Here are my predictions for u to gander at

PICTURE

Return of the King
Cold Mountain
Mystic River
Big Fish
House of Sand and Fog

Runner Up: Lost in Translation

DIRECTOR

Return of the King- Peter Jackson
Mystic River- Clint Eastwood
Cold Mountain- Anthony Minghella
Big Fish- Tim Burton
Lost in Translation- Sophia Coppolla

Runner Up: Master and Commander:The Far Side of the World- Peter Weir

ACTOR

Mystic River- Sean Penn
House of Sand and Fog- Ben Kingsley
Cold Mountain- Jude Law
Lost in Translation- Bill Murray
The Statement- Michael Caine

Runner Up: Big Fish- Ewan Macgregor

ACTRESS

House of Sand and Fog- Jennifer Connelly
The Missing OR Veronica Guerrin- Cate Blanchett
Cold Mountain- Nicole Kidman
21 Grams- Naomi Watts
Sylvia- Gwyneth Paltrow

Runner Up: In the Cut- Meg Ryan

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Big Fish- Albert Finney
21 Grams- Benicio DeL Toro
Seabiscuit- Jeff Bridges
Mystic River- Tim Robbins
In America- Djimoun Honsou

Runner Up: Return of the King- Viggo Mortensen

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

In America- Samantha Morton
Mystic River- Marcia Gay Harden
Big Fish- Jessica Lange
Lost in Translation- Scarlett Johannsen
Thirteen- Holly Hunter

Runner Up: Cold Mountain- Renee Zellweger

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Finding Nemo
In America
21 Grams
Lost in Translation
Love Actually

Runner Up: Kill Bill

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Mystic River
Cold Mountain
House of Sand and Fog
Big Fish
Return of the King

Runner Up: The Missing

Looks like a good list. I agree that Love Actually will get a nomination. I'll update my list at the end of the year, as my predictions will change.

Interesting, but "Open Range" isn't getting anything. Nobody even noticed it came out. And why do you have Scarlett Johannsen in the Supporting Actress category? That was a lead performance if I've ever seen one. Here's mine (* indicates predicted winner):


BEST PICTURE

"Cold Mountain"
"House of Sand and Fog"
"The Missing"
"Mystic River"
"Return of the King"*


BEST DIRECTOR

Sofia Coppola, "Lost in Translation"
Clint Eastwood, "Mystic River"
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, "21 Grams"
Peter Jackson, "Return of the King"
Anthony Minghella, "Cold Mountain"


BEST ACTOR

Johnny Depp, "Pirates of the Caribbean"
Ben Kingsley, "House of Sand and Fog"
Jude Law, "Cold Mountain"
Bill Murray, "Lost in Translation"*
Sean Penn, "21 Grams"


BEST ACTRESS

Cate Blanchett, "The Missing"
Jennifer Connelly, "House of Sand and Fog"
Gwyneth Paltrow, "Sylvia"
Uma Thurman, "Kill Bill" (oh yeah! I said it!)
Naomi Watts, "21 Grams"*


BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Jeff Bridges, "Seabiscuit"
Benicio Del Toro, "21 Grams"
Albert Finney, "Big Fish"
Ian McKellen, "Return of the King"
Tim Robbins, "Mystic River"*


BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Ellen DeGeneres, "Finding Nemo" (that's right!)
Marcia Gay Harden, "Mystic River"
Holly Hunter, "Thirteen"
Laura Linney, "Mystic River"
Renee Zellweger, "Cold Mountain"*


BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

"Finding Nemo"*
"In America"
"Kill Bill"
"Lost in Translation"
"21 Grams"


BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

"Cold Mountain"
"House of Sand and Fog"
"The Missing"
"Mystic River"
"Return of the King"*

all I want is the LORD OF THE RINGS:THE RETURN OF THE KING.
i YELL "I LOVE THIS MOVIE"
DEFINITELY TAKE MOST NUMBER OF OSCARS.
BRAVO"ROTK"

YAH THE ANONYMOUS IS RIGHT
THE LORD OF THE RINGS WILL GRAB MOST NUMBER OF OSCARS;
Including:
1.original song :performed by Annie Lennox
2.visual effects
3.make up
4.adapted screenplay
5.sound
6.art direction
7.sound editing
8.and most of all"BEST PICTURE"

But as the ROTK DISQUALIFIED on their score due to the used of the score to the
previous part 1 and part 2, but clearly they have 100% best original score and soundtrack are the best of all time.

I think that the movie Thirteen should get some nominations, preferably for Best Original Screenplay (Nikki Reed) and Best Actress (Evan Rachel Wood).

Picture
"Mystic River" (Oscar) (My pick)
"21 Grams"
"Cold Mountain"
"House of Sand & Fog"
"LOTR: The Return of The King"

Director
Clint Eastwood "Mystic River"
Alejandro Gonzalez "21 Grams" (My pick)
Jim Sheridan "In America"
Tim Burton "Big Fish"
"LOTR: The Return of The King" (Oscar)

Actor
Sean Penn "Mystic River" (Oscar)(My pick)
Tom Cruise "The Last Samurai"
Jude Law "Cold Mountain"
Russell Crowe "Master & Commander"
Bill Murray "Lost In Translation"

Actress
Uma Thurman "Kill Bill: Vol 1"
Nicole Kidman "Cold Mountain"
Naomi Watts "21 Grams" (My pick)
Jennifer Connelly "House of Sand & Fog" (Oscar)
Samantha Morton "In America"

Supp Actor
Jeff Bridges "Seabiscuit"
Tim Robins "Mystic River"
Benicio Del Toro "21 Grams" (My pick)
Albert Finney "Big Fish" (Oscar)
Viggo Mortenson "Return of The King"

Supp Actress
Marcia Gay Harden "Mystic River"
Laura Linney "Mystic River"
Jessica Lange "Big Fish"
Renee Zellweger "Cold Mountain" (Oscar) (My pick)
Julia Roberts "Mona Lisa Smile" (def not my pick, but Oscar falls for her phony-bologne antics.)

Orig. Screenplay
"Matchstick Men" (My pick)
"21 Grams" (Oscar)
"Finding Nemo"
"Lost In Translation"
"In America"

Adapted Screenplay
"Mystic River" (My pick)
"Cold Mountain" (Oscar)
"House of Sand & Fog"
"LOTR: Return of The King"
"Big Fish"

I'm surprised no one remembers "Blue Car" which should get a nomination for its original screenplay (Karen Moncrieff) and lead actress (Agnes Bruckner).

I am surprised that alot of you are picking against LOTR for best picture. This movie is already garnering huge critical aclaim, and in my opinion has a very high chance of surpassing "Titanic"'s box office record of 600 million US dollars. With that said, here are my predictions for the oscars.

BEST PICTURE

Lost in Translation
Mystic River
The Last Samurai
Open Range
LOTR: Return of the King(my pick) (oscar)

BEST ACTOR

Bill Murrary (Lost in Translation)
Russell Crowe (Master and Commander)
Sean Pean (Mystic River)(oscar)
Tom Cruise (Last Samurai)
Viggo Mortenson (Return of the King)(my pick)

BEST ACTRESS
Uma Thurman (Kill Bill) (my pick)
Jennifer Connelly (House of sand and Fog)
Cate Blanchett (The Missing)(oscar)
Naomi Watts (21 Grams)

BEST SUPPORTTING ACTOR

Tim Robbins (Mystic River)
Ian Mckellen (Return of the King)(my pick) (oscar)
Ed Harris (Radio)
Jeff Bridges (Seabiscuit)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Marcia Gay Harden (Mystic River)(my pick)
Julia Roberts (Mona Lisa Smile) (oscar)
Laura Linney (Mystic River)

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Finding Nemo (my pick)
Lost in Translation(oscar)
21 Grams

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Mystic River
Cold Mountain
LOTR: Return of the King (my pick) (oscar)

BEST ANIMATED MOVIE

Finding Nemo(my pick) (oscar)
Sinbad
Brother Bear

With the tremendous effort put forth into all movies it should be a great race. One word of caution to Acadamy Board Members however. If Return of the King, the best of the books, and according to many people who worked on the film, the best of the three films. If this movie does not win best picture, after the last two movies got shafted out of it (A Beautiful Mind....really?), I can guarentee there will be mass rioting in the streets. No board member will be safe. These movies are the single best thing to come out of the movie industry the last three years. They have garnered mass praise from critics and movie-goers alike. The last two films have grossed a combined 1.6 billion dollars. Give the trilogy its just due. It, and exspecially Peter Jackson have earned it.

as a proud australian i just want to say what an amazing year it's been for aussie actors and filmmakers. you all seem to be predicting nominations for aussies and this shows how talented they are.
Personally I'd like to see Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts and Cate Blanchett all nominated for best actress and russell crowe nominated for master and commander. Peter weir also deserves a best director nomination. I also hope that the Matrix 2 and 3 get credit for their awsome production designs and special effects. i haven't seen Cold Mountain, however, I have read the book and am in love with it. if the film is even half as good as the book than it deserves the best film oscar.

