THE OSCARS-by Marta González López

THE OSCARS

As a person who loves the film industry, I am really excited because of the proximity of the most prestigious awards in Hollywood. This year the Academy Awards ceremony is on 22^nd February, earlier than last year. Personally, I have high expectations. 

Neil Patrick-Harris is the host this year, so I assume that laughter and music are assured. Although I loved the way Ellen Degeneres hosted the ceremony last year, I believe that Neil Patrick-Harris will do it even better.

This year we are extremely lucky to have many wonderful movies, all nominated in the category of Best Picture. My favorites are: The Theory of Everything, Boyhood, Birdman and the Imitation Game. Even though they’re all masterpieces, I’d choose The Imitation Game as the winner.

The Imitation Game is a British film, set during World War II (based on a true story), which explains how the intelligence of a man called Alan Turing, was able of shortening the war approximately by 2 years and, that way, being able to save thousands of lives. Alan Turing was a British computer scientist, mathematician and cryptanalyst (among other specialties) who deciphered the Nazi Germany’s code, helping the Allies to win the war. However, due to the fact that his achievement had to be kept in secret, Turing’s work during the World War II wasn’t recognized at the time. Moreover, Turing was accused of homosexual acts and died in 1954.

In the category of Best Director, I’d bet on Richard Linklater, the director of Boyhood. I think he deserves this award thanks to his originality and to his ability of catching the emotion of the plot from the best angle. It has many possibilities to win, a proof of this is that he has already won the Golden Globe and the Bafta in the category of Best Director.

Boyhood is an American movie, filmed over 12 years, that tells the story of life. From the tranquility of childhood to the excitement of youth experimented on Mason. Mason is a boy who hasn’t had an easy life. His mother, his sister and him are forced to move several times and to adapt to many changes until they find a bit of stability.

The categories of Best Actor and Best Actress are full of talent. The nominees for Best Actor are:

·         Steve Carell-Foxcatcher

·         Bradley Cooper-American Sniper.

·         Benedict Cumberbatch-The Imitation Game.

·         Michael Keaton-Birdman.

·         Eddie Redmayne-The Theory of Everything.

Frankly, it is a very hard decision. But, in my opinion, Eddie Redmayne should win this time, due to his unforgettable performance as Dr. Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.

The actresses nominated for Best Actress are:

·         Marion Cotillard-Two Days One Night.

·         Felicity Jones-The Theory of Everything.

·         Julianne Moore-Still Alice.

·         Rosamund Pike-Gone Girl.

·         Reese Whiterspoon-Wild.

I have no doubts in this category, I’d definitely choose Julianne Moore. In addition, I am almost 100% sure that she is going to win. She did an amazing performance in Still Alice, though it was a difficult role to play.

Still Alice is an American drama, in which Julianne Moore plays a woman who is diagnosed with Alzheimer and tries really hard to carry on with her life, with her job, her illness and family.

All we can do now, is wait patiently till the 22^nd arrives and we’ll see if our bets were the right.