The Oscar Nominations - My Predictions Part: 2

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

This race, to me, also appears to come down to two people. Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle) and Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave). Lawrence is incredible and adds a lot of depth to what could have been just a silly little comedic relief role, and to be able to do that was awesome to watch on screen. However, Nyong'o is relatively new to the scene and her role was an unexpected hit with audiences, and she could easily take the win. Both are such powerful performances and it's anyone's game. Another side note: Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine) snuck into the nominations after not being nominated for the Golden Globes, so that could be an indication that she'll sneak up and pull a win too. This one is very hard to predict... But I think I'll go with Lawrence.

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:

I am so mad that Monsters University is not on the list this year, as it's leagues better than The Croods. But because Hollywood likes to make us angry and question our sanity sometimes, The Croods manages its way onto this list over Pixar's incredible film. Despicable Me 2 also made its way on here, but as much as I love those minions, it wasn't anything award-worthy. I really think Frozen will take it this year. Families had flooded to it and report nothing but overly-positive things about it, and it's made a huge splash over critics everywhere.

BEST DIRECTING: 

Really should go directly to Alfonso Cuaron for Gravity. Though the race for films is really tough this year, I feel like this one should just be an immediate lock for Cuaron. His directing has brought what is being said to be the most visually thrilling film to date. I saw Gravity without knowing much, and I walked out of that theater completely in awe on what I just saw. Everything blended together so well and what could have been such a long and dragging story was brought to being a captivating and suspense-filled movie adventure. The only other possible winner would be David. O Russell for his fantastic work on American Hustle, but I really want Cuaron to take this one.

VISUAL EFFECTS:

Should be another quick and easy win for Gravity. Honestly nothing else even comes close so this is probably the shortest one you'll read.

Overall this is an extremely competitive year for movies. Any of these categories could completely throw everyone for a loop. Last year it was, for the most part, easier to pick out what would take home what award. But this year has been filled with award-deserving performances, writing, and directing.

The 2014 Academy Awards will air on ABC, March 2nd.