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING is available now to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.
WHIPLASH B EST PICTURE, SUPPORTING ACTOR, FILM EDITING, SOUND MIXING & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
There are few awards that are as close to guaranteed as the race for Best Supporting Actor. J.K. Simmons gives a commanding performance as the sadistic conductor/music teacher who verbally berates aspiring drummer played by Miles Teller. Intense and without remorse, Simmons’ commitment is sure to pay off. If you didn’t have a chance to see the film, it is available to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.
BEST PICTURE
American Sniper
ACTOR
Steve Carell FOXCATCHER Bradley Cooper AMERICAN SNIPER Benedict Cumberbatch THE IMITATION GAME Michael Keaton
BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Eddie Redmayne THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
ACTRESS
Marion Cotillard TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT Felicity Jones THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING Julianne Moore STILL ALICE Rosamund Pike GONE GIRL Reese Witherspoon WILD
SUPPORTING ACTOR Robert Duvall THE JUDGE Ethan Hawk BOYHOOD Edward Norton
BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Mark Ruffalo FOXCATCHER J.K. Simmons WHIPLASH
SUPPORTING ACTRESS Patricia Arquette BOYHOOD Laura Dern WILD Keira Knightly THE IMITATION GAME Emma Stone
BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Meryl Streep INTO THE WOODS
DIRECTOR
Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU Boyhood RICHARD LINKLATER Foxcatcher BENNETT MILLER The Grand Budapest Hotel WES ANDERSON The Imitation Game MORTEN TYLDUM
(the unexpected Birdman orvirtue of ignorance)
Boyhood
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU, NICOLÁS GIACOBONE, ALEXANDER DINELARIS, JR. & ARMANDO BO
Boyhood RICHARD LINKLATER Foxcatcher E. MAX FRY, DAN FUTTERMAN The Grand Budapest Hotel
SCREENPLAY: WES ANDERSON STORY: WES ANDERSON, HUGO GUINNESS
Nightcrawler DAN GILROY
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY American Sniper JASON HALL The Imitation Game GRAHAM MOORE Inherent Vice PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON The Theory of Everything ANTHONY MCCARTEN Whiplash DAMIEN CHAZELLE
FILM EDITING
American Sniper JOEL COX, GARY D. ROACH Boyhood SANDRA ADAIR The Grand Budapest Hotel BARNEY PILLING The Imitation Game WILLIAM GOLDENBERG Whiplash TOM CROSS
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance EMMANUEL LUBEZKI The Grand Budapest Hotel ROBERT YEOMAN Ida LUKASZ ZAL, RYSZARD LENCZEWSKI Mr. Turner DICK POPE Unbroken ROGER DEAKINS
The Grand Budapest Hotel
VISUAL EFFECTS
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
DAVID DELEEUW, RUSSELL EARL, BRYAN GRILL, DAN SUDICK
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
JOE LETTERI, DAN LEMMON, DANIEL BARRETT, ERIK WINQUIST
Guardians of the Galaxy STEPHANE CERETTI,
NICOLAS AITHADI, JONATHAN FAWKNER, PAUL CORBOULD
Interstellar PAUL FRANKLIN, ANDREW LOCKLEY,
IAN HUNTER, SCOTT FISHER
X-Men: Days of Future Past
RICHARD STAMMERS, LOU PECORA, TIM CROSBIE, CAMERON WALDBAUER
PRODUCTION DESIGN The Grand Budapest Hotel
PRODUCTION: ADAM STOCKHAUSEN & SET: ANNA PINNOCK
The Imitation Game
