Oscars 2011 – Best Actor – Colin Firth
King Firth rightly reigned at the Oscars this year! After being nominated for the second year in a role Colin Firth took home the gold statue. Very deserved, he must have some kind of record with the number of awards he has picked up for his role of King George VI in “The King’s Speech”. Doing the UK proud!
Oscars 2011 – Winners
The winners of the 2011 Academy Awards. The only big shock had to be Tom Hooper picking up the Best Direction Oscar for The King’s Speech ahead of big favorite David Fincher for The Social Network.
Best Picture: The King’s Speech
Best Director: Tom Hooper, The King’s Speech
Best Actor: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech
Best Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, The Fighter
Best Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, The Fighter
Best Original Song: We Belong Together, Toy Story 3
Best Editing: The Social Network
Best Visual Effects: Inception
Best Documentary: Inside Job
Best Live Action Short Film: God of Love
Best Documentary Short Subject: Strangers No More
Best Costume Design: Alice in Wonderland
Best Makeup: The Wolfman
Best Sound Editing: Inception
Best Sound Mixing: Inception
Best Original Score: The Social Network
Best Foreign Language Film: In A Better World
Best Original Screenplay: The King’s Speech
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Social Network
Best Animated Feature Film: Toy Story 3
Best Animated Short Film: The Lost Thing
Best Cinematography: Inception
Best Art Direction: Alice in Wonderland
Oscars 2011 – The Show
Well this year the approach from the Academy was to have two young actors to host. This called upon nominee James Franco and Anne Hathaway to add a different edge to the Oscars ceremony.
The main theme of the evening seemed to be looking back at the past of the Oscars, taking into consideration how times have changed. Including music and some scenery from different Oscar winning films of the past. Obviously all eyes were on Franco and Hathaway, who in my opinion were very disappointing. Hathaway was given the over the top, in your face excited role while Franco just stood looking slightly upwards. Which made the audience feel awkward, he did not look comfortable on the stage at all!
The main part I actually thought was amusing from Hathaway had to be seeing “On My Own” claiming that Hugh Jackman would not do a duet with her this year. (After she done one with him when he was the host). Personally I would have liked to see Jackman host again! Or even Alec Baldwin who I thought was fantastic with Steve Martin last year. Baldwin was involved in the opening segment which poked fun at Inception and going into his dreams to steal hosting tips. This let us see Franco and Hathaway in many of the nominated films.
Yes whilst this opening was was amusing, it seemed to all go very downhill from that point. I didn’t even manage to stay up and watch all of the ceremony. The tiredness and boredness really did take over and I went to bed, didn’t think I would miss very much as no shocks had occurred with the supporting actor/actress awards. Have to mention Kirk Douglas who was rather heartbreaking to watch as he really struggled to get his words out, yet managed to still be so funny and likable.
In my opinion I found the show quite a flop.
What does everyone else think?
Oscars 2011 – Red Carpet
A trip down the red carpet before the Oscar ceremony. Often the red carpet is more important than the actually show for fashion reasons.
My favorite dress had to be Reese Witherspoons, so elegant.
Oscars 2011 – Live Blog
Live updates with my thoughts on the 2011 Oscars!
- Well I made the decision to watch E! for the red carpet coverage, which I have no idea if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Ready for the Oscar ceremony to start on Sky Movies.
- Alec Baldwin included in the opening scenes with James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Appearing in all the best picture nominees. Brilliant start!
- Ahhh Morgan Freeman making a little appearance too!
- Very clever editing Franco and Hathaway into the films!
- Hugh Jackman looked like he wanted to be back on the stage!
- Getting the parents and grandparents involved. Very funny! Especially Franco’s grandmother saying Marky Mark! Mark Wahlberg, love it!
- A look back at ‘Gone with the Wind’ the ultimate classic <3
- Tom Hanks presenting ART DIRECTION – WINNER - Alice in Wonderland
- CINEMATOGRAPHY – WINNER – Inception
- Credit given to Christopher Nolan!
- Awww Kirk Douglas! Standing ovation for him. He’s just incredible for his age. Very funny with both Franco and Hathaway. Struggling to speak bless him!
- BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – WINNER – MELISSA LEO for The Fighter
- Now for a very over the top speech . . . Or maybe not, she actually sounds very nervous. Just dropped the f-word too.
- Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis presenting. Timberlake claiming to be Banksy!
- BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM – WINNER – THE LOST THING
- BEST ANIMATED FEATURE – WINNER – Toy Story 3
- Hathaway talking about the very first Academy Awards
- Presenters Josh Brolin and Javier Bardem . . . wearing old school white tux’s.
- BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY – WINNER – The Social Network – Aaron Sorkin
- BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – WINNER – The King’s Speech – David Seidler
- Oldest person to win that award, he hopes its broken quickly and often.
- Hathaway performing musical number, directed at Hugh Jackman . . . Using ‘On My Own’ from Les Mis. Franco comes on in a very pink dress. Charlie Sheen joke!
- Helen Mirren and Russell Brand presenting
- BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM – WINNER - IN A BETTER WORLD (DENMARK)
- Reese Witherspoon presenting. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – WINNER - CHRISTIAN BALE for The Fighter
- He actually sounds rather nervous with his speech, Dicky Eklund is there too
Very emotional in his speech, especially towards his wife and daughter. - Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman presenting . . . Aussie rules!
- BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – WINNER – THE SOCIAL NETWORK
- SOUND MIXING – WINNER – INCEPTION
- SOUND EDITING – WINNER – INCEPTION
Oscars 2011: 10 out of 10 for Best Pictures
I have managed to achieve what would seem impossible and watch all ten of the best picture nominations before the Oscar ceremony. Usually this is not possible due to UK release date. But this year a lot of the films seem to have been earlier than usual in the Oscar race. With the help of LOVEFiLM for a couple of Blu Ray’s to make sure I achieved the goal of seeing each film before the ceremony. I am still no further forward in being able to predict the winner the Academy will choose. I mean we know they have made some mistakes in the past.
This is the second year in row which has seen 1o films being nominated for Best Picture. Which allows a few films into the category which would not make the final 5 in the old format. I guess this is just a way to make some films more well-known. Or for the more seen films to receive a nomination. Who can really tell . . . but does that mean they have a better chance of winning? Probably not.
The ten films which have been nominated this year all bring something very different to the Oscar stage. I have to say out of them the ones I have enjoyed the most have to be Black Swan and Inception, with True Grit and The King’s Speech following them.
Black Swan and Inception both had very similar impacts on me as I was still thinking about them days after seeing them at the cinema. They really get into your head and stick in there too. Make you really think about the film, and keep you trying to figure out how you perceive them.
127 Hours (Review)
Stuck between a rock and a hard place. A man must keep himself alive by any means possible after having his arm trapped by a bolder.
Black Swan (Review)
A Ballet dancer trying to take on the difficult role in Swan Lake, whilst trying to deal with her life at the same time.
The Fighter (Review)
The rise of Micky Ward as a boxer, looking into his family life and relationships with his brother, mother and girlfriend.
Inception (Review – not yet written)
A very interesting look into what could happen if you could plant ideas or take them away, by entering someone’s dream.
The Kids are All Right (Review)
A look into how the family dynamics differ in a same sex marriage with children.
The King’s Speech (Review)
A look into how King George VI overcame his speech problems after his older brother abdicated the thrown.
The Social Network (Review)
A look back at how Facebook came into being during Zuckerberg’s time at Harvard and the lawsuits which followed.
Toy Story 3 (Review)
We go on another adventure with our favorite toys, when Andy is now leaving for college.
True Grit (Review)
A remake of the classic John Wayne film, but with the Coen Brothers edge on it. Brilliant story of retribution.
Winter’s Bone (Review)
A young woman trying to find out what exactly happened to her father, leads her into very dangerous territory.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN?
Oscars 2011 – Best Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn in ‘True Grit’
Bridges is just incredible as Cogburn, he really is just incredible. After his win last year, he has followed it up with another nomination. He mumbles and acts drunk brilliantly. Manages to be so likeable at the same time!
Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg in ‘The Social Network’
Exhausting is the word I find best to describe this performance. Eisenberg is brilliant as Zuckerberg who is just way too smart for his own good, and likes to use an incredible amount of words in his general conversations. Must have been very difficult to really nail this character but that was more than achieved.
Colin Firth as King George VI in ‘The King’s Speech’
We keep hearing that it is Firth’s time, well I thought that should have come for his role in ‘A Single Man’ last year! But his performance in this film really is just incredible, we feel sorry for him, we want to help him. All just so incredible!