I see most of you are prediciting that Lord of the Rings: Return of the King will win or sweep the Oscars in february of 2004. Although, these films have generated tons of money and high praises, and they are good films, not the best ever but good nonetheless (They are a good example of what movies are meant to do: entertain). However, i feel that the return of the King will not win best picture. I feel this way not because i dont want it to win, but because it is just up against too many good movies. For example, Big Fish, Cold mountain, Lost in Translation and the film that will win Best Picture, Mystic River. Even though The LOTR: ROTK is long, epic and huge in scope, that is not necessacry ground for Best Picture. The two best actos in the film series are Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee and maybe Viggo Mortenson, i just cant stand Elijah Wood and think he is just plain awful, and Peter Jackson is an excellent director, following his days as a horrr director and he has always been very visual. I dont think Lord of the Rings will win Best Picture simply because it is just up agsint extremmely tough competition. A FILM DOES NOT NEED TO WIN THE ACADEMY AWARD IN ORDER TO MAKE IT GREAT. Is it nice to see it win it ? Sure. But as long as people respect it, love it, watch it again and again, they will know in their hearts that it is their best picture. An award is just a statue, but a classic is a film that has to be earned and respected by the viewing public. The movie that wins best Picture this year might not necessarily be a classic, but most people know that the Lord of the Rings trilogy will have its place in movie history. I still think that the Indiana Jones Trilogy is the best, but thats my opinion and i am not going to say why it is better than others. Lawrnece of Arabia is still my favorite epic and is a bit longer than LOTR...i think Lawrnece of Arabia is 3 hours and 45 min. LOTR: ROTK is 3 hrs and 25 min. But for all of you who think LOTR will win, this is my opinion as to why it wont. But dont let an award show tell you what the best movie is, your entitled to your own choice and thats all that matters in the end.

These are my predictions for the 2003 Oscars:

BEST PICTURE:
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*
Master and Commander
Cold Mountain
Mystic River
The Missing


BEST DIRECTOR:
Clint Eastwood(Mystic River)
Ron Howard(The Missing)
Peter Jackson(Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)*
Master and Commander
The Last Samurai

BEST ACTOR:
Tom Cruise(The Last Samurai)
Russell Crowe(Master and Commander)*
Viggo Mortensen(Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
Sean Penn(Mystic River)

BEST ACTRESS:
Nicole Kidman(Cold Mountain)*
Cate Blanchet(Veronica Geruin)
Cate Blanchet(The Missing)
Gweneth Paltrow(Silvia)
Naomi Watts(21 Grams)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS:
The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Revolutions
Master and Commander
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Ian McKellan(The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
Tim Robbins(Mystic River)*
Sean Astin(The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)
Jeff Bridges(Seabiscuit)

BEST SOUND:
Master and Commander
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*
The Last Samurai
The Matrix Revolutions

BEST SOUND EDITING:
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*
Master and Commander

BEST ORRIGINAL SONG:
"Into the West"(The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)*

BEST SCORE:
The Last Samurai*
Master and Commander
Cold Mountain

BEST SCREENPLAY(Adaptation):
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*

BEST MAKE-UP:
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*
Cold Mountain

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:
Finding Nemo*
Brother Bear

BEST CINIMATOGRAPHY:
Master and Commander*
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Last Samurai
Open Range

BEST ART DIRECTION:
Master and Commander
The Last Samurai
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*

Overall, Return of the Kings cleans house(Peter Jackson really deserves Best Director nods), but look out for Master and Commander and Mystic River.

I can't believe you guys didn't even think about Holly Hunter for her role in Thirteen. I am pretty sure she will get nominated for best supporting actress and will have a good chance to win. Also you guys are forgeting Ken Watanabe from the Last Samurai, sure the film wasn't the greatest nor was Tom Cruise's performance (though both were not bad, they just don't deserve awards), but Watanabe's performance as Katsumoto was flawless. If he does not recieve a best supporting actor nod then I will be surprised.

I realize that there are only 5 nominations every year, but I'm gonna go and give 6 just to play it safe, since it might be a little too early to have definites in your head

BEST PICTURE
Cold Mountain
LOTR: ROTK
Mystic River
House of Sand and Fog
In America
Something's Gotta Give

BEST ACTOR
Sean Penn...Mystic River
Jude Law...Cold Mountain
Ben Kingsley...House of Sand and Fog
Tommy Lee Jones...THe Missing
Jack Nicholson...Something's Gotta Give
Russell Crowe...Master and Commander

BEST ACTRESS
Diane Keaton...SOmething's Gotta Give
Nicole Kidman...Cold Mountain
Julia Roberts...Mona Lisa Smile
Jennifer Connelly...House of Sand and Fog
Naomi Watts...21 Grams
Cate Blanchett...The Missing

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Tim Robbins...Mystic River
Jeff Bridges...Seabiscuit
Albert Finney...Big Fish
Ed Harris...Radio OR Human Stain
Viggo Mortensen...LOTR: ROTK

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Renee Zellwegger...Cold Mountain
Marcia Gay Harden...Mystic River
Jessica Lange...Big Fish
Samantha Morton...In America
Laura Linney...Mystic River

Final Oscar Predictions:
(unless there's a miracle)

Best Picture:
Big Fish
Cold Mountain
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Missing
Mystic River

RUNNERS UP:
21 Grams
House of Sand and Fog
In America
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Seabiscuit

Best Director:
Tim Burton, Big Fish
Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
Ron Howard, The Missing
Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain

RUNNERS UP:
Alejandro Gonzales, 21 Grams
Vladim Perelman, House of Sand and Fog
Gary Ross, Seabiscuit
Jim Sheridan, In America
Peter Weir, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Best Actor:
Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Tommy Lee Jones, The Missing
Jude Law, Cold Mountain
Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
Sean Penn, Mystic River

RUNNERS UP:
Michael Caine, The Statement
Russell Crowe, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog
Viggo Mortensen, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Sean Penn, 21 Grams

Best Actress:
Cate Blanchett, The Missing
Jennifer Connelly, House of Sand and Fog
Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain
Charlize Theron, Monster
Naomi Watts, 21 Grams

RUNNERS UP:
Diane Keaton, Something's Gotta Give
Gwyneth Paltrow, Sylvia
Julia Roberts, Mona Lisa Smile
Uma Thurman, Kill Bill
Evan Rachel Wood, Thirteen

Best Supporting Actor:
Sean Astin, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Albert Finney, Big Fish
Viggo Mortensen, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Tim Robbins, Mystic River
Benicio Del Toro, 21 Grams

RUNNERS UP:
Sean Bean, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Ed Harris, The Human Stain
Ewan McGregor, Big Fish
Ian McKellen, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Geoffrey Rush, The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

(Alec Baldwin, The Cooler)
(Paul Bettany, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World)

Best Supporting Actress:
Kirsten Dunst, Mona Lisa Smile
Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River
Scarlett Johansson, Lost in Translation
Jessica Lange, Big Fish
Renee Zelwegger, Cold Mountain

RUNNERS UP:
Holly Hunter, Thirteen
Melissa Leo, 21 Grams
Samantha Morton, In America
Miranda Otto, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Christina Ricci, Monster

Best Original Screenplay:
21 Grams
Bend it Like Beckham
Finding Nemo
Lost in Translation
Something's Gotta Give

RUNNERS UP:
In America
Kill Bill
Mona Lisa Smile
School of Rock
Thirteen

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Cold Mountain
House of Sand and Fog
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Missing
Mystic River

RUNNERS UP:
American Splendor
Big Fish
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Seabiscuit
The Statement

I was right last year when I predicted that Brody,Kidman,Cooper and Jones would win.So here I go again.....

Picture..."Mystic River"
Actor......Sean Penn "Mystic River"
Actress....Naomi Watts "21 Grams"
Supp. Actor....Tim Robbins "Mystic River"
Supp. Actress..Renee Zellwegger "Cold Mountain"
Direction......Peter Jackson "LOTR"
Org. Script...."Lost in Translation"
Adpt.Script...."Mystic River"

hi i have no friends so could you guys email me my address is syracusefreak2003@yahoo.com

BEST PICTURE
Big Fish
Cold Mountain
In America
Mystic River
Return of the King *

BEST DIRECTOR
Tim Burton, Big Fish
Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
Peter Jackson, ROTK *
Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain
Edward Zwick, Last Samurai

BEST ACTOR
Tom Cruise, Last Samurai
Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog
Jude Law, Cold Mountain
Ewan McGregor, Big Fish
Sean Penn, Mystic River *

BEST ACTRESS
Jennifer Connelly, House of Sand and Fog
Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain
Samantha Morton, In America
Gwenyth Paltrow, Sylvia
Naomi Watts, 21 Grams *

all i want is for kill bill to win a fucking oscar!! i mean it should either win for best original screenplay or best movie or best actress

I want to put out notices for Johnny Depp, Tommy Lee Jones and "The Missing" overall. People know it's all about "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" this year. I'd sure say so too, I mean come on, one of the best trilogies ever! (cough, cough, Sean Bean's back) Anyhow. I liked "The Missing", Tommy and Cate were great. I want more oscar buzz towards Tommy, Cate already has a great chance for a nod. I also want more attention out to the next:
Johnny Depp. "Pirates": good for popcorn, action, Depp and Rush. Geoffrey Rush's name may get him a little attention, but not a nod (mostlikely). Depp deserves a nod.

Devin

i think that big fish should win best picture, best supporting actor, best adapted screenplay, and of course, best director. burton=genius i know its not supposed to be about previous films, but it always actually is that way, and burton is so awesome...BURTONBURTONBURTON

just so everyone knows movies that come out after december can not win oscars which really blows

Alec Baldwin (The Cooler) Best Supporting Actor and RETURN OF THE KING for most Oscars.

rotk was DISQUALIFIED on their score due to the use of the score to the
previous part 1 and part 2??? that's BULL! they deserve to best picture and director even though i'm not 100% sure because of the number of more "dramatic" films competing it such as cold mountain, big fish, mystic river...

they definately deserve it after what 5 years? yea...

Hey, I happened upon your list when I clicked on Yahoo to find Oscar predictions...I was looking for film critics, but I like your lists....

I'm not sure what WILL win, but I do know the films and performances I've loved....here they are.

