Oscars 2014: Best Actress Predictions

Behind every man, there is a strong woman. The race for Best Actress is just as tight as the Best Actor race this year, with predictions proving just as difficult. The time has come, as we are now well into October, to at least take a stab at it. Luckily, we are confident in our choices.

1. Cate Blanchett- Blue Jasmine
2. Judi Dench- Philomena
3. Meryl Streep- August: Osage County
4. Emma Thompson- Saving Mr. Banks
5. Julie Delpy- Before Midnight

I saw and loved Gravity, but my heart tells me Sandra Bullock might miss the cut this year. My head is telling me to include her, as I thought she was quite good, but I need to see more of an awards campaign in order to add her to this list.
Cate Blanchett is simply phenomenal in Blue Jasmine, and I would be shocked right now if she doesn't take it home. Stellar reviews and a healthy box office take help her case. Judi Dench is reportedly fantastic, and that is a performance I look very forward to seeing in early November. The same goes for Meryl Streep, who is arguably the most reliable actress alive, in August: Osage County. Saving Mr. Banks seems to be on everyone's good graces, but I was hesitant to fall in love with the trailer. I hope the film is as good as they say. And lastly, Before Midnight, one of my favorite films of the year, and this performance one of the best. It's a long shot considering how niche of a film it is, but I would love to hear her name called, along with Ethan Hawke's, come nomination morning.
More predictions to come as the Oscar season continues...

Oscars 2014: Best Actor Predictions

It's about that time to move right along and set up predictions for the next category: Best Actor. This year will prove to be incredibly competitive, with over ten worthy contenders and only those five sacred spots. LCA Film is pretty confident with the selections.

1. Chiwetel Ejiofor- 12 Years a Slave

2. Leonardo DiCaprio- The Wolf of Wall Street

3. Bruce Dern- Nebraska

4. Matthew McConaughey- Dallas Buyers Club

5. Robert Redford- All is Lost

Now, we realize that some of these are a bit out of left field considering the opposition. Where is Idris Elba for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom? Forest Whitaker for Lee Daniel's The Butler? Oscar Isaac for Inside Llewyn Davis? Michael B. Jordan for Fruitvale Station? Christian Bale for American Hustle? In reality, all of these could be nominated as they shine in their respective films (from what we've seen or heard).

So why these five? Ejiofor is the talk of the town for his performance in Steve McQueen's newest, and it is our most anticipated film of the year. Sure to be an event, and a heart-wrenching performance. Leonardo DiCaprio gets nominated (most times) and could very well win his first... if the film makes it out in 2013. Reports say that a recent cut of the film borders on NC-17 and is over 180 minutes long with Scorsese now working to cut it down. Bruce Dern is said to be wonderful and he is incredibly well respected; also, the decision to run him in Lead rather than Supporting should say something about how confident Paramount is. Matthew McConaughey has been on an incredible run of late, and this will most certainly earn him a nomination. If he is as good as they say, it could be his for the taking. Robert Redford spends most of All is Lost alone, and thus it can be expected that he delivers a powerhouse performance. A nomination is a given, as of now.

The tides can sway and names will rise and fall. For now, these seem to be safe. Look out for the others, though... this will be a year where studio push and celebrity campaigning could change the game entirely (The Blind Side, anyone?).

Oscars 2014: UPDATED Best Picture Predictions

An updated look at the awards race for Best Picture at the forthcoming ceremony. A huge overhaul since the awards circuit has started.

1. 12 Years a Slave- The film has been seen, and reviewed here. Suffice it to say, it is hard to imagine a world where this is not the frontrunner, and probable winner. Can any film come out of the woodworks to steal its thunder?

2. The Wolf of Wall Street- Martin Scorsese. Leonardo DiCaprio. Oscar, Oscar, Oscar, or at least nominations. The first trailer that dropped was a perfect blend of over-the-top comedy, drama, intrigue, and Leo as a character that we haven't seen from him before. Who can say they've ever witnessed DiCaprio do a pop-lock-and-drop-it before this trailer? We are betting the film comes out this year, and knocks everyone's socks off.

3 American Hustle- David O. Russell was a favorite on some people's ballots going into the February 24th ceremony last year. He bounced back from that disappointment with a new film that has the feel of an Oscar winner due to the pedigree of all involved. Christian Bale, Jeremy Renner, Amy Adams, and his two Silver Linings Playbook stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence will deliver. Also, any film that casts Louie C.K. is an instant must see in my book.

4. Gravity- The experience is unparalleled, and for that it'll garner a nomination. Not a win, but a nomination.

5. Inside Llewyn Davis- The Coen Brothers deliver 10 times out of 10. Even if a film the make such as Burn After Reading isn't the kind of cinematic masterpiece we know they can deliver it is a damn good time at the cinema. The reviews out of Cannes were glowing, and I can't wait to feast my eyes on this myself.

6. Fruitvale Station- As of now we think that this summer indie hit can survive through the awards season, but it's chances are slipping with each festival premiere.

7. Her- Yes, we know this is a risky prediction, but the trailer caught like wildfire due to a few things: its original, it has Phoenix, directed by Jonze, looks heartbreaking, is a reflection of our digital age, and hooks you like a baited fish. We like the chances, a lot.

8. Saving Mr. Banks- Everyone loves Disney, Tom Hanks is on a roll, and a feel good movie seems to slip in every year. This go around, it appears that this one is doing all the right things. The reviews are great, and we are hoping it delivers.

There you have it, folks! 9 films that I think, as of now, are a lock for a nomination. There will be fluctuation; these films will fall and others will rise. We are waist-deep in a crazy Oscar season, so you can look forward to frequent updates in all categories!

Click here to see our Top 10 most anticipated Oscar season films!