Actor in a Leading Role:
James Franco – If you do not consider the entire body of work, then James Franco honestly should be a shoe in for Best Actor in a Leading Role. There is hardly a boring second in 127 Hours and he is in pretty much in every single scene, which is set in the same location for 85% of the film. Truly an amazing performance.

If you do include the actors entire body of work, then Colin Firth should be the clear cut winner. Jeff Bridges and Javier Bardem already have an Oscar and Firth has paid his dues with solid performances.

Actor in a Supporting Role:
Geoffrey Rush – OK, I haven’t seen The Fighter so Christian Bale could honestly be the right choice and I’m actually a pretty big fan of Bale. My choice isn’t so much about Rush’s performance, but rather about somewhat forgettable performances by Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo. As I think twice, John Hawkes in The Winter’s Bone was actually pretty good, but basically most people haven’t even seen Winter’s Bone so that probably works against him.

Actress in a Leading Role:
Natalie Portman – I think this is a pretty clear cut winner and if she didn’t win I think she is being robbed. Black Swan was a great performance and she has the body of work to support a win. OK, not everything she has done has been great, but let’s not forget The Professional, V for Vendetta, and Garden State.

Actress in a Supporting Role:
Hailee Steinfeld – Once again, didn’t see Amy Adams in the Fighter or Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom (whatever that is), but Hailee Steinfeld is my winner for this category. I’m not exactly sure how she’s categorized as a supporting actress when in True Grit she was the only female lead and in just about every single scene. I almost have to believe it is to set her up to win. Then again, I do not think the Oscars like to give these awards to such young actresses because I believe body of work is always a huge deciding factor in voting. Nonetheless, not taking into account body of work, Steinfeld is my winner.

Animated Feature Film:
Toy Story 3 – It’s a cartoon that makes you want to cry. Oscar gold.

Director:
All Bull Shit!!! Where is Danny Boyle and Christopher Nolan?
Most likely David Fincher will win for some unknown reason to me, but I would give it to Darren Aronofsky or The Coen Brothers before Fincher.

Documentary (Feature):
Restrepo – The only other one I saw was Exit Through The Gift Shop, which was pretty awesome, but Restrepo is an amazing Military documentary.

Music (Original Score):
Hans Zimmer “Inception” – Trent Reznor will probably win, but I think the score for Inception really hits the emotional core.

Best Picture:
127 Hours – I saw every film except for The Fighter and 127 Hours and Inception, in my opinion, are my clear cut winners. Of course, The Social Network will probably win, but I really don’t know why, especially when you compare it to Slumdog Millionaire, The Hurt Locker, and No Country For Old Men. The Social Network is just good, but not exceptional. In my opinion, Black Swan and True Grit are still ahead of The Social Network.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay):
127 Hours – Most people know how the story ends, but nonetheless almost every minute is entertaining and captivating.

Writing (Original Screenplay):
Inception – I’d like to see you write something like this. Nolan worked 10 years on this script creating an amazing world.

Travolta and his wife has still not talked directly to reporters since the death of their son, Jett, in January.

At an earlier press conference, Denzel Washington said, “I talked to John (recently). Needless to say, he’s struggling. He’s struggling. More than talking to him, I listened to him, for about two or three hours. It’s going to take time. What can you say but just be there as a friend? He’s such a sweet, sweet person.”

Travolta sent a message through “Pelham” producer Todd Black, who told the audience assembled in the Mann Village Theater that, “John sends his love and thanks to everyone in Hollywood for all the support you’ve given him at this difficult time.”

David Carradine

For those of you who do not know yet, David Carradine (72) , star of “Kung Fu” and “Kill Bill,” was found dead in Bangkok, Thailand.

He was in Thailand filming “Stretch” and was discovered last Thursday in his hotel room. Initial reports claimed the Carradine committed suicide, but now the possibility of Autoerotic Asphyxiation is in the forefront. This is because there are some reports that say he was found in the hotel closet with a cord wrapped around his genitals and even his hands tied behind his back.

Carradine’s family is now asking for the FBI to investigate.

I’m sold!

Natasha Richardson, wife of actor Liam Neeson, has died at the age of 45 years-old. She was hospitalized last Sunday night. IrishCentral.com reported her in “critical condition” after a head trauma following a skiing accident.

The hospitalization occurred after Richardson fell at a beginners trail at Mont Tremblant ski resort in Montreal, Canada.

Obviously, I do not know anything about her and her family, but Liam Neeson has always seemed very likable in his interviews and so I can only guess that she was also a very nice person. So, I think it’s just really sad news.