Top Ten Films So Far
1. Kill Bill:Volume 1
2. Lost in Translation
3. The Station Agent
4. American Splendor
5. 21 Grams
6. A Mighty Wind
7. Identity
8. Dirty Pretty Things
9. Winged Migration
10. Pirates of the Carribean

Actor
1. Sean Penn, 21 Grams
2. Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Carribean
3. Peter Dinklage, The Station Agent
4. Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
5. Paul Giamatti, American Splendor

Actress
1. Uma Thurman, Kill Bill
2. Naomi Watts, 21 Grams
3. Audrey Tatou, Dirty Pretty Things
4. Scarlett Johansson, Lost in Translation
5. Patricia Clarkson, The Station Agent

Director
1. Quentin Tarantino, Kill Bill
2. Sophia Coppola, Lost in Translation
3. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, 21 Grams
4. Stephen Frears, Dirty Pretty Things
5. Gore Verbinski, Pirates of the Caribbean

I doubt a lot of the picks will hold up after Cold Mountain, of course Lord of the RIngs, and Big Fish come out....but for now these are my picks. Anyone else have a top 10 list they want to throw out there......

Best Picture RETURN OF THE KING

Best Director RETURN OF THE KING



I think we owe it to the biggest gamble in film history and what these movies have done for the world!

jave u have tha best list out of all these guys keep on rockin brother

I like alot of those picks, but no one is mentioning Ken Watanabe for The Last Samurai (Unless I missed the post). I thought his performance was unbelievable in that film.

Don't forget about Nicholas Cage and Sam Rockwell in Matchstick Men. They gave some of the best performances I've seen all year. Ridley Scott should be considered for a Best Director nod and I'm convinced Rockwell will get a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, although I doubt he'll beat Albert Finney in Big Fish.

I have to just add that the only two I feel strongly about are:

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean and also Paul Bettany in Master and Commander (his was a much more versatile role than Russell's.)

No comments for American Splendor?

Charlize Theron will be nominated for best actress for the movie Monster. I am sure of this.

Best Picture: The Lord of the Rings - Return of the King

Best Director: Peter Jackson (TLOTR - Return of the King)

Best Actor: Tom Cruise (The Last Samurai)
Runner Up: Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Carribean)

Best Actress: Jennifer Connelly (House of Sand and Fog)

Best Supporting Actress: Uma Thurman (Kill Bill Vol. 1) also has the same chance as Jennifer Connelly

i would just like to say that i would love for johnny depp to at least get a nod this year for potc. he is long past due for such performances as ed wood and edward scissorhands and was also excellent as cpt. jack sparrow. i know there are no oscars for popcorn flicks but he still deserves at least a nod. i just hope tom cruise doesnt win. the guy seems to play the same person in every role, unlike mr. depp. tom's role may have been more straightforward and geared only towards winning oscars, but johnny is so incredibly versatile and really brings his character to life. of course sean peen will most likely win for either 21 granms or mystic river, both of which were also wonderful performances, but in a more oscar-geared way.

So many people comment on Depp and I respect them for that. I think, as many do, that Depp really is overdue. So is Murray, but I hope Depp wins. People, please keep writing Johnny closer and closer to that nod he deserves.

Here are my predictions. Unfortunately, I think LOTR isn't going to have an important number of nominations, and if it does, it's gonna be beaten by Mystic River, anyway. The noms with the * mean the runners up.

BEST PICTURE:
House of Sand and Fog
21 grams
Mystic River
Cold Mountain
LOTR: The Return of the King *
Big Fish *
Lost in Translation *

BEST DIRECTOR
Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
Peter Jackson, LOTR: The Return of the King
Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain
Alejandro Gonzalez Iņarritu, 21 grams
Tim Burton, Big Fish *
Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation *

BEST ACTOR:
Sean Penn, Mystic River
Tom Cruise, The Last Samurai
Ben Kingsley, The House of Sand and Fog
Jude Law, Cold Mountain
Cuba Gooding Jr, Radio *
Bill Murray, Lost in Translation *

BEST ACTRESS:
Cate Blanchett, Veronica Guerin
Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain
Jennifer Connely, House of Sand and Fog
Naomi Watts, 21 Grams
Scarlett Johanssen, Lost in Translation
Gwyneth Paltrow, Sylvia *

these are the official
5 OSCAR NOMINEES for:

BEST PICTURE

top/in order
1.LOTR:THE RETURN OF THE KING
2 MYSTIC RIVER
3 BIG FISH
4 COLD MOUNTAIN
5.HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG

these are the
5 other warmers:

lost in translation
last samurai
in america
seabiscuit
master and commander

HELLO, I THINK THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE A VERY HARD ONE, BECUASE OF ALL THE GREAT MOVIES RESENTLY OPENED.
MY PREDICTIONS ARE ONLY BASED ON THE PERFORMANCE AND MY OWN OPINION ON THE ACTOR PER SAY:

BEST PICTURE:
Lord of the Rings (My pick)
Mystic River (OSCAR)
Finding Nemo ( I KNOW IT SOUNDS WEIRD BUT COME ON I KNOW YOU LOVED IT AS MUCH AS I DID)
21 Grams
Cold Mountain

BEST ACTOR:
Sean Penn
Jude Law
Jonnhy Depp (My pick)
Bill Murray
Tom Cruise (OSCAR)

BEST ACTRESS:
Nicole Kidman
Uma Thurman
Naomi Watts (My Pick)(OSCAR)
Jennifer Connelly
Meg Ryan

SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Ian McKellen (My Pick)
Viggo Mortensen
Elijah Woods
Tim Robbins (OSCAR)
Benitcio del Toro

SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Renne Zelweger (OSCAR)
Julia Roberts
Julia Stiles
Holly Hunter
Marcia Gay Harden (My Pick)

DIRECTOR:
Peter Jackson (My Pick)
Clint Eastwood (OSCAR)
Sofia Coppola
Tim Burton
Anthony Minghella

ANIMATED PICTURE:
Finding Nemo (My Pick) (OSCAR)
Brother Bear

I KNOW MY PICKS MAY SOUND DUMB BUT THIS IS HOW A THINK IT IS GOING TO TURN OUT..WILL SEE.
I KNOW MOST OF YOU DISAGREE WITH MY JONNHY DEPP PICK, BUT I JUST THOUGHT HE WAS SO GOOD AND CONVINING IT MADE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM! I DO NOT THINK HE IS GOING TO WIN OR BE NOMINATED BUT I WOULD JUST LOVE IF HE WAS.

here are my predictions:
PICTURE: LOTR III
Cold Mountain
Mystic River
Big Fish
Lost in Translation
CHANCE: In America
21 Grams
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

BEST ACTRESS: Naomi Watts, 21 Grams
Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain
Cate Blanchett, The Missing
Charlize Theron, Monster
Diane Keaton, Something's Gotta Give
CHANCE:Jennifer Connelly, House of Sand and Fog
Evan Rachel Wood, Thirteen
Samantha Morton, In America

BEST ACTOR: Sean Penn, Mystic River
Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog
Jude Law, Cold Mountain
Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean
CHANCE: Russell Crowe, Master and Commander...
Tom Cruise, The Last Samurai
Ewan MacGregor, Big Fish

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Renee Zelwegger, Cold Mountain
Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River
Holly Hunter, Thirteen
Scarlet Johansson, Lost in Translation
Laura Linney, Mystic River
CHANCE: Jessica Lange, Big Fish
Kirsten Dunst, Mona Lisa Smile
Melissa Leo, 21 Grams

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Albert Finney, Big Fish
Tim Robbins, Mystic River
Benicio Del Toro, 21 Grams
Jeff Bridges, Seabiscuit
Paul Bettany, Master and Commander...
CHANCE: Dijmon Honsou, In America
Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai
Sean Astin, LOTR III

BEST DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson, LOTR III
Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain
Tim Burton, Big Fish
Sofia Copolla, Lost in Translation
CHANCE: Jim Sheridan, In America
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, 21 Grams
Peter Weir, Master and Commander...

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Lost in Translation
21 Grams
Finding Nemo
Something's Gotta Give
Thirteen
CHANCE: In America
Love, Actually
The Last Samurai

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Cold Mountain
Mystic River
Big Fish
LOTR III
Hoiuse of Sand and Fog
CHANCE: American Splendor
Seabiscuit
Master and Commander...


I desperately wanted to include Kill Bill... Oh, well

here are my predictions:
PICTURE: LOTR III
Cold Mountain
Mystic River
Big Fish
Lost in Translation
CHANCE: In America
21 Grams
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

BEST ACTRESS: Naomi Watts, 21 Grams
Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain
Cate Blanchett, The Missing
Charlize Theron, Monster
Diane Keaton, Something's Gotta Give
CHANCE:Jennifer Connelly, House of Sand and Fog
Evan Rachel Wood, Thirteen
Samantha Morton, In America

BEST ACTOR: Sean Penn, Mystic River
Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
Ben Kingsley, House of Sand and Fog
Jude Law, Cold Mountain
Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean
CHANCE: Russell Crowe, Master and Commander...
Tom Cruise, The Last Samurai
Ewan MacGregor, Big Fish

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Renee Zelwegger, Cold Mountain
Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River
Holly Hunter, Thirteen
Scarlet Johansson, Lost in Translation
Laura Linney, Mystic River
CHANCE: Jessica Lange, Big Fish
Kirsten Dunst, Mona Lisa Smile
Melissa Leo, 21 Grams

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Albert Finney, Big Fish
Tim Robbins, Mystic River
Benicio Del Toro, 21 Grams
Jeff Bridges, Seabiscuit
Paul Bettany, Master and Commander...
CHANCE: Dijmon Honsou, In America
Ken Watanabe, The Last Samurai
Sean Astin, LOTR III

BEST DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson, LOTR III
Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain
Tim Burton, Big Fish
Sofia Copolla, Lost in Translation
CHANCE: Jim Sheridan, In America
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, 21 Grams
Peter Weir, Master and Commander...

