My Oscar Night Predictions

If you're as a big a movie fan as I am, then I bet you can't wait to kick back this Sunday night as Anne Hathaway and James Franco host the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.  I don't know about you, but for me, the Oscars start at the red carpet.  I happen to love checking out the parade of gorgeous stars who appear each year for the biggest night in movies. 

So let's get right to it - here is my personal scorecard for the Oscars which includes my predictions too.  Even if you haven't had time to catch one or more of the biggest films of the year, have no fear - I've got the 411 and will bring you up to speed in no time!

And the nominees are...

Best Picture

Nominees:  "Black Swan," "The Fighter," "Inception," "The Kids Are Alright," "The King's Speech," "127 Hours," "The Social Network," "Toy Story 3," "True Grit," "Winter's Bone"

My Prediction:  This one's a tough category - the mom in me would pick "Toy Story 3" all the way - I mean how many animated films (aside from Wall-E) have made you cry lately?  I say it's a toss up between "The Social Network," "The Kings Speech," "The Fighter" and "Black Swan."  My personal favorite out of this group was "The Fighter."  I know - strange but true - I happen to love films that are based on true stories about gritty boxers.  Who knew?

Actor in a Leading Role

Nominees:  Javier Barden ("Biutiful"), Jeff  Bridges ("True Grit"), Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network"), Colin Firth ("The King's Speech"), James Franco ("127 Hours")

My Prediction:  Colin Firth for "The King's Speech." I'd like to be completely transparent here - I have not seen this movie yet - although I have heard amazing things about it from friends, critics and family.  In fact, over in Boynton Beach, Florida my mom, who has become an avid moviegoer with my dad since their retirement, saw "The King's Speech" and absolutely loved it.  Plus, when it comes to the Academy, I can totally see their members choosing Colin Firth over Jesse Eisenberg any day of the week. Of course, if the voting for this year's Oscars took place on Facebook, I think it would be a landslide for Eisenberg.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Nominees: Christian Bale ("The Fighter"), John Hawkes ("Winter's Bone"), Jeremy Renner ("The Town"), Mark Ruffalo ("The Kids Are Alright"), Jeffrey Rush ("The King's Speech")

My Prediction:  My money is on Christian Bale who already took home a Golden Globe for his true life portrayal of a down on his luck boxer who believes that HBO is doing a documentary on his comeback as his brother's boxing manager, when in actuality, they're documenting his crack cocaine addiction. Bale is amazing in this role and deserves an Oscar book end to match his Golden Globe statue.

Actress in a Leading Role

Nominees:  Annette Bening ("The Kids Are Alright"), Nicole Kidman ("Rabbit Hole"), Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone"), Natalie Portman ("Black Swan"), Michelle Williams ("Blue Valentine")

My Prediction:  I think it'll be a showdown between mom Annette Bening and mom-to-be Natalie Portman. But I'm betting that Portman will end up with an Oscar statue for her portrayal of a ballet dancer who has a mental breakdown and changes into a completely different person after she believes she's being stalked by a bitter rival.  Think "Single White Female" in toe shoes.  Even more impressive, in preparation for the role, Portman studied intensive ballet for seven months before she set foot on stage.  For that alone, I say she deserves an Oscar!

Actress in a Supporting Role
Nominees: Amy Adams ("The Fighter"), Helena Bonham Carter ("The King's Speech"), Melissa Leo ("The Fighter"), Hailee Steinfeld ("True Grit"), Jackie Weaver ("Animal Kingdom")

My Prediction:   My vote goes to Melissa Leo, who portrayed Alice Ward, the tough as nails, chain smoking mother of professional boxer Mickey Ward and his drug addicted brother, Dicky Ecklund.  Leo also took home a Golden Globe for the role and I'm convinced she'll be adding an Oscar to her trophy room this Sunday night.

Animated Feature Film

Nominees:  "How to Train Your Dragon," "Toy Story 3," "The Illusionist"

My Prediction:  Now this is a category where I'm a complete expert!  My vote goes to "Toy Story 3" - which expertly tapped into it's past audience (former kids who are now college students) and embraced new audiences with a sentimental tale of over the hill toys that are mistakenly sent to a daycare center after their owner, Andy, heads to college.  Personally, I love an animated film that can connect with audiences of all ages and that's what "Toy Story 3" does so beautifully.  Plus, it's great to hear all those memorable voices come back to life - from Buzz Lightyear to Woody to Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, this is a film that you can watch over and over again!

So there you have it - my top predictions for this year's Academy Awards.  Head on over to ABC's Oscar website and you can even cast your votes for your favorites, too.  And if you're looking to throw a Red Carpet party, make sure you check out Lifetime Moms' Partybluprints for all their amazing tips and recipes!