Oscar Appraisal

Best Motion Picture
Prediction: “Slumdog Millionaire”
Winner: “Slumdog Millionaire”
(For the third consecutive year, the Academy is correct. The speech is eloquent. Belief and passion are imperative. They are life’s required elements.)

Performance by Actor in A Leading Role
Prediction: Mickey Rourke “The Wrestler”
Winner: Sean Penn “Milk”
(Given Proposition Eight, this result was predictable. Penn’s speech is scarcely endurable. Concerning Rourke, Penn was magnanimous. Concerning equal rights, Penn needs muzzled.)

Performance by Actor in A Supporting Role
Prediction: Heath Ledger “The Dark Knight”
Winner: Heath Ledger “The Dark Knight”
(Following the Golden Globes, Ledger’s sweep was inevitable.)

Performance by Actress in A Leading Role
Prediction: Kate Winslet “The Reader”
Winner: Kate Winslet “The Reader”
(Once again, a loaded category. Winslet’s speech is outstanding. Her childhood memories are adorable. Her class and respect are admirable. Winslet epitomizes this evening.)

Performance by Actress in A Supporting Role
Prediction: Penelope Cruz “Vicky Christina Barcelona”
Winner: Penelope Cruz “Vicky Christina Barcelona”
(Her speech is elegant. Art is the universal language. Unrealistic dreams are possible. These themes resonate.)

Achievement in Directing
Prediction: Danny Boyle “Slumdog Millionaire”
Winner: Danny Boyle “Slumdog Millionaire”
(Completely deserving. His Mumbai words are poignant.)

Best Documentary Feature
Prediction: “Encounters at the End of the World”
Winner: “Man on Wire”
(Slightly surprising. Stellar speech.)