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Lost in Translation
21 Grams
Finding Nemo
Something's Gotta Give
Thirteen
CHANCE: In America
Love, Actually
The Last Samurai

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Cold Mountain
Mystic River
Big Fish
LOTR III
House of Sand and Fog
CHANCE: American Splendor
Seabiscuit
Master and Commander...


I desperately wanted to include Kill Bill... Oh, well

I don't blame you for wanting to include Kill Bill, but with all the other incredible movies that have been released recently, it shouldn't get anything more than a Screenplay Nomination and maybe a win. But don't forget about Kill Bill Vol. II, opening early next year.

Well, I just have to say that it's time the costume designers of the best trilogy ever (if you've read the posts thus far, or have lived in the world as we know it,you know what I'm talking about...my apology to die hard Indiana Jones' and Star Wars fans) got a statue for their amazing work! I also want to add Miranda Otto to the Supporting actress noms... as well as Billy Boyd for supporting actor. Oh, and though I must admit I used to think Elijah Wood's acting was kinda overdone...he should definitely get a nod for rotk. He has completely changed my mind. Best Actor: PLEASE NOT TOM CRUISE!! That's all I can say. I agree w/ whoever said that Johnny Depp in PotC should @ least get a nod. I think he brought back acting at it's finest to the screen, even if it was a popcorn flick (One that I loved). Seriously, if only drama's merit Best Actor Oscar's...that's sad. I can't wait to hear the official nominations!!

I just saw return of the king today and just wanted to say that if sean astin doesn't get a best supporting actor nomination it would be a tragedy.

Here are my picks:(*is my choice as winner)

Best Picture:
LOTR: Return of the King *
Cold Mountain
Big Fish
Mystic River
Lost in Translation
Seabiscuit

Best Director:
Peter Jackson, LOTR: Return of the KIng*
Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain
Tim Burton, Big Fish
Peter Weir, MAster and Comandeer

Best Actor:
Sean Penn, Mystic River*
Bill Murray, Lost in Trans.
Ben Kingsly, House of Sand/fog
Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribean
Ewan Mcgregor, Big Fish

Best Actress:
Naomi Watts, 21 Grams*
NIcole Kidman, Cold Mountain
Jennifer Connely, House of Sand/fog
Cate Blanchet,The Missing

Best Supp Actor:
Sean Astin, LOTR: Return of the King*
Tim Robbins, Mystic River
Albert Finney, Big Fish
Jeff Bridges Seabiscuit
Viggo Mortenson, Lotr: Return of the King

Best Supp Actress:
Renee Zellweger, Cold Mountain*
Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River
Scarlett Johanson, Lost in Translation
Laura Linney, Mystic River
Holly Hunter, Thirteen

Best Adapted Screenplay:
LOTR: Return of the King*
Cold Mountain
Seabiscuit
Master and COmandeer
Mystic River

First of, My apologies to the Aussies (and Kiwies Since he was born there) for the following coment.
Please Lord not Russell Crowe!!
The man plays the same guy weather he's weilding a sword, loosing his mind or captaining a ship.
He got his... (somehow)

Same for Tom.
Fly a plane and look cool.
Drive Real fast and look cool.
Be a Samurai and look cool.
Thank God he has "Eyes wide shut"

Thats all for now folks.
Great site, Thanks for having me.
Go ROTK
P@

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was the best movie of the year, maybe ever. Every here and there Jackson made something a little overdone, but the film was so long, it had enough room to fit it. But I would like to note this: Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, Andy Serkis, and Elijah Wood all ruled. Wow. If it doesn't win Picture, Director, Screenplay, like, all of the Technicals, an acting and once again BEST PICTURE!

Cate Blanchett Oscar 2004

I haven't made predictions yet cause I haven't seen enough of this year's best movies. I have seen Return of the King and thought it was the best movie I have ever seen...but I haven't seen most of this years most likley to be nominated movies......and a comment to a couple people who think Return of the King can't be nominated for Original Score...well it can.....a lot of movies are nominated for original score that have used parts of it in previous movies....GODFATHER PART 2 is a perfect example....it won Best Original Score and don't anyone tell me it didn't use similar music from the first movie...plus most of you probably just think that since Best Original Score wasn't nodded to Two Towers...there were a lot of movies last year that the Academy thought had better scores thats all.....and plus look at today's Golden Globe Nominations....Return of the King is nominated....and it wasn't last year.....so there ya go...

I do believe that this will be a LOTR: ROTK year (especially for Best Director Peter Jackson),but the Golden Globe noms. did come out yesterday and Cold Mountain lead the pack with 8 noms. Usually the Globes are pretty good indicators of what oscar season will be. Cold Mountain is a typical oscar drama and I think it will probably do well (Renee will probably get Supporting after narrowly losing last year to Nicole).

i am pretty dissapointed with the ignorance of seabiscuit as the strongest contender to lotr. the amzing characters by all the actors especially this awesome jeff bridges and chris cooper should not be denied, they got their chances either. i dont think kidman will grab the award again since she got so many better contender, of course naomi watts has seen her bright journey as the best.Guyz, the last samurai is brilliant and cruise deserves that credit. but lotr should emerge as the big winner( mostly technical awards). just wait the eve patiently ok.

This Is my sincere predictions to the upcoming oscar nominations, and being I have viewed all these films other than cold mountain which looks rather good; I would say I have a good outlook on this years movies. Koolaide


Picture: Big fish
Cold mountain *
Mystic River
Lord of the rings: ROTK
Human Stain

Actor: JOhnny Depp (Pirates)*
Anthony Hopkins (Human stain)
Sean Penn (Mystic River)
Ben Kingsley (HOuse of sand)
Jude Law (Cold MOuntain)

Actress: Nicole Kidman (Cold Mountain)*
Jennifer Connley (House of sand)
Naomi Watts (21 grams)
(there are no other important canidates for this bracet because Nicole Kidman can not be nominated twice (Human Stain) all though she diserves it.

Supporting actor: Ed harris (Human Stain)*
Tim robbins (Mystic River)
Albert fienny (Big FIsh)
(Harris had the performance of his life in "Human stain" which will probably be overlooked because of the early release date of the film.

Supporting Actress: Nicole Kidman (Human Stain) (would have been best bet)
Jessica Lange (big fish)*

This List is of what should be the oscar nominations and winners this year. * means the winner. As you can see the board thus far has pretty much overlooked the years best film because of its early release and among other things the: (Anthony Hopkins dont look black thing.) If those of you on here that watched the film actually observed it other than just watched, then you would know "The Human Stain" was about a man who was so believable as white that no one knew he was black not even to death. (this is why like Roger ebert, I say those who watch beyond a character that never changes and has flaws like real people will realize this movie was brillance, and real.) Also "Johnny Depp" I fill might be Overlooked just because of who he is but if he some how wins the Golden Globe I believe he will get the bid for actor at the oscars and walk home with a Academy Award. So basically it's Anthony Hopkins (Greatest Actor to ever live, and should be; as an unbias critc I quote this.) Johnny Depp, Powerful performance, and other than Hopkins destroys the performances of all other nominees. NIcole Kidman, 2 Powerful roles, 2 deserving Performances. (Cold Mountain-Human Stain)
Ed harris, Radio was good and will not get nominated, but The Human Stain even with the early release and stupid casting comments should earn him his Oscar.

Respond If you like! KOoladie88

I'll respond you did not give one acting nomination to one of the greatest cast ensembles of all time. LOTR: Return of the King, if you've seen it has in my mind 4 canidates for best supporting actor, Sean Astin being first, Ian Mckellan being 2nd, Billy Boyd being 3rd, and Andy Serkis being 4th. Also not to mention whoever was the actress of Eowyn for best supporting actress. This movie is not only the best of this year but the best of all time. It's battle scenes were the most amazing thing that i have ever seen in a motion picture but what Sean Astin did in his acting of Sam was even more amazing the bs scene in that movie was when Sean Astin picked up Frodo and began to carry him.

I would like to root Astin back into the top 5. Although he missed a Golden Globe nod, he's won Seattle and McKellen wasn't nominated at the Globes for "Fellowship", which everyone thought should have one. Don't underestimate Astin. I would also like to make tyhe point of other great performances: Billy Boyd, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto and Elijah Wood.

Elijah Wood is up for Best actor, not Supporting. I would like to let people see that when they make their predictions.

Since I made my predictions efore i saw Return of the King I must change a few things. This is deffinattly the best movie of the year, the decade and maybe even ever. The strong emotion, the performances and the jaw-dropping special effects make it a complete package.
Winner indicated by #1.

Best Picture:
1. LOTR: Return of the King
2. Cold Mountain
3. Seabiscuit
4. Mystic River
5. Big Fish

Director:
1. Peter Jackson, LOTR:ROTK
2. Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
3. Tim Burton, Big Fish
4. Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain
5. Peter Weir, Master and Comandeer

Best Actor:
1. Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
2. Sean Penn, Mystic River
3. Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribean
4. Ewan Mcgregor, Big Fish
5. Ben Kingsly, House of Sand/fog

Best Actress:
1. Naomi Watts, 21 Grams
2. Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain
3. Cate Blanchett, The Missing
4. Jennifer Connely, House of Sand/Fog
5. Charlize Theron, Monster

Best supp Actor:
1. Sean Astin, LOTR:ROTK
2. Tim Robbins, Mystic River
3. Ian Mckellan, LOTR:ROTK
4. Billy Boyd, LOTR:ROTK
5. Albert Finney, Big Fish

Best supp Actress:
1. Renee Zellweger, Cold Mountain
2. Mirranda Otto, LOTR:ROTK
3. Marcia Gay Harden, Mystic River
4. Scarlett Johanson, Lost in Translation
5. Laura Linney, Mystic River

LOTR: The Return of the King will also win Cinematography (Spelling?), Adapted Screenplay, Visual Effects, Sound, Art Direction, Costume Design, Make-up, and Original Song (Into the West).

