The 87th annual Academy Awards are tonight, so now it’s time that MOVE makes predictions about who is going to take the shiny Oscars home. 2014 was a great year for films, which is making this competition a close one.
**Best Picture**
_the nominees:_
– “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
– “Boyhood”
– “Selma”
– “The Theory of Everything”
– “The Imitation Game”
– “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
– “American Sniper”
– “Whiplash”
_MOVE’s prediction:_
So with all of these great films, which one will win? Most likely “Birdman.” This was a fan (and critic) favorite and it has already won a ton of awards. “Birdman” is a brilliant, thought-provoking film that left audiences in awe. It’s a must-see.
**Best Director**
_the nominees:_
– Alejandro González Iñárritu (“Birdman”)
– Richard Linklater (“Boyhood”)
– Bennett Miller (“Foxcatcher”)
– Wes Anderson (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”)
– Morten Tyldum (“The Imitation Game”)
_MOVE’s prediction:_
My guess? Linklater will take home the Oscar for “Boyhood.” This film is a 12-years-in-the-making story that is described as ambitious and heartfelt. It follows a family throughout their lives and shows the struggles and joys of growing up. This movie was actually filmed for over 12 years with the same cast. The results were groundbreaking. The fact that the director can capture 12 years and put it into one movie is reason enough to award Linklater.
**Best Actor**
_the nominees:_
– Steve Carell (“Foxcatcher”)
– Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper”)
– Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game”)
– Michael Keaton (“Birdman”)
– Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”)
_MOVE’s prediction:_
My prediction is that Eddie Redmayne will take this one for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything.” It’s a love story that defies impossible odds while breaking new ground in science. Redmayne’s flawless performance is definitely Oscar-worthy.
**Best Actress**
_the nominees:_
– Marion Cotillard (“Two Days, One Night”)
– Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything”)
– Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”)
– Rosamund Pike (“Gone Girl”)
– Reese Witherspoon (“Wild”)
_MOVE’s prediction:_
So, who will take this one home? Julianne Moore in “Still Alice.” Moore has been nominated for five Oscars through the years, and although she hasn’t won one yet, I am confident enough to say that this one will get her the Oscar. Her portrayal of a young woman who develops early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is outstanding; this movie is heartfelt and thoughtful. It reminds everyone of the age-old saying, “Be thankful for what you have, because it might be taken away tomorrow.”
**Best Supporting Actor**
_the nominees:_
– Robert Duvall (“The Judge”)
– Ethan Hawke (“Boyhood”)
– Edward Norton (“Birdman”)
– Mark Ruffalo (“Foxcatcher”)
– J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”)
_MOVE’s prediction:_
J.K. Simmons deserves to take this one home. Simmons portrays a music teacher who uses intimidation and terrifying teaching methods to push his students to perfection. This intense film is sure to snag at least one Oscar, and I’m pretty sure Best Supporting Actor will be it.
**Best Supporting Actress**
_the nominees:_
– Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”)
– Laura Dern (“Wild”)
– Keira Knightley (“The Imitation Game”)
– Emma Stone (“Birdman”)
– Meryl Streep (“Into the Woods”)
_MOVE’s prediction:_
Patricia Arquette will most likely take this one home. In the beginning of “Boyhood,” she is portrayed as a desperate single mother of two, but throughout the 12 years, she transforms into a successful college professor. She represents a strong female, and not many people would bet against Arquette winning this one.
_This year’s Academy Awards are sure to be interesting with such great films in the running. Each of the nominees are worthy, but as we know, only one in each category can take home the Oscar. Tune in tonight and see if our predictions came true._
