2014 Oscar Predictions

Are you all set for Oscar Sunday? Those of us non-sports fanatics consider this special event our Superbowl. I couldn't be more excited to see so many stars dressed to kill, with a few new faces thrown into the mix. By this point in awards show season, it's pretty obvious who will take home the big one, but this year, there are a few dark horses. My mom and I have our dinner menu set, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of my aunt/co-star in "Trouble With the Curve." Good times! Tune in this Sunday, March 2 for the show at 8:30 on ABC (and Ellen's hosting!)

Click on the links to read my reviews!

Best Picture
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street

Should Win - 12 Years a Slave. The quiet intensity of this film will stay with you long after you leave the theatre. The score, cinematography, acting, script, direction - this is what makes a truly remarkable film.

Will Win - 12 Years.

Photo Courtesy - Deadline

Best Actor
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce "old as the hills" Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo "be still my heart" DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew "alright alright" McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Should Win - Leonardo "be still my heart" DiCaprio. This disgustingly engrossing character is the best I've ever seen him. His performance stayed with me for weeks. I don't know what more he has to do to win an Oscar, though, because it won't happen this year.

Will Win - Matthew "alright alright" McConaughey. I won't argue with this. He fought for this film to get made and lost 40 pounds for it. This is McConaughey's year. 

Photo Courtesy - Chicago Sun-Times

Best Actress
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Dame Judi Dench, Philomena
Meryl "best there ever was" Streep, August: Osage County

Should Win - Cate Blanchett. Her heartbreaking portrayal of a depraved, nut job woman evoked such sympathy from the audience. She completely transformed herself into this character.

Will Win - Queen Cate > Dame Dench.

Photo Courtesy - Gold Derby

Best Supporting Actor
Barkhad "I'm the captain now" Abdi, Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael "yum-o" Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Should Win - Michael "yum-o" Fassbender. This is an extremely tight race, but the ease with which Fassie played slavemaster Edwin Epps still haunts me.

Will Win - Jared Leto. Playing transgender Rayon, he owned this role. Also losing an insane amount of weight (30 pounds!), when he dressed up as a male, he still looked and acted more like a female.

Photo Courtesy - Getty Images, CNN

Best Supporting Actress
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia "mouth" Roberts, August: Osage County
June "who?" Squibb, Nebraska

Should Win - Julia Roberts. Essentially the lead role, the sadness and anger bubbling up inside this character penetrates the screen. The memorable "eat the fish" scene was hysterical and terrifying. Alas, she has a statue already.

Will Win - Lupita Nyong'o. Her debut into the film world is unforgettable.

Photo Courtesy - Studio System News

Best Director
David "four eyes" O. Russell, American Hustle
Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Marty "DiCaprio is the new DeNiro" Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Should Win - Steve McQueen. 12 Years was the best I've ever seen some of these actors. I was shaken by this film and have incredible respect for McQueen for always taking such risks with his work.

Will Win - Alfonso Cuaron. I'm sure the vision Cuaron had for this film will win him gold, though I feel that McQueen's character direction was far more challenging.

Photo Courtesy - Screen Crush