It’s Oscar time again (Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at 7 pm, ABC). Which means… it’s time once again for Morristown Green to quiz the town’s resident movie expert, Mark Ehrenkranz.
Mark has been introducing area audiences to future blockbusters and sleeper hits for two decades as impresario of the New York Film Critics Series. You can catch his screenings–and meet directors and stars–in Parsippany, Paramus and New York.
This year’s Academy Award nominees are listed here. Neil Patrick Harris will host the 87th annual presentation, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
So who are Mark’s picks to go home with Oscar this weekend? And who are your faves? Share your predictions in the comments section!
MARK EHRENKRANZ:
As we know Oscar is not always the absolute best of the year, but whose turn is it, or the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences point of view.
All of the films and nominees this year were exceptional and their recognition speaks volumes. Only one can win and it will be a tight race with a few surprises. Best supporting actor? Best screenplays? Best Director?
BEST PICTURE
Birdman – usually the film with the most nominations wins. Even though Boyhood is ground-breaking cinema, AMPAS members are flipping over this and inside jokes. Edward Norton nails the industry satire.
BEST ACTOR
Michael Keaton – it’s his turn. First Oscar nomination ever. The real-life parallels are powerful and the aging Hollywood actor theme hits home with AMPAS members.
SUPPORTING ACTOR
J.K. Simmons in Whiplash is the best supporting performance of the year! AMPAS likes to spread awards around, so WHIPLASH’S nod here is a must.
BEST ACTRESS
Julianne Moore in Still Alice – front runner. She has five Oscar nominations and no wins. It’s her turn.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Patricia Arquette in Boyhood – this is theAMPAS nod in spreading it around.
ANIMATED FEATURE
How to Train Your Dragon 2 — frontrunner.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Whiplash written by Damien Chazelle — my hands-down favorite and best one of year for no other reason. Plus Damien is a Jersey boy and longtime close friend. If Mark Ruffalo or Ed Norton are surprises in best supporting, then this will be the AMPAS nod.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Birdman is so damned original that it has to win.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
The Grand Budapest Hotel, Robert Yeoman. This movie’s look is the best thing about this personal fave. AMPAS needs to give it something.
COSTUME DESIGN
Into the Woods, Colleen Atwood.
DIRECTOR
Boyhood, Richard Linklater – because BIRDMAN will win best picture, AMPAS has to recognize Rich for his 12 years.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
CitizenFour, most relevant and current.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Ida, Poland.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
The Grand Budapest Hotel, Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock.
