Oscar Appraisal

Best Motion Picture
Prediction: “No Country For Old Men”
Winner: “No Country For Old Men”
(For the second consecutive year, the Academy is correct. The speech is excellent. Sydney Pollack’s standard was achieved. No Country was outstanding.)

Performance by Actor in A Leading Role
Prediction: Daniel Day-Lewis “There Will Be Blood”
Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis “There Will Be Blood”
(Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Oscars…Lewis completes the triple. His speech is exemplary. His dedication, fathers and sons, evokes beautiful thoughts.)

Performance by Actor in A Supporting Role
Prediction: Javier Bardem “No Country For Old Men”
Winner: Javier Bardem “No Country For Old Men”
(Completely deserved. Bardem was the category’s class. Comedic speech. Concerning the haircut, he is correct.)

Performance by Actress in A Leading Role
Prediction: Marion Cotillard “La Vie en Rose”
Winner: Marion Cotillard “La Vie en Rose”
(A loaded category. Cotillard’s speech is outstanding. Her emotion is palpable. She is a charming presence. She is an elegant victor.)

Performance by Actress in A Supporting Role
Prediction: Saoirse Ronan “Atonement”
Winner: Tilda Swinton “Michael Clayton”
(Slightly surprising. With that stated, Swinton is deserving. She epitomizes the American Dream. Her Clooney joke is excellent. Batman and Robin is ideal fodder.)

Achievement in Directing
Prediction: Jason Reitman “Juno”
Winner: Joel & Ethan Coen “No Country For Old Men”
(Completely deserving. The Cohen story was endearing. They are examples.)

Best Documentary Feature
Prediction: “Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience”
Winner: “Taxi to the Dark Side”
(Shocking selection. With that stated, anything trumps Michael Moore. The political shots are predictable. They are also annoying and unnecessary.)

Best Animated Feature
Prediction: “Ratatouille”
Winner: “Ratatouille”
(Rats as victors? George Clooney has a chance. Endearing speech. The doubting high school guidance councilor. Timeless and relatable.)

Best Original Screenplay
Prediction: “Juno”
Winner: “Juno”
(Poignant dedication. Excellent speech. Viva la WGA.)

Best Adapted Screenplay
Prediction: “No Country For Old Men”
Winner: “No Country For Old Men”
(Exemplary selection. Stunningly, the Cohen brothers lack words.)