Special thanks to: Pieter Ribbens, Jake Estes, Jason Smolesky, Gio Venuto, and David Andronico... and everyone in EAGLE-I
Sunday, July 17, 2016
My Most Recent Project - EAGLE-I "We're Not Gods"
Check out my most recent production... a music video for my very good friend, Gio Venuto, and his band EAGLE-I...
Special thanks to: Pieter Ribbens, Jake Estes, Jason Smolesky, Gio Venuto, and David Andronico... and everyone in EAGLE-I
Special thanks to: Pieter Ribbens, Jake Estes, Jason Smolesky, Gio Venuto, and David Andronico... and everyone in EAGLE-I
Saturday, February 27, 2016
My Oscar Predictions
I'd like to dedicate this post to my late, dear friend, Michael V. Vacca, Jr., who would always call me on Oscar morning to wish me a: "Happy Oscar Day!" -- I know he's still watching the Oscars with me from up above and I can still hear him giggling when some of the cheesy Best Song Nominees are performed. Michael, you're missed by so many every single day, but on Oscar day, I know that you are never, ever too far away. Happy Oscar Day, my friend.
Every year at Oscar time, I try to use a little bit of history, a touch of common sense, and some lucky guesses to try to predict who will take home the gold on Oscar night. In what is probably one of the toughest years in recent history when it comes to making Oscar predictions, I will do my best to get the ball rolling and see how my process of elimination will work on my predictions this time around. I'm going to start right at the top of the main categories and work my way down. For the sake of keeping this as concise as I can, I will refrain from listing all the nominees and concentrate solely on those titles that I think will stand a chance at copping one of those naked statuettes.
BEST PICTURE
The Revenant
Despite the 'late in the game' PGA win that may have pulled The Big Short into a legitimate spot of hope and the 'up until an hour ago' feeling that Spotlight would be crowned at the top of the class, I'm going to put my money (the virtual bucks, of course) on The Revenant. I think that Alejandro G. Inarritu (sorry, but I don't know how to get all of those accents and symbols going on his name) is the Academy's new John Ford, in terms of being a favorite, and his DGA win should ease the wind right at the back of his sail on this go-around as well. If I had my way, I'd give the top prize to Brooklyn, and while I'm still trying to figure out what character to root for or care about in Mad Max: Fury Road, don't be surprised if suddenly, this 'desert rose' pulls another 'Crash' when all is said and done.
DIRECTOR
Alejandro G. Inarritu - The Revenant
Yes, it would be his second consecutive win and only George Miller would be able to deny that joy for the talented Revenant director. McCarthy and McKay would only be upsets if their respective films would somehow rack up a sweep chain or if the Academy got McCrazy.
ACTOR
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Revenant
If anyone is thinking otherwise here, please think again. I still think he was way better in The Wolf of Wall Street, but his already legendary bear fight will be remembered as the one that wins him the gold. Possible upset would be Michael Fessbender - Hollywood loves Apple... and to Matt Damon we can only say: "How do you like them apples?" (Also, distant upset could come from Cranston... but nah... not this year!)
ACTRESS
Brie Larson - Room
Her's is not so much a performance as it is an embodiment. The runner up would be Saoirse Ronan, who would also be my personal choice, since her understated and subtle turn is the very essence of grace and style. Only upset possibility would be Rampling, who would get it if the Academy were to start handing out 'body of work' prizes throughout the night, which would mean that Stallone would have to definitely win, Miller for directing, John Williams for scoring, and so on...
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sylvester Stallone - Creed
Up until the announcement of the nominees and just hours before the Golden Globes, I would have put all my money on Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies), but just like the character Stallone plays, he didn't win the 'belt' on the first time around either, but now, we're into the 12th round, and much like Sally Field, Hollywood really likes him... they really really like him. Watch out for newly trending Ruffalo to potentially piss on this parade.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Alicia Vikander - The Danish Girl
Hollywood may reward her for both The Danish Girl and Ex Machina with this prize, but Winslet is the Sally Field of this category and barring an unlikely Spotlight sweep, chances for Rachel McAdams are pretty slim. My personal favorite is Jennifer Jason Leigh for The Hateful Eight. If the Academy used the same measure used for DiCaprio, then Ms. Leigh would win for enduring only a little less than a savage bear attack.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short
This one should be in the bag, unless the brilliant Brooklyn was to get its just rewards.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Spotlight
Probably a done deal... Such win would also keep the film's chances alive at winning Best Picture, but if the more deserving Inside Out wins this one, then count for this Spotlight to go dark. Not so secretly rooting for Ex Machina here, although Inside Out would make good sense.
ANIMATED FILM
Inside Out
Only Anomalisa can arm-wrestle this in a pinch, but I'm all in for Inside Out.
