And the Academy Award goes to…
Best Actress in a Leading Role
The role of a damsel in distress is outdated, and the modern-day female lead is tough and headstrong. With this in mind, Jennifer Lawrence should take home the Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Tiffany, an eccentric, depressed widow, in Silver Linings Playbook. The chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Lawrence is romantic in a twisted, unpredictable way that leaves the audience wanting more. Lawrence sets herself apart from the other nominees in the role of Tiffany because she demonstrates a powerful versatility as both a comical character and a dramatic actress. The transition from a teenager struggling to stay alive in The Hunger Games to a quirky, sophisticated character only strengthens Lawrence’s candidacy for Best Actress. •
Best Picture
Throughout the past year, the movie industry has released some of its most breathtaking motion pictures of all time. Whether viewers cried, sat on the edges of their seats or laughed until their stomachs hurt, this year’s movies had a way of stirring up audiences’ emotions. A film that beautifully showcases an American triumph during a dark time is Argo. After many years of underexposure, this shockingly true story has educated people of all ages about the horrors of the Iranian Hostage Crisis. While there are many suspenseful moments in the movie, there are also a few comical scenes. This film is likely to be dubbed Best Picture due to the film’s historical importance, creativity, light-hearted flair and suspense that compel all viewers. •
Best Animated Film
With the release of three major animated films, 2012 was a successful year for Disney. Brave, Frankenweenie and Wreck-It Ralph are all tough competitors in the Best Animated Film category, but Disney Pixar’s Brave will ultimately prevail. With the movie’s original plot and classic parent-child turmoil between the movie’s heroine, Merida, and her mother, Brave is a fan favorite that will win over the most fickle of audiences. In this coming of age film, Merida wants to gain independence and take control of her life, and she engages the audience in a journey that is both comical and adventure-filled to uncover her destiny. With comedy, magic, an intriguing plot and relatable characters, Brave will take home the award. •
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Thespians across the globe were beyond thrilled when the musical Les Miserables was released as a movie. Filled with powerful acting and singing, this motion picture captures the hearts of a variety of audiences. Hugh Jackman’s character, Jean Valjean, grows significantly throughout the movie. He starts out as a thief and transforms into a respectable mayor and a fatherly figure. The emotional depth that Jackman displays on screen is enough to jolt even the viewers least susceptible to crying. By the end of the film, the audience members cannot help but fall in love with Valjean and Jackman, as they are proud of his transformation. Having such a strong impact on an audience makes Jackman worthy of an Oscar.
Written by Sophia Rome – Staff Writer and Danielle Padilla – Staff Writer
