Oscar Update

The Oscars are in less than two weeks away and here is a recap of the races so far. Let's get one thing out of the way, the Oscars are going to be boring this year. Headline: Jean Dujardin might steel the Best actor prize from George Clooney. Snooze... No one cares! While we're on the subject, let's talk about The Artist and it's march toward Best Picture. I haven't watched the film and I'm sure it deserves all the praise it's received. The problem is that the audience has no emotional attachment to the movie. It will be added to the forgettable Oscar list along side The English Patient, No Country For Old Men, and Million Dollar Baby.  All were wonderful movies, but after you see them once you'll never feel the need to watch them ever again.

The Artist isn't the only reason for a lack luster Oscar year. Everyone is very safe, very polite, and very user friendly. George Clooney, who already has an Oscar statue, is one of the favorites for Best Actor. Am I the only one who is board to tears with Clooney? He shows up to every award show in a perfectly fitting tux and gives his witty yet non offensive speech. The only thing slightly amusing is his carousel girlfriends. I'd love Brad Pitt to win because he's a much better actor then people give him credit for. However, his performance in Moneyball is not Oscar worthy. Best Actress comes down to front runner Meryl Streep and SAG winner Viola Davis. (the two were both previously nominated for Doubt) I'm glad Davis won at the SAG awards because I wanted her to win something this season so she could have her moment to shine. With that said, I'm really rooting for Meryl. It's been about 30 years since she won Best Actress for Sophie's Choice. She's the most nominated actress in history and she deserves another statue.

Altogether though there's nothing to exciting this year. Did I mention Billy Chrystal is hosting? Yawn. Thank God for Octavia Spencer, in the lead for best supporting actress. She's one of the only people that I'm really behind. Go Octavia! Other then the female acting categories, I really don't care who wins. Hopefully the Academy will pull some major upsets in those other categories to keep the show interesting.