Bulldogyank29 is a genius, I agree with the person almost 100%. I am glad other people are noticing Billy Boyd's performance. My other changes on their's is Laura Linney for Holly Hunter and Ewan McGregor (although he still rocks) for Jude Law.

depp deserve a nomination

Why thank you Anonymous I tried my best.

Depp for Best Actor. Astin for Best Supporting Actor.

2003 Oscar Nominations:

Best Picture:

Cold Mountain
Lost In Translation
Mystic River
Seabiscuit
Under The Tuscan Sun*

Best Actor:

Russell Crowe, Master & Commander
Bill Murray, Lost in Translation*
Jack Nicholson, Something's Got to Give
Sean Penn, Mystic River
Billy Bob Thorton, Bad Santa

Best Actress:

Cate Blanchet, Veronica Guerin
Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain
Diane Lane, Under The Tuscan Sun*
Julia Roberts, Mona Lisa Smiles
Meg Ryan, In the Cut


Best Supporting Actor:

Alec Baldwin, The Cooler
Jeff Bridges, Seabiscuit*
Albert Finney, Big Fish
William H. Macy, Seabiscuit
Tim Robbins, Mystic River

Best Supporting Actress:

Maria Bello, The Cooler
Hope Davis, American Splendor
Holly Hunter, Thirteen
Scarlett Johansson, Lost in Translation
Renee Zellweger, Cold Mountain*

Best Director:

Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation
Clint Eastwood, Mystic River
Anthony Minghella, Cold Mountain
Peter Weir, Master & Commander
Audrey Wells, Under the Tuscan Sun*


* Winner

I couldn't believe that Naomi Watts was snubbed for a Golden Globe nomination. He performance in 21 Grams was utterly compelling and there's not much at all that she could have done better. I hope that this doesn't mean that she'll be snubbed for an oscar nomination. She's a talented but grossly underrated actress who deserved more credit for the gutsy roles that she takes on. I'm sure you'll agree.

If Sean Penn does not win best actor for Mystic River there is something completly wrong with the academy awards. It was one of the best performances ive seen in the last 25 years.

Predictions
Best Movie: Mystic River
Best Actor: Sean Penn (Mystic River)
Best Actress: Naomi Watts ( 21 grams)
Best Director: Peter Jackson ( LOTR)
Best Supporting Actor: Tim Robbins ( MR)
Best Supporting Actress: ?

Less we forget, Uma Thurman recieved a nomination for Best Dramatic Actress for the Golden Globes. And people are always saying that the Golden Globes sometimes mirror the Academy Awards...interesting....

With regard to previous :-

Best Film : Should be LORD OF THE RINGS but will probably go to either MYSTIC RIVER or COLD MOUNTAIN

Director : PETER JACKSON

Actor : SEAN PENN or BILL MURRAY ( who is
getting a lot of critics awards)

Actress : CHARLIZE THERON

Supp Actor : ALEC BALDWIN

Supp Actress : MARIA BELLO

My 2004 Predictions

* - winner
# - who/what I would like to see win

Best Picture:

1. LOTR: ROTK #
2. Lost in Translation
3. Cold Mountain
4. Mystic River*
5. American Splendor

Best Actor:

1. Sean Penn: Mystic River*
2. Ben Kingsley: The House of Sand and Fog
3. Russell Crowe: Master and Commander
4. Bill Murray: Lost in Translation #
5. Jude Law: Cold Mountain

Best Actress:

1. Nicole Kidman: Cold Mountain
2. Charlize Theron: Monster*
3. Jennifer Connelly: The House of Sand and Fog
4. Naomi Watts: 21 Grams
5. Evan Rachel Wood: Thirteen #

Best Supporting Actor:

1. Tim Robbins: Mystic River*
2. Sean Astin: LOTR: ROTK #
3. Ken Watanabe: The Last Samurai
4. Albert Finney: Big Fish
5. Alec Baldwin: The Cooler

Best Supporting Actress:

1. Holly Hunter: Thirteen
2. Renee Zellweger: Cold Mountain
3. Hope Davis: American Splendor*#
4. Patricia Clarkson: Pieces of April
5. Marcia Gay Harden: Mystic River

Best Director:

1. Peter Jackson: LOTR: ROTK*#
2. Sophia Coppola: Lost in Translation
3. Anthony Minghella: Cold Mountain
4. Clint Eastwood: Mystic River
5. Alejandro Gonzalez Inniaritu: 21 Grams

Best Animated Movie

1. Finding Nemo*
2. Triplets of Belleville#
3. Brother Bear

Best Original Screenplay

1. Lost in Translation*
2. In America #
3. Thirteen
4. Love Actually
5. 21 Grams

Best Adapted Screenplay

1. Mystic River*
2. Cold Mountain
3. House of Sand and Fog
4. Master and Commander
5. American Splendor #

Here are my picks for the Oscar nominations of 2004. This is purely based on buzz along with a little pinch of my own opinion.
** will win
* should win

Best Picture:
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King */**
Cold Mountain
Lost in Translation
Mystic River
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Runner ups:
In America, Big Fish, American Splendor, and Finding Nemo
(LOTR is surely the film to beat and its critical acclaim and massive appeal is definitely going to earn them the Oscar)

Best Actor:
Johnny Depp- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl *
Bill Murray- Lost in Translation **
Sean Penn- Mystic River
Ben Kingsley- House of Sand and Fog
Jude Law- Cold MOuntain

Runners up: Russell Crowe (I just think Crowe should just rest for a while and give others a chance...he's a superb actor don't get me wrong), Tom Cruise (Please no!), Paul Giamatti, and Paddy Considine (I heard he was wonderful and charming)
(I have to say that Johnny Depp blew me away in POTC and he should get recognized with an Oscar win, but his role isn't very Oscar-ish and is the dark horse in the race this year. Although he's highly overdue. Bill Murray just might take home the award although Sean Penn is the pure favorite of the year. It's just that Murray is sweeping the critics awards and Penn only won in the NBR.)

Best Actress:
Charlize Theron- MOnster*/**
Naomi Watts- 21 Grams
Jennifer Connelly- HOuse of Sand and Fog
Diane Keaton- SOmething's Gotta Give
Evan Rachel Wood- Thirteen

Runners up: Samantha Morton, Scarlett Johansson (I think she's more likely to be in supporting), Patricia Clarkson (her too), Cate Blanchett (losing buzz), Hope Davis (in a great film), and Uma Thurman
(Charlize is going to win fair and square delivering a knock-out and brave performance. Evan Rachel Wood should get nominated with her GOlden GLobe nomination)

Best Director:Peter Jackson- LOTR (amazing year, amazing film)
Runner ups: Peter Weir, Clint Eastwood (Jackson's biggest competitor), Sofia Coppola (you go girl!), and Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu (cool name! lol)

Best Supp Actor: Ken Watanabe (heard such good things about him)
Runners up: Alec Baldwin, Paul Bettany, Benicio Del Toro, and Tim Robbins

Best Supp Actress: Renee Zellweger (heard she stole the show)
Runners up: Scarlett Johansson (probably splitting votes with LIT and GWTPE), Patricia Clarkson (heard she was awesome), Shohreh Aghadashloo (better be nominated), and Holly Hunter (if Wood is nominated, so is Hunter)
**Enjoy**

All I have to say is that I'm sick of them ignoring Lord of the Rings. They never pick it because it got soo much money and they probably think it's overated. They always like to pick the movies that were not hailed by most people "the underdogs" as they put it. But Lord of the Rings was a "underdog" no one ever thought they could pull it off. Well, Peter Jackson did pull it off and it's the best movie made ever. So I predict that it should and will win Best Picture, hopefully.

You know, Seabiscuit DID come out this year..

Ok, now these predictions are a bit far fetched. LotR will not win best picture - so don't be too sad. It will not rack up a lot of noms, either, if the Golden Globes are any indication. Cold Mountain will be the big winner and nominee, I have a suspiscion - the Golden Globes have created a big window for Mountain, and it'll ride the nomination wave all the way to 13, 14 nominations at the oscars, and a plethora of wins [though i suspect mostly in tech catergories] so here comes my predix: [IN ORDER]

BEST PICTURE
1. COLD MOUNTAIN **WINNER**
2. LOST IN TRANSLATION
3. MYSTIC RIVER
4. LotR: RotK
5. MASTER AND COMMANDER[unsure of this prediction, but the other I know will make it - even lost in trans *NOTE the golden globes speak for themselves]

BEST DIRECTOR
1. SOFIA COPPOLA, Lost in Trans [I HOPE, bout time a woman wins, but i think my number two will win...]
2. ANTHONY MINGHELLA, Cold Mountain
3. CLINT EASTWOOD, Mystic River
4. PETER JACKSON, LotR:RotK
5. PETER WEIR, Master and Commander

BEST ACTOR
1. BILL MURRAY, Lost in Translation
2. SEAN PENN, Mystiv river [MAY win..]
3. JUDE LAW, Cold Mountain
4. BEN KINGSLEY, House/Fog
5. RUSSELL CROWE, Master

BEST ACTRESS
1. CHARLIZE THERON, Monster
2. DIANE KEATON, Something's/Give
3. NICOLE KIDMAN, Cold Mountain
4. JENNIFER CONNELLY, House/Fog
5. NAOMI WATTS, 21 Grams

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
1. TIM ROBBINS, Mystic
2. ALBERT FINNEY, Big Fish
3. KEN WATANABE, Last Samurai
4. ALEC BALDWIN, The Cooler
5. BENICIO DEL TORO, 21 Grams

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
1. RENEE ZELLWEGER, Cold Mountain
2. SCARLETT JOHANSSON, Lost
3. MARCIA GAY HARDEN, Mystic
4. HOLLY HUNTER, Thirteen
5. PATRICIA CLARKSON, Pieces of April

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
1. LOST IN TRANSLATION
2. IN AMERICA
3. CALENDER GIRLS
4. LOVE, ACTUALLY
5. FINDING NEMO

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
1. COLD MOUNTAIN
2. MYSTIC RIVER
3. LotR:RotK
4. SEABISCUIT
5. MASTER AND COMMANDER

These are my bold predictions...ya. I'm pretty sure I am at least 3/4 right. LotR will lose big, not win big, and COLD MOUNTAIN will sweep, like Renee Zellweger movies know how to do - and this time SHE herself will walk away with a little golden man. Unfortunately, Uma Thurman won't make the shortlist and that's sad, I loved KILL BILL. I think my screenplay predix are kinda jostled, but the rest I feel are accurate...except MASTER AND COMMANDER best pic nominee, BIG FISH might just creep up behind it! Always a chance! And no predictions are ever wholly accurate, are they? Until next time...