James Franco as Aron Ralston in ’127 Hours’
Possibly the most difficult performance from all of the nominee’s considering it is just Franco in the film for about 80% of the time. He really takes us on the journey with him and the emotions to being trapped. Incredible performance, if it wasn’t for Firth I would have thought Franco would be walking away with the Oscar!
Oscars 2011 – Best Actress in a Leading Role
One last look at the five women nominated for best actress in a leading role. Team Portman for this one!
Annette Bening as Nic in “The Kids Are All Right”
Bening is Nic a woman trying to balance her working life, with the family she has with her longterm partner Jules. Who have two teenage children. Her world is turned upside down when the sperm donor is back in the picture, and Jules’ infidelity. Very well acted performance (as usual) from Bening.
Nicole Kidman as Becca in “Rabbit Hole”
I have not managed to see this film, so cannot comment on the performance. Only heard good things about it!
Jennifer Lawrence as Ree in “Winter’s Bone”
Brilliant performance from the young actress, in such a difficult role. Having to overcome so much and still manage to keep her heard held high, while searching for the truth from people she should not be mixing with.
Natalie Portman as Nina in “Black Swan”
Incredibly haunting performance in a film with exactly the same feel. She really does become both the white and black swan. That is Nina’s life and she must then transfer it onto the stage, feeling the pressure from everywhere. She is a very mixed up young woman who needs help more than anything!
Michelle Williams as Cindy in “Blue Valentine”
Unfortunately I have not seen this film either, has not been released here yet. Looking forward to seeing it, when we eventually get it!
Oscars 2011 – Best Actor in a Supporting Role
One last look at the actors and the roles they were nominated for best supporting! I guess I am Team Bale for this one!
Christian Bale as Dicky Eklund in “The Fighter”
The has-been who believes that he is making his boxing comeback, while attempting to help his younger brother train and do something he never did. Become champion, whilst battling with drug addiction which has taken over his life. We see him fight his demons and eventually help his brother out. Larger than life and totally crazy, brilliant performance from Bale.
John Hawkes as Teardrop in “Winter’s Bone”
A very haunting performance in a very haunting film. At times very difficult to watch but Hawkes put in a very good performance, eventually helping out his niece.
Jeremy Renner as James Coughlin in “The Town”
Missed seeing this film, so cannot comment on the performance.
Mark Ruffalo as Paul in “The Kids Are All Right”
I have to admit that when I found out Ruffalo was nominated for an Oscar I was very shocked as seeing his previous performances didn’t think it would be something he would ever achieve. But in this he does put in a very honest performance as Paul, managing to make us feel sorry for him when we really shouldn’t.
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Louge in “The King’s Speech”
Rush gives a fantastic performance and helps Firth bring out his character. They have fantastic chemistry and bring out the very best in each other. If anyone is a threat to Bale I really think it’s Rush!
Oscars 2011 – Best Actress in a Supporting Role
One last look at the five actresses up for the supporting role Oscar! I am Team Steinfeld for this one!
Amy Adams as Charlene Fleming in “The Fighter”
Tough talking girlfriend of boxer Mickey who is not afraid to stand up to his mother or sisters. Is very much behind Mickey is his fight to really make it as a boxer. The Academy seem to like Adams who has a few nominations to her name now.
Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth in “The King’s Speech”
A very good solid performance from Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth who is the rock to King George VI and really helps her husband when he becomes King, and must deliver the important speeches at a very difficult time for England.
Melissa Leo as Alice Ward in “The Fighter”
Melissa Leo has been picking awards up left, right and center for her role as Alice Ward in the Fighter. Being the pushy manager and of course mother to Mickey and Dicky. Not taking no for an answer from anyone, including her husband. She has been the front runner for this award from the start.
Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross in “True Grit”
Incredible performance from the 14 year old in such a good film. She owns the film and should never been in the supporting role category after leading the film the way she did. But apparently the studio figured this the best approach! I really do hope that she picks this Oscar up tonight, fantastic performance.
Jacki Weaver as Janine Cody in “Animal Kingdom”
This film has not come out at my cinema yet. Therefore I cannot comment on the performance.
Spirit Awards 2011 – Winners
Black Swan picked up 4 Independent Spirit Awards last night, which was just fantastic to see! The film seems to have been forgotten about in the Oscar race, other than the leading role for Natalie Portman. The Spirit Awards seem to just love Aronofsky and his films.