FOREIGN FILM
Son of Saul
Keep a close eye on Mustang to ruin the party if a party were indeed to be ruined.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Amy
Considering that the year's two best docs, Listen To Me Marlon and Thao's Library, didn't even get nominated despite being short-listed, then the obvious choice is this extended E True Hollywood Story doc. Unless Hollywood wants to flip to another unique voice with What Happened, Miss Simone?
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Body Team 12
This one pains me to predict because I'd prefer to see my friend Courtney Marsh's film, Chau, beyond the Lines, taking home the gold, but this Team is knocking some bodies down along the way and then there's Claude Lanzmann: Specters of the Shoah also breathing down its neck. Folks, there's a Shoah in the title and that can pretty much almost secure the upset.
ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Bear Story
This is a total guess. I understand that at least three of the nominees can easily win, but I'm sticking with Bear with just hours to go. Runner up would be Sanjay's Super Team with World of Tomorrow just inches behind.
LIVE ACTION SHORT
Shok
Again, I'm guessing... and Ave Maria and Stutterer would be the potential dethroners.
COSTUME DESIGN
Cinderella
The Academy loves costumes for the ball and Sandy Powell, and while she is going against herself for Carol, the potential party spoiler could be coming from Mad Max: Fury Road, especially if a sweep materializes for the desert epic, which is considered the favorite in this category.
EDITING
Mad Max: Fury Road
Nothing compares to the whiplash insanity present here, except for The Big Short, but ultimately I'm rooting for my old Shooting Gallery acquaintance, Tom McArdle for Spotlight... oh, and if by chance an honest man like McArdle should win, then Spotlight would secure Best Picture, and then they will fear it. Also, in the event of a huge sweep by The Revenant, then this would be another statuette for that one.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Revenant
Third time's a charm... Yes, it would be the third consecutive one for Emmanuel Lubezki, unless John Seale beats him to the podium for Mad Max: Fury Road. Deakins can wait.
ORIGINAL SCORE
The Hateful Eight
Ennio earned it. Ennio elevated the film to a whole other class. Ennio deserves it. Williams already won this one before. Burwell can wait.
ORIGINAL SONG
"Till It Happens To You" - The Hunting Ground
Lady Gaga is missing an Oscar from her mantle, so she will get this one. Only the Spectre of Sam Smith's Writing's on the Wall can threaten this.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Mad Max: Fury Road
Here depending on sweep possibilities, Jack Fisk and Harnish Purdy may cut in for The Revenant
MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING
Mad Max: Fury Road
End of story.
SOUND EDITING
The Revenant
Keeping in mind that if the film wins Best Picture, it'll also rack up on many of these tech awards. Only other threat: Mad Max: Fury Road.
SOUND MIXING
The Revenant
See Sound Editing.
VISUAL EFFECTS
The Revenant
Can anyone say bear fight? Perhaps here either Star Wars: The Force Awakens can pick one up or Mad Max can add to a potential large tally.
Well, there you have it. Please join the conversation if you'd like and share your thoughts. And to all a Happy Oscar Day!
Every year at Oscar time, I try to use a little bit of history, a touch of common sense, and some lucky guesses to try to predict who will take home the gold on Oscar night. In what is probably one of the toughest years in recent history when it comes to making Oscar predictions, I will do my best to get the ball rolling and see how my process of elimination will work on my predictions this time around. I'm going to start right at the top of the main categories and work my way down. For the sake of keeping this as concise as I can, I will refrain from listing all the nominees and concentrate solely on those titles that I think will stand a chance at copping one of those naked statuettes.
BEST PICTURE
The Revenant
Despite the 'late in the game' PGA win that may have pulled The Big Short into a legitimate spot of hope and the 'up until an hour ago' feeling that Spotlight would be crowned at the top of the class, I'm going to put my money (the virtual bucks, of course) on The Revenant. I think that Alejandro G. Inarritu (sorry, but I don't know how to get all of those accents and symbols going on his name) is the Academy's new John Ford, in terms of being a favorite, and his DGA win should ease the wind right at the back of his sail on this go-around as well. If I had my way, I'd give the top prize to Brooklyn, and while I'm still trying to figure out what character to root for or care about in Mad Max: Fury Road, don't be surprised if suddenly, this 'desert rose' pulls another 'Crash' when all is said and done.
DIRECTOR
Alejandro G. Inarritu - The Revenant
Yes, it would be his second consecutive win and only George Miller would be able to deny that joy for the talented Revenant director. McCarthy and McKay would only be upsets if their respective films would somehow rack up a sweep chain or if the Academy got McCrazy.
ACTOR
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Revenant
If anyone is thinking otherwise here, please think again. I still think he was way better in The Wolf of Wall Street, but his already legendary bear fight will be remembered as the one that wins him the gold. Possible upset would be Michael Fessbender - Hollywood loves Apple... and to Matt Damon we can only say: "How do you like them apples?" (Also, distant upset could come from Cranston... but nah... not this year!)
