Oscar Picks

It’s winter; it’s dark; it’s cold. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And that light happens to be glinting off of a golden statuette because... it’s Oscar season! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released its nominees for the 87th Academy Awards, and quite frankly, the list is stacked. In this article, I’ll be tackling the big five: the five most coveted awards at the Oscars. I’m going to tell you who I want to win, why I want them to win and why you should want them to win, too. So, let’s get started.We’ll start with the big one: Best Picture. This is indisputably the most publicized and important award. The Best Picture award is given to the movie that displays innovation, an incredible story and genuine impact on the world of film. This year’s nominees are: “American Sniper,” “Birdman,” “Boyhood,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “The Imitation Game,” “Selma,” “The Theory of Everything” and “Whiplash.”My Pick: “Boyhood.”This one is a no-brainer. Although it could be a tight race between Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age film and other front-runner “Birdman,” I think and hope that “Boyhood” will secure the win. It’s such a moving and emotional film, and it brings something entirely new and original to cinema.Best Actor in a Leading Role. This one is always fun. This year’s nominees are all amazing, and the Academy has a tough job ahead of them. The nominees are: Steve Carell in “Foxcatcher,” Bradley Cooper in “American Sniper,” Benedict Cumberbatch in “The Imitation Game,” Michael Keaton in “Birdman” and Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything.”My Pick: Michael Keaton.Keaton’s portrayal of struggling actor Riggan Thomson in “Birdman” was absolutely outstanding. While Eddie Redmayne’s role as Stephen Hawking was spectacular, Keaton anchored a remarkable movie and interacted phenomenally with his fellow cast members. He brought tears, laughter and, at times, genuine pain to the viewer. He has my vote.Best Actress in a Leading Role. I have to confess, I’ve only seen one of these movies, so I’m not the best to judge. But, the nominees are as follows: Marion Cotillard in “Two Days, One Night,” Felicity Jones in “The Theory of Everything,” Julianne Moore in “Still Alice,” Rosamund Pike in “Gone Girl” and Reese Witherspoon in “Wild.”My Pick: Felicity Jones.Jones’ work with Redmayne on “The Theory of Everything” brought tears to my eyes on many occasions. She is relatively new in the acting scene, and I hope that she sticks it out. She is a gem that Hollywood doesn’t see very often.Best Actor in a Supporting Role. This will be a tough one for me to call. The nominees are: Robert Duvall in “The Judge,” Ethan Hawke in “Boyhood,” Edward Norton in “Birdman,” Mark Ruffalo in “Foxcatcher” and J.K. Simmons in “Whiplash.”My Pick: J.K. Simmons.If you haven’t seen “Whiplash,” go see it. Now. After you leave the theater, you’ll understand why I’m picking Simmons. He has the power, emotion and gravitas. There is no reason why he shouldn’t win. Edward Norton and Ethan Hawke both give him a run for his money in their respective roles, but I hope Simmons comes out with the trophy in hand.Best Actress in a Supporting Role. This is an easy one in my opinion. The nominees are: Patricia Arquette in “Boyhood,” Laura Dern in “Wild,” Keira Knightley in “The Imitation Game,” Emma Stone in “Birdman” and Meryl Streep in “Into the Woods.”My Pick: Patricia Arquette.Amazing. Simply amazing. Arquette’s performance as the mother in “Boyhood” brings my own mother to tears every time she sees the movie. Arquette is, quite simply, the best actress on the list.