NO, NO, NO! The person, Carolyn, above me is wrong, Depp for actor, Astin for Supporting and LOTR for picture! Still an opinion, but I believe so none the less.

My Oscar Predictions
$$$ = will win
*** = should win
BEST PICTURE:
Cold Mountain
LOTR: ROTK *** $$$
Lost in Translation
Master and Commander
Mystic River
BEST ACTOR:
Russell Crowe...M & C
Johnny Depp...Pirates of the C.
Ben Kingsley...House of S & F
Bill Murray...Lost in Trans.
Sean Penn...Mystic River***$$$
BEST ACTRESS:
Jennifer Connelly...H of S & F
Diane Keaton...Something's G.G.
Nicole Kidman...Cold Mountain
Charlize Theron...Monster***$$$
Naomi Watts...21 Grams ***(tie)
BEST SUP. ACTOR:
Sean Astin...LOTR 3 ***
Alec Baldwin...The Cooler
Benicio Del Toro...21 Grams
Albert Finney...Big Fish
Tim Robbins...Mystic River $$$
BEST SUP. ACTRESS:
Marcia Gay Harden...M. River***
Holly Hunter...Thirteen
Scarlett Johannsen...Lost in T.
Laura Linney...Mystic River
Renee Zellweger...Cold M.$$$
Best Director:
Sofia Copolla...Lost in Trans.
Clint Eastwood...Mystic River
Peter Jackson...LOTR 3 ***$$$
Anthony Minghella...Cold Mount.
Peter Weir...Master & Commander
Best Original Screenplay:
21 Grams
Finding Nemo ***
In America $$$
Lost in Translation
Thirteen
Best Adapted Screenplay:
Cold Mountain $$$
House of Sand and Fog
LOTR: ROTK ***
Master and Commander
Mystic River

What do you think? Am I crazy? Brilliant?......

WILL is smart. My only comments are: Depp should win best actor, Burton should be nominated director.

Devin

be that as it may, people...it's not going to happen...the competition is too strong in BETTER more dramatic films - that's what the academy goes for. Best Actor: Bill Murray, Sean Penn, and Ben Kingsley are the frontrunners.

Best Actres: Charlize Theron, Diane Keaton, and Nicole Kidman are the frontrunners, I don't think Connelly and Watts can pull through after their lack of Globe noms...

Best supporting actor: No Sean Astin. I'm sorry, but won't happen. LotR is good on action and entertaining effect, but the dramatics in the film are not quite up to par. Tim Robbins, Albert Finney are the frontrunners, one of them two will win.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Renee all the way, she'll win the Globe, then the SAG, then the Oscar - this ones in the bag.

the screenplays: I think my predix up there are pretty darn accurate..

So there ya have it, Cold Mountain will high step (like CHICAGO last year [also with 8 Globe noms] and LotR will prolly get 6 or 7 noms, nothing big, and I am just throwing around those noms since, well, it is the final installment and people may feel pitiful for it. LotR is a decent film, but certainly NOT oscar friendly. This film will not win big.

Carolyn-
You are very right- Sean Astin will not get nominated. However I think he SHOULD be, he just doesn't have enough support from Critics Associations' Awards and Golden Globes. (He did win for the Seattle Critics, but no others, and no nod from the Globes).
Interesting you said more dramatic films are better. I think this perfectly displays how the Academy is stuck on big-budget drama/romance movies. A fantasy has NEVER won best picture, and I think that's going to change. Return of the King is the movie that is topping the most critics rankings and awards, a LOT more than Cold Mountain. And don't let the Globes steer you wrong, they have no technical awards, LOTR's strength. The Academy is likely to vote for ROTK as a salute to the entire trilogy. And there is NO doubt in my mind that Peter Jackson will win Best Director; They owe it to him for the nomination snub last year.

WILL and Carolyn-
You two have your opinions about Astin, and WILL, he wasn't nominated at the globe. But neither was McKellen for "Fellowship". COnsider that, I think he should have won in 2001.

WILL and Carolyn-
You two have your opinions about Astin, and WILL, he wasn't nominated at the globe. But neither was McKellen for "Fellowship". COnsider that, I think he should have won in 2001. Yes LOTR for Best Picture!

Whoa, double-post! Sweeeeet.

Ok, from now on i am going to be honest. After watching COLD MOUNTAIN, I was disappointed. For a movie that is recieving such an enormous amount of hype the movie fails. I am not saying it is bad, but it is just not great. It's actors lack chemistry (mainly between Kidman and Law). Neither one of them are deserving of awards. Now for Zellweger, I can understand why you think she did such a good job, but in all actuallty she overacted her part. In no way am I saying she is a bad actress because really she is one of my favorites. It just seems to me that she is really desperate to win an oscar so she trys steal every scene that she is in when really her character should be more mellow. I hate the fact that COLD MOUNTAIN will recieve a lot of nominations and probably when most of them while other smaller films deserve recognition. I think the academy should give recognition to some of the better performances such as Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton's performances in IN AMERICA, and also in a year of great performances from young actresses like Evan Rachel Wood in THIRTEEN and Keisha Castle Hughes in WHALE RIDER I believe Sarah Bolger should be considered for her role in IN AMERICA. Though these actors and actresses are deserving of nominations and in some cases oscars they will be overshadowed by "Big Hollywood" which is a shame.

My top 10 movies of the year:
10. 21 GRAMS
9. MONSTER
8. LOST IN TRANSLATION
7. THE HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
6. MYSTIC RIVER
5. THIRTEEN
4. WHALE RIDER
3. AMERICAN SPLENDOR
2. LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING
1. IN AMERICA

I agree with carolyn in the fact that Cold Mountain and LOTR: ROTK will be the two films to beat with probably 12-14 noms a piece. Unlike carolyn I dont think that LOTR will get snubbed, on the contrary I think LOTR will walk away with a lot of tech. awards and maybe one or two of the top 8 awards (Chicago last year, won BP and BestSuppActress, and 4 other tech awards). I think that Cold Mountain will get Best Adpt. Scrnply. and BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS RENEE ZELLWEGER. This will be her 3rd time and after narrowly losing last year this has to be her time. Best Actress and Actor will probably go to smaller films like HoSaF or MR and someone like Watts will probably get Actress (Look back to Halle Berry). Jackson should get Director and I really cant say what Best Picture will go to, either the two previously stated or possibly Mystic River. Side Note: Master and Commander will be this year's Gangs of New York(Tons of Noms,10, and zero wins).

i agree with ST for Gangs of NY theory w. master. i agree wholly. and i KNOW LotR will walk away with smaller tech awards, prolly about 4 or 5, but i have my doubt bout best pic and director. I think Sofia Coppola and Lost and Translation SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED. I kno that original screenplay is in the bag, but id like to see her be the first female director awarded. but i dont kno, i dont think lotr will be a big winner - a big nominee, perhaps - but not a big winner.

Trust me, Carolyn. Return of the King will be a big winner. THE big winner. Miramax will not have its way like last year's Chicago. And The academy will give a salute to the trilogy, even if it will mean the first fantasy movie to ever win the big award. Many critics are not even putting Cold Mountain on their top ten list. On big comparison charts of results from about 100 critics lists, Cold Mountain ranked somewhere in the twenties (with 32 lists), while Return of the King ranked second (with eighty-something lists), with the most #1 ranks of all (25). Cold Mountain only had 2 #1's.

I agree with you JC. In a year with many great movies it is easy for many of the smaller better movies to get over shadowed by the big hollywood movies. And about the Zellweger comment, I agree with you only because I have saw here do better, and there is a more deserving actress in that category, Hope Davis. She made American Splendor what it was, sweet and irresistable while capturing the true spirit of Joyce Brabner, but she probably wont win because the academy awards are more of a popularity contest than they are a way to truely honor great performances. Since Zellweger has been nominated twice before they feel like they owe it to her not just for her performance in Cold Mountain, but also for her near miss in Chicago, and for Bridget Jones's Diary which is a shame.

who/what will win is anyone's guess.

whats certain is two things.

best director...wont be peter jackson

best picture... wont be lord of the rings return of the king.

don't get me wrong i think peter and the film should win hands down but its a fact that the golden globes/oscars don't consider scifi/fantasy films to be real film makeing.
in the history of both they have flat out refused to award and serious awards to them.

the golden globes was supose to be different but it so currupted now.

whats funny to me is the last time i looked all films were fiction to some degree or another.

