IMAGES FROM ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
NEIL PATRICK HARRISJUST WHAT THE FICTIONAL DOCTOR ORDERED...
aging Dr. Howser, Dr. Doogie Howser... Ok, so Neil Patrick Harris has proven that he is, was, and will be WAY more than his TV beginnings. Playing a child genius M.D. was really just a way for us all to be introduced to the man he is today.
From being the cad on How I Met Your Mother to finding his place as a Broadway darling (with a statue to prove it), Harris has become a beacon for child actors everywhere on the power of reinvention and how being honest about yourself can lead to inspiring results.
A newly wed (he married his partner, David Burtka last year), this father of twins is taking showmanship to a whole new level. He wowed viewers as a host of the Tony Awards (three times) and held his own hosting the Emmys in 2013. Now his heading to the big stage and the world will see if his magic persona is more than just an illusion of legendary status. I have a feeling it is.
As you flip through the Watchlist, keep an eye out for this bookmark. While I can’t say with certainty who will take home the prize, these are the ones I think are safe bets.
P
AMERICANSNIPER
Based on a true story, and one of the highest grossing films of 2015, AMERICAN SNIPER tells the tale of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle who became a legend due to his accuracy in the field yet found returning home a bit more complicated. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring the incredible Bradley Cooper, there is some talk that he might be a dark horse and win the Best Actor category. And that’s not because of his amazing skills handling a baby doll...
BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, FILM EDITING, SOUND EDITING, SOUND MIXING, & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED
VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, SUP-PORTING ACTOR, SUPPORT-ING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, CINEMATOGRAPHY, SOUND EDITING, SOUND MIXING, & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Visually arresting and probably one of the most interesting (and head scratching) films of the year. BIRDMAN is sure to take home some gold. Whether it is for directing or acting... well, the voices in my head say it is a toss up. It is a safe bet to say that it will win for cinematography because the seemless shots were like no other. Available for purchase onAmazon or iTunes now.
BOYHOODBEST PICTURE, SUPPORTING ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Talk about a passion project with some serious vision. Richard Linklater and his team have been working to bring this epic film, about a boy growing up, to the screen for over 12 years. Filmed in clips, we follow Mason and his family as he grows from a boy into a young man. While I would not say it was a favorite film of mine this year, there is no doubting the talent and expansiveness of the project. Expect Patrica Arquette to walk away with a statue. Available to purchase now on iTunes or Amazon.
Wes Anderson brings his quirky, colorful world to life again. Ralph Fiennes stars as Gustave H the consierge of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL who goes on a wild adventure with his friend/lobby boy, Zero Moustafa. Eccentric and creative, there is no doubt that a few statues will be awarded, though probably not for the biggest prizes. Get it now, to rent or own, on iTunes or Amazon.
the GRAND BUDAPEST
HOTEL BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING, COSTUME DESIGN, MAKE-UP & HAIRSTYLING, PRODUC-TION DESIGN, SCORE & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
the IMITATION GAME
BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING, SCORE, PRODUCTION DESIGN & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“Sometimes its the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.” Based on the life of Alan Turing this dynamic film has Benedict Cumberbatch doing what he does best - thinking. Smart and socially awkward, Turing proves to be one of the most brilliant minds in the world as he works to break the Nazi’s Enigma Code. By doing so he not only helped stop a war and saved millions of lives, but also became became something like the grandfather of computers. He was a chapter of history that has been little explored, but that, it has been shown should never been forgotten. Preorder it now on iTunes or Amazon.
“GLORY”One day, when the glory comesIt will be ours, it will be oursOh, one day, when the war is wonWe will be sure, we will be here sureOh, glory, gloryOh, glory, gloryHands to the Heavens, no man, no weaponFormed against, yes glory is destinedEvery day women and men become legendsSins that go against our skin become blessingsThe movement is a rhythm to usFreedom is like religion to usJustice is juxtaposition in usJustice for all just ain’t specific enoughOne son died, his spirit is revisitin’ usTruant livin’ livin’ in us, resistance is usThat’s why Rosa sat on the busThat’s why we walk through Ferguson with our hands upWhen it go down we woman and man upThey say, “Stay down” and we stand upShots, we on the ground, the camera panned upKing pointed to the mountain top and we ran upOne day, when the glory comesIt will be ours, it will be oursOh, one day, when the war is oneWe will be sure, we will be here sureOh, glory, gloryOh, glory, glory gloryNow the war is not overVictory isn’t wonAnd we’ll fight on to the finishThen when it’s all doneWe’ll cry glory, oh gloryWe’ll cry glory, oh glory
Selma’s now for every man, woman and childEven Jesus got his crown in front of a crowdThey marched with the torch, we gon’ run with it nowNever look back, we done gone hundreds of milesFrom dark roads he rose, to become a heroFacin’ the league of justice, his power was the peopleEnemy is lethal, a king became regalSaw the face of Jim Crow under a bald eagleThe biggest weapon is to stay peacefulWe sing, our music is the cuts that we bleed throughSomewhere in the dream we had an epiphanyNow we right the wrongs in historyNo one can win the war individuallyIt takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energyWelcome to the story we call victoryComin’ of the Lord, my eyes have seen the gloryOne day, when the glory comesIt will be ours, it will be oursOh, one day, when the war is oneWe will be sure, we will be here sureOh, glory, gloryOh, glory, glory gloryWhen the war is done, when it’s all said and doneWe’ll cry glory, oh glory
MUSIC & LYRICS: JOHN STEPHENS & LONNIE LYNNPERFORMED BY: JOHN LEGEND FEATURING COMMON
SELMA BEST PICTURE & SONG
Largely overlooked by the Academy, this timely look back at the rise of the Civil Rights movement is not only filled with powerhouse performances, but crafted by a masterful director and brilliant storyteller. While it might not bring home the big award, we can at least find a little solace in the fact that is all but a lock to bring home an award for Best Song.