ACTRESS
Brie Larson - Room
Her's is not so much a performance as it is an embodiment. The runner up would be Saoirse Ronan, who would also be my personal choice, since her understated and subtle turn is the very essence of grace and style. Only upset possibility would be Rampling, who would get it if the Academy were to start handing out 'body of work' prizes throughout the night, which would mean that Stallone would have to definitely win, Miller for directing, John Williams for scoring, and so on...
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sylvester Stallone - Creed
Up until the announcement of the nominees and just hours before the Golden Globes, I would have put all my money on Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies), but just like the character Stallone plays, he didn't win the 'belt' on the first time around either, but now, we're into the 12th round, and much like Sally Field, Hollywood really likes him... they really really like him. Watch out for newly trending Ruffalo to potentially piss on this parade.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Alicia Vikander - The Danish Girl
Hollywood may reward her for both The Danish Girl and Ex Machina with this prize, but Winslet is the Sally Field of this category and barring an unlikely Spotlight sweep, chances for Rachel McAdams are pretty slim. My personal favorite is Jennifer Jason Leigh for The Hateful Eight. If the Academy used the same measure used for DiCaprio, then Ms. Leigh would win for enduring only a little less than a savage bear attack.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short
This one should be in the bag, unless the brilliant Brooklyn was to get its just rewards.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Spotlight
Probably a done deal... Such win would also keep the film's chances alive at winning Best Picture, but if the more deserving Inside Out wins this one, then count for this Spotlight to go dark. Not so secretly rooting for Ex Machina here, although Inside Out would make good sense.
ANIMATED FILM
Inside Out
Only Anomalisa can arm-wrestle this in a pinch, but I'm all in for Inside Out.
FOREIGN FILM
Son of Saul
Keep a close eye on Mustang to ruin the party if a party were indeed to be ruined.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Amy
Considering that the year's two best docs, Listen To Me Marlon and Thao's Library, didn't even get nominated despite being short-listed, then the obvious choice is this extended E True Hollywood Story doc. Unless Hollywood wants to flip to another unique voice with What Happened, Miss Simone?
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Body Team 12
This one pains me to predict because I'd prefer to see my friend Courtney Marsh's film, Chau, beyond the Lines, taking home the gold, but this Team is knocking some bodies down along the way and then there's Claude Lanzmann: Specters of the Shoah also breathing down its neck. Folks, there's a Shoah in the title and that can pretty much almost secure the upset.
ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Bear Story
This is a total guess. I understand that at least three of the nominees can easily win, but I'm sticking with Bear with just hours to go. Runner up would be Sanjay's Super Team with World of Tomorrow just inches behind.
LIVE ACTION SHORT
Shok
Again, I'm guessing... and Ave Maria and Stutterer would be the potential dethroners.
COSTUME DESIGN
Cinderella
The Academy loves costumes for the ball and Sandy Powell, and while she is going against herself for Carol, the potential party spoiler could be coming from Mad Max: Fury Road, especially if a sweep materializes for the desert epic, which is considered the favorite in this category.
EDITING
Mad Max: Fury Road
Nothing compares to the whiplash insanity present here, except for The Big Short, but ultimately I'm rooting for my old Shooting Gallery acquaintance, Tom McArdle for Spotlight... oh, and if by chance an honest man like McArdle should win, then Spotlight would secure Best Picture, and then they will fear it. Also, in the event of a huge sweep by The Revenant, then this would be another statuette for that one.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Revenant
Third time's a charm... Yes, it would be the third consecutive one for Emmanuel Lubezki, unless John Seale beats him to the podium for Mad Max: Fury Road. Deakins can wait.
ORIGINAL SCORE
The Hateful Eight
Ennio earned it. Ennio elevated the film to a whole other class. Ennio deserves it. Williams already won this one before. Burwell can wait.
ORIGINAL SONG
"Till It Happens To You" - The Hunting Ground
Lady Gaga is missing an Oscar from her mantle, so she will get this one. Only the Spectre of Sam Smith's Writing's on the Wall can threaten this.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Mad Max: Fury Road
Here depending on sweep possibilities, Jack Fisk and Harnish Purdy may cut in for The Revenant
MAKE-UP AND HAIRSTYLING
Mad Max: Fury Road
End of story.
SOUND EDITING
The Revenant
Keeping in mind that if the film wins Best Picture, it'll also rack up on many of these tech awards. Only other threat: Mad Max: Fury Road.
SOUND MIXING
The Revenant
See Sound Editing.
VISUAL EFFECTS
The Revenant
Can anyone say bear fight? Perhaps here either Star Wars: The Force Awakens can pick one up or Mad Max can add to a potential large tally.
Well, there you have it. Please join the conversation if you'd like and share your thoughts. And to all a Happy Oscar Day!
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