The OSCARS 2012

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Almost all of the best movies of the year appeared at the end of the Academy's voting season.  Some surprises (only 2 melodies for best song?) and snubs (Where was Ryan Gosling in the line-up of actor nominations?), but, as Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times critic-extraordinaire) states, "the Oscar is an award, not a gift."  Here's my pics for this years Oscars:

Jean Dujardin/Uggie/The Artist photo: The Weinstein Company

* BEST PICTURE   Who should win?  It's a close call:  Either The Artist or Hugo    Who will win? The Artist 
* BEST FOREIGN FILM    A Separation (Iran)    This is a powerful, complicated reminder that good people with contrasting beliefs are still good people. 
* BEST ACTOR   Who should win?  Though Jean Dujardin was brilliant in The Artist, my vote goes to Demian Bichir in A Better Life    Who will win?  George Clooney (The Descendants)  Because he's George.
* BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR   Christopher Plummer (Beginners)
* BEST ACTRESS   Who should win?  Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) should finally get the recognition she deserves; she disappears into a male character desperately trying to be who she is by being what she's not.   Who will win? Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)  
* BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS   Who should win?    Jessica Chastain brilliantly portrayed Celia Foote with warmth and charm in The Help.  Who will win?   Octavia Spencer took home the SAG and the Golden Globe for her wonderful portrayal as Minnie in The Help.  Kathryn Stockett, author of the moving novel, revealed Octavia was the inspiration behind the development of the outspoken maid's character.
* BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ANIMAL  Uggie, the adorable Jack Russell terrier from The Artist, joined this year's list of strong male actors in their golden years who offered stellar performances on the silver screen this season.

©2012 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Watch The 84th Academy Awards on Sun., Feb. 26th, at 7pm(EST)/4pm(PST), on ABC, http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/84/nominees.html