A film that is not easy to forget. Julianne Moore potrays Alice Howland, a linguistics professor whose world gets flipped upside down as she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Bold, heartbreaking and a true award-worthy performance, she is all but a lock to bring home a statue (which is something after being nominated four other times). If you missed it in theatres, you can preorder it on iTunes or Amazon now.
STILL ALICEBEST ACTRESS
the THEORY of EVERYTHINGBEST PICTURE, ACTOR, ACTRESS, SCORE & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
In a word: WOW! Eddie Redmayne is nothing short of genius as he embodies the role of Steven Hawking. From a young doctoral candidate to the world’s foremost expert on astrophysics, Redmayne’s performance is physical and so subtle that he takes you along for the ride of a lifetime that is only made better by the quiet power Felicity Jones brings as Hawing’s first wife. From beginning to end, the film is expertly told, but it is Redmanye who, for his first nomination, will likely bring home the gold. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING is available now to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.
There are few awards that are as close to guaranteed as the race for Best Supporting Actor. J.K. Simmons gives a commanding performance as the sadistic conductor/music teacher who verbally berates aspiring drummer played by Miles Teller. Intense and without remorse, Simmons’ commitment is sure to pay off. If you didn’t have a chance to see the film, it is available to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.
WHIPLASH BEST PICTURE, SUPPORTING ACTOR, FILM EDITING, SOUND MIXING & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
BEST PICTURE
American Sniper Boyhood The Grand Budapest Hotel
Birdman or (the unexpected virtue of ignorance)
ACTOR Steve Carell FOXCATCHER
Bradley Cooper AMERICAN SNIPER
Benedict Cumberbatch THE IMITATION GAME
Michael Keaton BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Eddie Redmayne THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
ACTRESS Marion Cotillard TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT
Felicity Jones THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Julianne Moore STILL ALICE
Rosamund Pike GONE GIRL
Reese Witherspoon WILD
SUPPORTING ACTOR Robert Duvall THE JUDGE
Ethan Hawk BOYHOOD
Edward NortonBIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Mark Ruffalo FOXCATCHER
J.K. Simmons WHIPLASH
SUPPORTING ACTRESS Patricia Arquette BOYHOOD
Laura Dern WILD
Keira Knightly THE IMITATION GAME
Emma StoneBIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Meryl Streep INTO THE WOODS
DIRECTORBirdman or (the Unexpected
Virtue of Ignorance ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU
Boyhood RICHARD LINKLATER
Foxcatcher BENNETT MILLER
The Grand Budapest Hotel WES ANDERSON
The Imitation Game MORTEN TYLDUM
PRODUCTION DESIGNThe Grand Budapest Hotel
PRODUCTION: ADAM STOCKHAUSEN & SET: ANNA PINNOCK
The Imitation GamePRODUCTION: MARIA DJURKOVIC & SET: TATIANA MACDONALD
Intersteller PRODUCTION: NATHAN CROWLEY & SET: GARY FETTIS
Into the Woods PRODUCTION: DENNIS GASSNER & SET: ANNA PINNOCK
Mr. Turner PRODUCTION: SUZIE DAVIES & SET: CHARLOTTE WATTS
VISUAL EFFECTSCaptain America: The Winter Soldier DAVID DELEEUW, RUSSELL EARL, BRYAN GRILL, DAN SUDICK
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes JOE LETTERI, DAN LEMMON, DANIEL BARRETT, ERIK WINQUIST
Guardians of the Galaxy STEPHANE CERETTI, NICOLAS AITHADI, JONATHAN FAWKNER, PAUL CORBOULD
Interstellar PAUL FRANKLIN, ANDREW LOCKLEY, IAN HUNTER, SCOTT FISHER
X-Men: Days of Future Past RICHARD STAMMERS, LOU PECORA, TIM CROSBIE,
CAMERON WALDBAUER
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Foxcatcher BILL CORSO, DENNIS LIDDIARD
The Grand Budapest Hotel FRANCES HANNON, MARK COULIER
Guardians of the Galaxy ELIZABETH YIANNI-GEORGIOU, DAVID WHITE