PRODUCTION: MARIA DJURKOVIC & SET: TATIANA MACDONALD
Intersteller
PRODUCTION: NATHAN CROWLEY & SET: GARY FETTIS
Into the Woods
PRODUCTION: DENNIS GASSNER & SET: ANNA PINNOCK
Mr. Turner
PRODUCTION: SUZIE DAVIES & SET: CHARLOTTE WATTS
COSTUME DESIGN The Grand Budapest Hotel
MILENA CANONERO
Inherent Vice MARK BRIDGES Into the Woods COLLEEN ATWOOD Maleficent ANNA B. SHEPPARD Mr. Turner JACQUELINE DURRAN
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING Foxcatcher BILL CORSO, DENNIS LIDDIARD The Grand Budapest Hotel
FRANCES HANNON, MARK COULIER
Guardians of the Galaxy
ELIZABETH YIANNI-GEORGIOU, DAVID WHITE
OSCARS 2015 WATCHLIST BALLOT
The Imitation Game
SOUND MIXING American Sniper
JOHN REITZ, GREGG RUDLOFF, WALT MARTIN
Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
JON TAYLOR, FRANK A. MONTAÑO, THOMAS VERGA
Intersteller
GARY A. RIZZO, GREGG LANDAKER, MARK WEINGARTEN
Unbroken Whiplash
JON TAYLOR, FRANK A. MONTAÑO, DAVID LEE
CRAIG MANN, BEN WILKINS, THOMAS CURLEY
SOUND EDITING American Sniper
ALAN ROBERT MURRAY, BUB ASMAN
Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance MARTÍN HERNÁNDEZ, AARON GLASCOCK
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies
BRENT BURGE, JASON CANOVAS
Intersteller RICHARD KING Unbroken BECKY SULLIVAN, ANDREW DECRISTOFARO
ORIGINAL SCORE The Grand Budapest Hotel
ALEXANDRE DESPLAT
The Imitation Game ALEXANDRE DESPLAT Intersteller HANS ZIMMER Mr. Turner GARY YERSHON The Theory of Everything JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON
Selma
The Theory of Everything
ORIGINAL SONG
"Everything is Awesome" music and lyrics by Shawn Petterson THE LEGO MOVIE "Glory" music and lyrics by John Stephens & Lonnie Lynn SELMA "Grateful" music and lyrics by Diane Warren BEYOND THE LIGHTS "I’m Not Gonna Miss You" music by Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond GLEN CAMPBELL...I’LL BE ME
“Lost Stars” music by Gregg Alexander & Danielle Brisebois BEGIN AGAIN
ANIMATED FEATURE Big Hero 6 The Boxtrolls How to Train Your Dragon 2 Song of the Sea The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
ANIMATED SHORT
The Bigger Picture DAISY JACOBS, CHRISTOPHER HEES The Dam Keeper ROBERT KONDO, DICE TSUTSUMI Feast PATRICK OSBORNE, KRISTINA REED Me and My Moulton TORILL KOVE A Single Life JORIS OPRINS
Whiplash
DOCUMENTARY
FEATURE
Citizenfour
LAURA POITRAS, MATHILDE BONNEFOY, DIRK WILUTZKY
Finding Vivian Majar JOHN MALOOF, CHARLIE SISKEL Last Days in Vietnam
RORY KENNEDY, KEVEN MCALESTER
The Salt of the Earth
WIM WENDERS, JULIANO RIBEIRO SALGADO, DAVID ROSIER
Virunga ALAN ROBERT MURRAY, BUB ASMAN
DOCUMENTARY SHORT Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1
ELLEN GOOSENBERG KENT AND DANA PERRY
Joanna ANETA KOPACZ Our Curse TOMASZ ŚLIWINŃSKI & MACIEJ ŚLESICKI The Reaper (La Parka) GABRIEL SERRA ARGUELLO White Earth J. CHRISTIAN JENSEN
LIVE ACTION SHORT Aya ODED BINNUN, MIHAL BREZIS Boogaloo and Graham
MICHAEL LENNOX, RONAN BLANEY
Butter Lamp (La Lampe Au Beurre De Yak)
HU WEI, JULIEN FÉRET
Paryaneh TALKHON HAMZAVI, STEFAN EICHENBERGER The Phone Call MAT KIRKBY, JAMES LUCAS
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Ida POLAND Leviathan RUSSIA Tangerines ESTONIA Timbuktu MAURITANIA Wild Tales ARGENTINA
WHAT ARE YOUR PICKS?
AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...