The King’s Speech picked up another award, this time for Foreign film. Obviously no Colin Firth allowed James Franco to receive a very well deserved award for his role in 127 Hours.
Best Feature: “Black Swan”
Best Director: Darren Aronofsky, “Black Swan”
Best Screenplay: Stuart Blumberg, Lisa Cholodenko, “The Kids Are All Right”
Best First Feature: “Get Low”
Best First Screenplay: Lena Dunham, “Tiny Furniture”
John Cassavetes Award: “Daddy Longlegs”
Best Female Lead: Natalie Portman, “Black Swan”
Best Male Lead: James Franco, “127 Hours”
Best Supporting Female: Dale Dickey, “Winter’s Bone”
Best Supporting Male: John Hawkes, “Winter’s Bone”
Best Cinematography: Matthew Libatique, “Black Swan”
Best Documentary: “Exit Through the Gift Shop”
Best Foreign Film: “The King’s Speech”
Spirit Awards 2011 – Red Carpet
The Independent Spirit Awards took place tonight, some pictures from the arrivals on the red carpet.
Winter’s Bone (2010) Review
17-year-old Ree (Lawrence) faces tough times as she must look after her 12-year-old brother, 8-year-old sister and sick mother. She manages to get herself into all kinds of trouble when searching for her drug dealing father.
Catherine Zeta Jones CBE
Catherine Zeta Jones attended Buckingham Palace a few days ago to receive her CBE (Commander of the British Empire) from Prince Charles. This was for her services to the film industry and charity. Very happy to see one of my favorite actresses honoured!
The Kids Are All Right (2010) Review
Nic (Bening) and Jules (Moore) are a lesbian couple who have been together for over 20 years. They have two children Joni (Wasikowska) and Laser (Hutcherson) who contact their sperm donor dad Paul (Ruffalo) when Joni turns eighteen.
True Grit (2010) Review
U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Bridges) helps 14 year old Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) track down her father’s murderer Tom Chaney (Brolin). With the help of Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Damon).
The Social Network (2010) Review
Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook and became the youngest billionaire in the world. This film takes us on the journey on how it was created.
Orlando and baby Flynn 2
A couple of weeks ago now, we got to see baby Flynn out and about with Orlando again
A Single Man (2009) Review
A story that centers on an English professor George (Firth) who, eight months after the sudden death of his partner Jim (Goode), is unable to cope with his typical days in 1960′s Los Angeles. We see him on the day that he plans to commit suicide and everything leading up to that moment.
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) Review
Zack Mayo (Gere) has never had it easy in life, signing up at Navy Flight school doesn’t get any easy when he must deal with tough drill sergeant Foley (Gossett Jr.) and falling in love with Paula (Winger).
Oscar Moments 4
Tim Curry, Mara Wilson and Kathy Najimy perform make em laugh, with clips from loads of films from previous years.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
When it was announced that the Spider-Man franchise was going to be getting a reboot everyone was very curious to who would talk over as Peter Parker from Tobey Maguire. That man is Andrew Garfield who has been becoming more well known over the past few years. Although I was quite surprised that I have seen most of his films to date! After watching him in ‘Never Let Me Go’ yesterday I decided to check what else he had been in and to my surprise I have seen most of his films (with ‘The Social Network’ on it’s way via LOVEFiLM).
I have found his performances very impressive and looking forward to watching ‘The Social Network’. I was never a fan of the previous Spider-Man films as find Tobey Maguire very frustrating to watch. He never seems to have any personality. I am hoping that Garfield can bring a new edge to Spider-Man and actually make me enjoy the films. He seems to be a fantastic talent so taking on a superhero role should really make him more well known (if that hasn’t happened already).
The first picture of Garfield as Spider-Man has been out for a couple of weeks now and it looks dark, and he looks very different. Which is not a bad thing at all, can only be a good thing. So we will see him as Peter Parker and Spider-Man and not Andrew Garfield from his previous films. We still have well over a year to wait to see him in action in the film. But I am sure we will have plenty of trailer and pictures to build it all up even more.
Who’s looking forward to this rebooting then?
Never Let Me Go (2010) Review
As children Kathy, Tommy and Ruth are all at the same school. What appears to be a normal boarding school, Hailsham. But it is far from normal and all of the children who attend the school are far from normal. As they grow into young adults, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them.
Oscar Moments 3
Jack Black and Will Ferrell inform us of the lyrics that go with the “music” the winners do not want to hear!