COSTUME DESIGNThe Grand Budapest Hotel
MILENA CANONERO
Inherent Vice MARK BRIDGES
Into the Woods COLLEEN ATWOOD
Maleficent ANNA B. SHEPPARD
Mr. Turner JACQUELINE DURRAN
CINEMATOGRAPHYBirdman or (the Unexpected
Virtue of Ignorance EMMANUEL LUBEZKI
The Grand Budapest Hotel ROBERT YEOMANIda LUKASZ ZAL, RYSZARD LENCZEWSKIMr. Turner DICK POPEUnbroken ROGER DEAKINS
FILM EDITINGAmerican Sniper JOEL COX, GARY D. ROACH
Boyhood SANDRA ADAIR
The Grand Budapest Hotel BARNEY PILLING
The Imitation Game WILLIAM GOLDENBERG
Whiplash TOM CROSS
ADAPTED SCREENPLAYAmerican Sniper JASON HALL
The Imitation Game GRAHAM MOORE
Inherent Vice PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON
The Theory of Everything ANTHONY MCCARTEN
Whiplash DAMIEN CHAZELLE
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAYBirdman or (the Unexpected
Virtue of Ignorance ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU, NICOLÁS GIACOBONE,
ALEXANDER DINELARIS, JR. & ARMANDO BO
Boyhood RICHARD LINKLATER
Foxcatcher E. MAX FRY, DAN FUTTERMAN
The Grand Budapest Hotel SCREENPLAY: WES ANDERSON
STORY: WES ANDERSON, HUGO GUINNESS
Nightcrawler DAN GILROY
The Imitation Game Selma The Theory of Everything
Whiplash
WHAT ARE YOUR PICKS?
OSCARS 2015 WATCHLIST BALLOT
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Ida POLAND
Leviathan RUSSIA
Tangerines ESTONIA
Timbuktu MAURITANIA
Wild Tales ARGENTINA
LIVE ACTION SHORTAya ODED BINNUN, MIHAL BREZIS
Boogaloo and Graham MICHAEL LENNOX, RONAN BLANEY
Butter Lamp (La Lampe Au Beurre De Yak) HU WEI, JULIEN FÉRET
Paryaneh TALKHON HAMZAVI, STEFAN EICHENBERGER
The Phone Call MAT KIRKBY, JAMES LUCAS
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Citizenfour LAURA POITRAS, MATHILDE BONNEFOY, DIRK WILUTZKY
Finding Vivian Majar JOHN MALOOF, CHARLIE SISKEL
Last Days in Vietnam RORY KENNEDY, KEVEN MCALESTER
The Salt of the Earth WIM WENDERS, JULIANO RIBEIRO SALGADO, DAVID ROSIER
Virunga ALAN ROBERT MURRAY, BUB ASMAN
DOCUMENTARY SHORTCrisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1
ELLEN GOOSENBERG KENT AND DANA PERRY
Joanna ANETA KOPACZ
Our Curse TOMASZ ŚLIWINŃSKI & MACIEJ ŚLESICKI
The Reaper (La Parka) GABRIEL SERRA ARGUELLO
White Earth J. CHRISTIAN JENSEN
ANIMATED SHORTThe Bigger Picture DAISY JACOBS, CHRISTOPHER HEES
The Dam Keeper ROBERT KONDO, DICE TSUTSUMI
Feast PATRICK OSBORNE, KRISTINA REED
Me and My Moulton TORILL KOVE
A Single Life JORIS OPRINS
ANIMATED FEATUREBig Hero 6The BoxtrollsHow to Train Your Dragon 2Song of the SeaThe Tale of the Princess Kaguya
ORIGINAL SONG"Everything is Awesome" music and lyrics by Shawn Petterson THE LEGO MOVIE
"Glory" music and lyrics by John Stephens & Lonnie Lynn SELMA
"Grateful" music and lyrics by Diane Warren BEYOND THE LIGHTS
"I’m Not Gonna Miss You" music by Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond GLEN CAMPBELL...I’LL BE ME
“Lost Stars” music by Gregg Alexander & Danielle Brisebois BEGIN AGAIN
SOUND MIXINGAmerican Sniper
JOHN REITZ, GREGG RUDLOFF, WALT MARTIN
Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
JON TAYLOR, FRANK A. MONTAÑO, THOMAS VERGA
Intersteller GARY A. RIZZO, GREGG LANDAKER, MARK WEINGARTEN
Unbroken JON TAYLOR, FRANK A. MONTAÑO, DAVID LEE
Whiplash CRAIG MANN, BEN WILKINS, THOMAS CURLEY
SOUND EDITINGAmerican Sniper
ALAN ROBERT MURRAY, BUB ASMAN
Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance
MARTÍN HERNÁNDEZ, AARON GLASCOCK
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies BRENT BURGE, JASON CANOVAS
Intersteller RICHARD KING
Unbroken BECKY SULLIVAN, ANDREW DECRISTOFARO
ORIGINAL SCOREThe Grand Budapest Hotel
ALEXANDRE DESPLAT
The Imitation Game ALEXANDRE DESPLAT
Intersteller HANS ZIMMER
Mr. Turner GARY YERSHON
The Theory of Everything JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON
AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...
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