I'm 99% confident Peter Jackson will take home an oscar. He was not even nominated last year, and the academy knows he should've. I'm 85% sure ROTK will win the Best Picture, too, because it's more like an award for the entire trilogy. Plus, it was, without question, the best movie of the year when everything is taken in to effect: Acting, Writing, Directing, Visual/Sound effects, etc.

maybe it IS a good movie, but it's not in the style of the academy to pick lotr to win - i mean ::cough:: IT IS A BIG-BUDGET EPIC DRAMA! it has romance, it has battle sequences, if it doesn't win its not because its a "FANTASY" [the academy seems to b breaking them roles i.e. "CHICAGO"] it's because there's better films out there. and who cares how many top ten lists its made? critics have no say in the oscar race. i, for one, love COLD MOUNTAIN, and Renee Zellweger should win for this role because she was terrific. fullsteam, MOUNTAIN!

Return of the King all the way! Peter Jackson deserves this for the entire 3 films. Call me crazy but I think Sean Astin deserves a nomination for Supporting Actor. He was so great...I cried right along with him!

Yes, TL! I agree with you completely!

If LOTR does not get best picture and Peter Jackson Best Director - I swear off the Oscars for good

Enough is enough!

now that's silly - there ARE more deserving films out there...

now THAT's just silly. There aren't more deserving films out there. ROTK is undeniably the best picture of the year. Cold Mountain will be this year's Gangs of New York: nominated in many categories, wins none. Oh wait, it will win Best Supporting Actress (even though Renee's part was very over-acted).

i think she was brilliant in the film. academy members don't like LotR as much as the critics, its apparent in the lack of acting nods, and the lack of wins. It won't break the fantasy boundaries of the Oscars, it may break records at the box office, but it will not come Oscar time.

Some of these are good, some of these are bad, but I really think Anonymous's predictions in November are the best. Here are mine. I can't tell the winners.

BEST PICTURE

Cold Mountain
Mystic River
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
House of Sand and Fog
Big Fish

BEST DIRECTOR

Clint Eastwood "Mystic River"
Sofia Cappola "Lost in Translation"
Peter Jackson "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"
Anthony Minghella "Cold Mountain"
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu "21 Grams"


BEST ACTOR

Sean Penn "Mystic River"
Jude Law "Cold Mountain"
Ben Kingsley "House of Sand and Fog"
Nicolas Cage "Matchstick Men"
Tom Cruise "The Last Samurai"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Benicio Del Toro "21 Grams"
Tim Robbins "Mystic River"
Albert Finney "Big Fish"
Jeff Bridges "Seabiscuit"
Sean Astin "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"

BEST ACTRESS

Naomi Watts "21 Grams"
Nicole Kidman "Cold Mountain"
Jennifer Connolly "House of Sand and Fog"
Cate Blanchett "Veronica Guerin"
Charlize Theron "Monster"

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Marcia Gay Harden "Mystic River"
Renne Zelwegger "Cold Mountain"
Holly Hunter "Thirteen"
Scarlet Johansson "Lost in Translation"
Hope Davis "American Splendor"

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Brian Helgeland "Mystic River"
Anthony Minghella "Cold Mountain"
John August "Big Fish"
Gary Ross "Seabiscuit"
Nicholas Griffin "Matchstick Men"

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Guillermo Arriaga "21 Grams"
Sofia Cappola "Lost in Translation"
Richard Curtis "Love Actually"
Quentin Tarantino "Kill Bill: Vol. 1"
Nancy Meyers "Something's Gotta Give"

BEST CINEMATROGRAPHY

Tom Stern "Mystic River"
Roger Deakins "House of Sand and Fog"
John Schwartzman "Seabiscuit"
Andrew Lesnie "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"
John Seale "Cold Mountain"

What should win:

Best Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (duh)

Best Director: Peter Jackson, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (duh, look at the last two films)

Best Actor: Johnny Depp, Prates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (deserving, wishful thinking)

Best Actress: Charlize Theron, Monster (enough critical love)

Best Supporting Actor: Sean Astin, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (dserving, just awaiting the nominations)

Best Supporting Actress: Renee Zelwegger, Cold Mountain (payment for the last couple years)

Best Original Screenplay: Lost in Translation (almost locked)

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Best Animated Feature: Finding Nemo (duh)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:
(possible nominations)

Best Actor:
Elijah Wood (campaigned here), Viggo Mortensen (more supporting, still, his more likely chance lies here)

Best Supporting Actor:
Billy Boyd, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, John Nobel, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood

Best Supporting Actress:
Miranda Otto (doubtful: Liv Tyler- not enough creentime or acting opportunities)

^ yeah right

carolyn, you are so right. LOTR probably wont get any acting noms. it only got one the first year for McKellen and that was it.....So many more deserving actors this year.......GO COLD MOUNTAIN!!!

o ST! you really know how to make a girl feel welcomed to the 2004 Oscar predictions Bloggerman!

Did anyone see Cold Mountain? I mean, after reading the book? Law and Kidman rule, but Renee is starting to bug me. Aside from being beautiful, Portman can't act that great. Renne will undoubtedly win this year, but come on... It's all about LOTR!

well...i bet the cold mountain is gonna win the Oscar~

good call ~~~~ - LotR will get, pardon my french, shit and maybe a few technical sprinkles

I wish I knew the anti-LOTR predictors. I would bet all the money I have. I bet this: ROTK will take Best Picture, Director, Visual Effects, Film Editing, Art/Set Decoration, Sound, Sound Editing, Original Song

and win be nominated for (maybe winning): Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Makeup, Costumes

doubtful: Actor

who/what I WOULD nominate:
**** indicates winner
BEST PICTURE:
28 Days Later
Finding Nemo
Lost in Translation
LOTR: ROTK ****
Mystic River
(betcha didn't expect that, huh?)

BEST ACTOR:
Johnny Depp...Pirates of the C.
Paul Giamatti...American Splendor
Ben Kingsley...House of S. and F.
Bill Murray...Lost in Translation
Sean Penn...Mystic River ****
(the buzz is right!...so far)

Best ACTRESS:
Angelay Bettis...May
Jennifer Connelly...H. of S. and F.
Charlize Theron...Monster ****
Naomi Watts...21 Grams **** (tie)
Evan Rachael Wood...Thirteen
(May is a small, creepy film but she is great! see May, on DVD now)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR:
Sean Astin...LOTR: ROTK ****
Benicio Del Toro...21 Grams
Brenden Gleeson...28 Days Later
Tim Robbins...Mystic River
Ken Watanabe...The Last Samurai
(I would LOVE to nominate Andy Serkis (Gollum, LOTR), but his CGI final product disqualifies him, even though he did the voice AND actions...urgh...)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Marcia Gay Harden...Mystic River
Naomie Harris...28 Days Later ****
Scarlett Johannson...Lost in Trans.
Miranda Otto...LOTR: ROTK
Renee Zellweger...Cold Mountain
(Naomie Harris was GREAT, and very underrated. She's gonna be big...)

BEST DIRECTOR:
Danny Boyle...28 Days Later
Sofia Coppola...Lost in Translation
Clint Eastwood...Mystic River
Peter Jackson...LOTR: ROTK ****
Anthony Minghella...Cold Mountain

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
28 Days Later
Finding Nemo ***
Lost in Translation
Love, Actually
Thirteen


BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
American Splendor
Big Fish
Cold Mountain
LOTR: ROTK
Mystic River ***

Thoughts? Agreements? Arguments?

Forgot to put name on it.
The choices above me are by WILL

Oh and DEVIN!
I agree with you to a certain point. Miranda Otto, although i'd like to see her nominated, as you can see frommy choices above, probably won't be nominated, because lack of screentime, lack of buzz, not too well known, strong competition.

WILL-
I see you're point, but I feel the oscar will have a few open "Supporting Actress" spots. Mona Lisa Smile's buzz is basically gone, 21 Grams is ignore and house of Sand and Fog, well, where did it go?

Devin

I see what you mean, Devin. We can only hope for the best...

Will-

28 Days Later will not be nominated. I doubt Finding Nemo but I could be wrong. Lost in Translation I don't think will be up for best picture, you're forgetting, Cold Mountain, House of Sand and Fog. 21 Grams for stuff too. Johnny Depp? Paul Giatmatti? As much as I like Paul Giamatti and American Splendor, he won't be nominated. You need to see Cold Mountain, Jude Law might take the Oscar. Also don't forget about Big Fish, Albert Finney, Brandon Gleeson? No. Tim Robbins is my bet. What is with you and 28 Days Later, it's not gonna win anything. Not gonna be nominated for anything. Not picture, not director, not actor, not screenplay, I think you need to see most of these movies before posting predictions. See Cold Mountain, House of Sand and Fog, Big Fish, 21 Grams.

right, chris - agreed

MOUNTAIN was sensational, BIG FISH was sensational, HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG was sensational too...see them before passing judgment...

Here is my list for nominees.* indicates Winner and ** for who i hope wins. MR=Mystic River and CM=cold Mountain

Best Picture

Mystic River**
Lord of the rings:Return of the King*
House of sand and fog
lost in translation
Cold Mountain

Best Director

Clint Eastwood-MR**
Peter Jackson-LORD:ROTK*
Alejandro Gonzalez-21 grams
Anthony Minghella-CM
Sofia Coppola-Lost in Translation

Best Actor

Sean Penn-MR*and**
Ben Kingsley-House of sand and fog
Nicholas Cage-Matchstick men** He's Great
Tom Cruise-Last Samurai
Bill Murray-Lost in Translation

Best Supporting Actor

Tim Robbins-MR*and**
Benicio Del Toro-21 grams
Jeff Bridges-Seabiscuit** i like them both
?
?

