Editor's note: Before the winners were announced for the 2012 Academy Awards, staff members Kate Sullivan, Varun Bhuchar and Julian Danziger gave their opinions on who the winners should be.
Best Picture: "The Artist"
Kate: The imagination and whimsy of "Midnight in Paris" may not beat out the kitsch of "The Artist." Regardless, Woody Allen's delightful film features an inventive script and spot-on acting by Owen Wilson, in a great impersonation of Allen. Its blend of humor and wit was refreshing amidst the more obviously Oscar-driven pictures. While "The Artist" caters to film buffs and geeks alike, "Midnight in Paris" connects with the American fascination with the Roaring Twenties in ways "The Artist" cannot.
Varun: Out of the nine best picture nominees, "The Descendants" is the only one that most people can actually relate to. Buoyed by the perfect blend of drama and comedy, Alexander Payne's sharp look at a family on the brink of failure makes it the year's most touching and emotionally powerful contender.
Julian: How can members of the Academy, who love to think of themselves as progressive but artistically traditional, not choose "The Artist" for Best Picture? Michel Hazanavicius's film is one of the most unique and delightful movies I've seen in a long time. Although I was a little skeptical of watching a silent film in black and white, I was hooked from the start. The beautiful cinematography, old-Hollywood plot and superb acting without the help of dialogue make "The Artist" almost a sure thing for the biggest award of the 2012 Oscars.
Best Director: Michel Hazanavicius in "The Artist"
Kate: Although Hazanavicius will likely win for directing "The Artist," I want Allen to win for "Midnight in Paris." Allen is qualiifed to take home the Oscar because of the artfully crafted scenes taking place in the streets of Paris and his superb direction of the actors in the chaotic party scenes. While Allen gives a "tourist-y" look at Paris, he does so beautifully, and the film shines because of how he directs every personal interaction.
Varun: After winning the Best Director prize from the Directors Guild of America the guild award with the highest successful prediction rate for the Oscars Hazanavicius is a shoe-in for the award. I want Terrence Malick, however, to be recognized in the Oscars for reminding us why movie-making is an art. Regardless of whether you loved or hated "The Tree of Life," you have to argee that every frame and shot of the film was planned with precision. The very fact that he is nominated is indicative of the respect he carries in the industry.
Julian: Awarding Hazanavicius with Best Director is by far the easiest decision to make this year. I hope "The Artist" will clean up at the Oscars, and this award should not go to any other film's director. Hazanavicius is not only able to pull off his silent film homage to old-school Hollywood but has captivated his originally skeptical audiences.
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Kate: Although I think Jean Dujardin will take home the top prize for his role in "The Artist," I believe George Clooney's performance as a deeply saddened and aggravated father in "The Descendants" is well-worth praising. He brought a believable amount of anger to the role, and his furious speed-walk down his neighborhood street, while wearing half-on boat shoes, is a moment of extreme hilarity that I can appreciate.
Varun: In "The Descendants," Clooney plays a man whose life is under attack from all directions. Now slowly aging out of the heartthrob roles that made him famous, Clooney shows that he's more than a pretty face, displaying emotions that alernate between sadness, exasperation, anger and finally happiness throughout the film. He deserves to win his second Oscar for this performance, but it is a tight race against Dujardin, who has picked up steam in recent weeks.
Julian: Although the Academy is expected to give this to Clooney for his role in "The Descendants," Dujardin deserves the award for Actor in a Leading Role. Dujardin carries the film and gives "The Artist" a certain level of charm that was vital for such a traditional movie. I found myself fully and irreversibly invested in his character by the end of the film, which I cannot say for the other nominees.
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"
Kate: Rooney Mara deserves this award, not just for her extensive body modification in order to play the role. Her performance as genius punk-hacker Lisbeth Salander is outstanding, truly capturing the unpredictable and intriguing personality of Stieg Larsson's character. Mara brings the necessary complexity to Salander and truly is the film's driving force. In a category that is often filled with a wide array of tried and true contenders, and this year is no different. It would be nice to see this newcomer sorry, Meryl Streep win it big.
Varun: Anyone who tells you "The Help" is an ensemble film is either a damn fool, didn't see the movie or was asleep for most of it. Viola Davis is undoubtedly the star and deserves to walk away with the gold this year. Anyone who isn't moved by her performance of Aibileen is either a rock or, again, a damn fool. Pundits have Davis in a neck-and-neck battle with Streep for the prize, but given the negative critical reception of "The Iron Lady" has received, I hope that it will be Davis standing on the stage.
Julian: Mara deserves this award despite my lackluster views on "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Mara plays her role absolutely brilliantly and almost single-handedly carried the movie. The dazzle she brings to the film through her unwavering and incredibly intense portrayal of the badass, femme-fatal that is Salander left me wanting more. Although I could see this award going to Davis or Streep, Mara should win.
