The polished, gold-plated trophies are waiting to be won, which can only signify one specific event. Yep, you guessed it. The 2006 Academy Awards are approaching and the only question left to be asked is: Who will be taking home an eight-pound Oscar?
I'm not one who can see into the future and predict the winners. Nor did I see every film that will be mentioned, so I can't say who should win.
However, I will comment on the ones I did see. Allow me to present the best picture to you.
And the nominees are: "Brokeback Mountain," "Capote," "Crash," "Good Night, and Good Luck," and "Munich."
Out of these, I've seen "Brokeback Mountain" and "Crash."
The acting in these two films was superb. The first is a love story, whereas "Crash" is focused on many different nationalities, people and discrimination.
Heath Ledger from "Brokeback Mountain" is nominated for best actor in a leading role. Matt Dillon from "Crash" and Jake Gyllenhaal from "Brokeback Mountain" are nominated for best actor in a supporting role. Who will win? I guess we'll soon find out.
Instead of going to see all of the nominated films in the Oscars, I'd recommend seeing the one that wins the most.
Because frankly, sometimes you'll go see a movie just because it won an Oscar and received a lot of hype, but end up disappointed.
Point blank: You just shouldn't get your hopes up too high. Your expectations might or might not be met when you walk out of the theater.
I think it's difficult deciphering whether a movie is an Academy Award-winning one. Some people may like a movie because they can relate to it; others might have a genre preference that affects their overall opinion.
I believe a movie should be scrutinized from every different aspect. I think the acting, story line, directing and cinematography are all equally important in picking a best film.
Both "Brokeback Mountain" and "Crash" had great story lines, exceptional and believable acting, and awesome directing. "Brokeback Mountain" coincidentally has beautiful snowy mountain scenes, too.
I haven't seen "Good Night, and Good Luck" with the wonderful and talented actor George Clooney, who is nominated for best supporting actor and best director. I'm sure he did wonderfully, as he always does. Could a person be born with such natural acting talent? Because if so, I'd say George Clooney was. If it weren't for good ol' Clooney, the film "Intolerable Cruelty" would have been just that, cruelly intolerable.
Dillon's performance as a pompous police officer in "Crash" was definitely worthy of hand clapping too.
All in all, it should be a great year for the 78th Annual Academy Awards. If you could care less who wins, you could always tune in to catch the never-ending thank-you speeches or gossip about the extravagant outfits the stars wore.
Then you can hit the theater, and watch the one movie that wins the most awards while munching on some stale popcorn. Thank goodness for student discounts.
Victoria Ragogna is a journalism junior. Reach her at victoria.ragogna@asu.edu.