Best Actress

Naomi Watts-21 grams
Nicole-CM* I hate Nicole
Jennifer Connolly-House of sand and fog**
cate blanchett-Veronica Guerin
Charlize Theron-Monster

Best Supporting Actress

Marcia Gay Harden-MR**
Renee Zelwegger-CM*
Holly Hunter-13
Scarlet Johansson-Lost in Translation
Hope Davis- American Splandor

im just gana tell the winners for these.

Best Adapted Screen Play
Brian Helgeland-MR*

Best Origanl Screenplay
Sofia Coppola-Lost in Translation*
i hope Quentin Tarantino wins though

Best Cinematrography

Andrew Lenslie-LOTR:ROTK

Thank you Carolyn. I do want to change a couple of my nominations though. American Splendor for Best Original Screenplay replacing, Something's Gotta Give. Also, Bill Murray replacing Tom Cruise for Best Actor.

Chris-
I know 28 Days Later won't be nominated, and neither will Finding Nemo. If you read the very beginning of my post, it said who I would nominate, not who the Academy would nominate. I loved 28 Days Later, so artistic, so smart, but not a lot of people caught thats it's more than just a zombie movie. I'M NOT STTUPID! I KNOW IT'S NOT GETTING ANY NODS! IT'S WHAT MY PICKS ARE! I SAW COLD MOUNTAIN AND I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS IN MY TOP FIVE! NEITHER WAS JUDE LAW!

This may be a completely biased opinion, simply because no other movie has been on my mind for the past three years, but I think that Return of the King should definitely win Best Picture. I agree that it's up against some pretty good movies, but for the past two years Lord of the Rings has been overlooked in lieu of other pictures which were good- but not quite as. I think the Academy needs to recognize the magnitude of work put into these movies, and the devotion of the fans. It would do Tolkien justice if the last film got best picture. The Academy seems to shirk fantasy movies to go for the more real stories, but I think this year there's no overlooking Return of the King- if it doesn't win Best Picture, it'll be because the Academy will be rooting for the underdog, because Return of the King is without a doubt the biggest movie this year has seen.

Carolyn-
I did see all those movies. Isn't it possible that I just to love them as much as you do? Try to be a little more open-minded. Of course, I need to do that too...

Carolyn-
Whoa, screwed up a sentence there, lol. Let's try that again. Isn't it possible that I just don't love them as much as you do?
There, that's better.

you're right! but i would hardly call me closed minded.

Oh and Chris, one more thing.

I took a look at your predictions and I'd like to pick them apart...
First of all, Matchstick Men isn't getting anything...nods, wins, nothing. Not even acting.
Second, I love your pick for Sean Astin as A best Supporting Actor nod. I completely agree.
However, Jeff Bridges will not be nominated, because he is campaigning as a lead Actor, which he won't come close to a nod for.
I have a hard time believing Cate Blanchett will get a nod, but she just might slip onto the ballot because she's "due," but don't be surprised if she's not.
I have to tell you, I liked Kill Bill, but I don't think it's getting anything, not even a screenplay nod. Something's Gotta Give is probably gone from the screenplay nod too. It will probably be Finding Nemo and In America. The Back-up for those is Thirteen. But S.G.G. might still have a small chance...
You'd be surprised to find that I agree with about 85% of your predictions. We're not so far off as you thought. 28 Days Later WON'T get nominated, ypu're right. But what did you think of the movie? I think it should, but not a lot of people got past the Zombie Movie stero-type, which it's far from....

wow. i do not think sean astin will geta nod.

I am amazed at how many people have contributed to this forum, and in light of all the good movies that came out this year i have decided to comprise a list of what i think were the best movies of the year. I know i have already listed my top 10 list, but there have been so many more movies worth mentioning. This is my list:

In America
21 Grams
LOTR: ROTK
Shattered Glass
Thirteen
Lost in Translation
Fog of War
Goodbye Lenin!
Monster
Swimming Pool
Pieces of April
American Splendor
The House of Sand and Fog
Mystic River
Whale Rider
Big Fish (I expected more, but still good)
Master and Commander
28 Days Later (Thanks Will for reminding me about this one)
The Station Agent
Cold Mountain (I am only listing because the book was good, but as for the movie...tsk...tsk)

If you guys can think of some I am missing please feel free to add them because I know I have to be missing a few.

It's great to watch "Fight Club" and come to my computer and look over the sewven convesations at once that i missed.
...and Carolyn, Sean Astin deserves the nod as much as the win, not that Watanabe, Baldwin, Robbins, Finney and Macy dont deserve a nod too.

seven*

Hey guys,
I have a few things to say . I really liked Lord of The Rings don't get me wrong, however I feel as if all of you who seem to think it will win all these awards need to see the other films first and then make your desicion. I saw messages posted weeks ago saying that Lord of the RIngs was by far the best film of the year. I don't feel you have the right to say that without even awknolodging that Cold Mountain had yet to be released (in my opinion the best flim of the year). I enjoyed Johnny Depp in Pirates, however you guys should open you eyes a bit more to the fact that Oscar voters are propably not as fond as his permormance as you are. A few last things. I saw that someone predicted Under the Tuscan Sun to win best picture... sorry ain't gonna happen. And I personally do not think Kill Bill will win or even get nominated for best screenplay. There were more punches thrown in that movie then words spoken And please everyone remember to see Cold Mountain it deserves more recognition from all of you.

well put, e

COLD MOUNTAIN is truly one of the best of the year.

Will-

Horror is not my type of movie however, I did see 28 Days Later because I enjoyed Danny Boyle's other films like Trainspotting. But 28 Days Later was a little strange but the cinematography was actually quite good. My friend is in love with the movie. He can't stop talking about it. Anyway, I do agree somewhat with your remarks. I don't expect Nicolas Cage to be nominated but I think he should for his performance as someone with obsessive compulsive disorder with all those ticks. I think he should get more nods for that movie, it's very underrated. I replaced Something's Gotta Give with American Splendor which won at Sundance. I put in Kill Bill because Tarantino has experience and there hasn't been too many good original screenplays. Also, Jude Law was fantastic. But what I hear, Bill Murray is supposed to steal the show but my top 3 picks for Best Actor are Sean Penn, Ben Kingsley, and Jude Law but now it seems I have to add in Bill Murray. I hope Sean Penn wins because this will be the 4th time he hasn't won. But I have a feeling Bill will win this year. But I guess we agree with out arguements.

Ok, whoever E is-

I don't get why you're assuming that people who think LOTR: ROTK will do well haven't seen other movies, such as Cold Mountain. Isn't it possible that we just don't like Cold Mountian like you do? I think ROTK was the best film of the year by far, and I DID see Cold Mountain. It was pretty good, but not my top five. Probably somewhere around number 8 or 9 for me. I just didn't see what was so great besides its huge budget. In my opinion, Kidman and Law weren't nod worthy, and Zellweger was but not Oscar-worthy (again), she seemed to over-act it and stole many scenes, when she could've been more mellow and still done fantastic.
But the point is, I think ROTK should and will win Best Picture, among many other awards, and I DID see Cold Mountain.
Did you see Return of the King before you decided that it wasn't as good as Cold Mountain?

Most of the buzz surrounding Cold Mountain is not comming from oscar voters its comming from Miramax who is trying to follow up there best picture win from last year, Chicago. What I see happening (and I think it has already been said on this forum) is that Cold Mountain will turn out to be like Miramax's other big film from last year Gangs of New York, it will score a lot of nominations but no wins.

Yo dudes what a minute you guys are forgeting 2 Fast 2 Furious. It should take home all the technical awards as well as best actor and best supporting actor. And some other movies you guys don't need to forget:

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Honey
Love Don't Cost A Thing
Cold Mountain
Grind
Gigli
SWAT
The Cat in the Hat
Timeline
& last but not least
Paycheck (Damn, Ben Affleck was in two great movies this year)

ok Really smart person is really dumb. None of those movies were any good except Cold Mountain, and that's not even on my top five. Ben Affleck is a HORRIBLE actor.

o
m
g
really smart person.
really stupid predix.

I think that Cold Mountain will surprise many people and win most oscars. I think Pirates of the Carribean will do good in the minor areas as well as actor due to Deeps outstanding performance. Surprise nods in Best Picture for Finading Nemo and Actress for Jamie Lee Curtis. Renee wins her first oscar for Cold Mountain. Big Fish, LotR, Last Samurai, and Seabiscuit pull many nods but no or few wins.

finding nemo will not get a best picture nod. that is why there is the BEST ANIMATED FILM award...

Carolyn, I disagree with your views on LOTR, but you're right about the Animated Feature Award. But everyone who reads this and agree's, please post something telling me Finding Nemo deserves a Best Picture nod although it wont get it for sure.

i liked NEMO [btw did u kno nemo means NOBODY in latin, thus it is FINDING NOBODY] haha - i kno, im a dork...

ok guys this is my first post
i really really really really really want Big Fish to be nominated for best picture and Tim Burton for best directer,
to brian, Ellen DeGeneres for "Finding Nemo" won't be nominated because it is an animated role. sorry, and if Shrek wasn't nominated neigther will Finding Nemo. i think that LOTR: return of the king will win to award the trology same with Peter Jackson. i want Tim Burton should be nominated because he is such a great directer. the acadamy always overlooks great directers like Bas Lurmann for Moulin Rouge. i think that Kill Bill should be nominated but it won't be because the movie isn't the kind of movie that the acadamy likessame with quintin tarentino. and i'm sorry for any of my bad spelling,

Personally, I think that both of the ends of the great trilogies this year (LOTR and MATRIX) were sort of let downs afte