Oscar Race --- Best Picture

Last year was the first time since 1944 the academy allowed ten best pictures to be nominated. The dark knight was the main reason for the change, the film was critically acclaimed and was a gigantic hit. The bias against superheroes films and sequels prevented it from getting nominated. The Academy then decided to expanded the best picture nominee from five to ten to allow diversity such as; blockbuster, action film, indie film, etc. The last few years the academy has been drifting away from the mass as film that were nominated weren't being seen by the majority of the public. In my opinion last year Academy Awards were the best in years as film you didn't expect got nominated and created this bigger feel for the award show. Also it's nice to see some blockbusters and low budget films in the mix. This year the academy decided to continue with it's new tradition. Many of the oscar pundit have come to the conclusion that there are nine safe bets and one wild card. I, however don't agree and believe that they are only 5 safe bets. 

The Social Network: This film was praised to high heaven as critics have been worshipping this film ever since the release. The last decade the academy winners are usually dark films which themes are similar to the "moment". The Social Network perfectly fits that category. This film accurately defined this decade as it showed the growth of global communication (Facebook), the back stabbing, the court cases, etc. The film has an overdue director behind it, David Fincher, and a script that many considers as one of the best written in the last few years.

The King's Speech: Many claim that this is Colin Firth's award to lose. Which only furthers the film chances at winning best picture. This film has characters that are applauded by the audience, unlike the Social Network. It has won many people's choice awards, so if this film picks up momentum than I can't see anything stopping it from the finish line. 


Inception: The biggest film of the year luckily to be nominated. It was the film that was talked about for months after it release. It has an ensemble cast, and an overdue director that hasn't been nominated yet. Also majority of the reviews were positive, the only struggle this film has to overcome is the backlash. 

Toy Story 3: This film has the biggest box office and is the best reviewed film of the year. The only problem is can it overcome it's bias against animation to win the ultimately prize. 

127 Hours: So far I heard nothing but raves. Many claims it's Danny Boyle best film and James Franco best performance, but will the Sags support a one man show. 

This is the five films that I see nominated without a doubt, as the other five are uncertain at this point. Later will discuss the other five films.