Reel Views: McGeeking out about the Oscars

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Get the popcorn popping and get settled into your favourite spot on the couch because it's that magical time of year again: that time when the world watches on as "The Dude" thanks his peers for such high honours, when Melissa Leo drops the Fbomb on international television and when Elinor Burkett pulls a Kanye. That's right, it's Oscar time!

The 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony, which airs February 26 beginning at 7 p.m., will once again bring together the greatest talents in the world of cinema while members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decide who gets to take home top honours and that little golden man. The Academy is a fickle entity and you never can tell with absolute certainty which way the votes will be cast, but after years upon years of watching this prestigious awards show, I have an inclination about who will take home Oscar...

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
This one should by all means go to the big-screen version of John LeCarre's espionage story Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but I wouldn't be surprised if The Ides of March took it instead.

Writing (Original Screenplay)
As far as original stories go, The Artist deserves every award out there, though its best chance of winning may be in this category — the Academy tends to offer a little more praise to nonmainstream writers.

Visual Effects
My inner nerd is silently praying that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows wins this one, but based on shock value alone, I'd say that The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has a better chance.

Sound Editing & Sound Mixing
These are two distinct awards, I know, but more often than not I think Academy members fail to recognize the difference, making speculation impossible. War Horse is a sure winner for one and I think Transformers: Dark of the Moon will take the other.

Music (Original Song)
Without question "Man or Muppet" will take home the statue for this one, because really, who doesn't want to make Sheldon Cooper the guy who sang an Academy Award-winning song?

Short Film (Animated)
Always a tossup, but I think this year La Luna has it.

Short Film (Live Action)
The short yet powerful Pentecost should by all means win this award.

Music (Original Score)
It's a tough choice when the Academy is faced with so much musical talent, but I think John Williams will yet again have this honour bestowed upon him, though I couldn't say whether it will be for War Horse or The Adventures of TinTin.

Makeup
I find myself conflicted; as a child of Harry Potter, I was thrilled to see the gruesome faces of dark wizards and witches brought to life, yet as a lover of cinema, I can't believe the transformation of Glenn Close into a man in Albert Nobbs. Either way would be just fine with me.

Foreign Language Film
Come on, Quebec, you can do it! The stunning French film Monsieur Lazhar, which is reminiscent of all the great Quebecois films, needs to win. Whether or not it will depends on the patriotic rivalries among Academy members, as they have a tendency to snub Canadian flicks.

Film Editing
As much as I wish it hadn't been nominated (or even made), of all the flicks in this category I feel like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo did have the best editing.

Documentary Short
Like the animated short category, the documentary short is always uncertain. I feel like Saving Face may be the only clear frontrunner.

Documentary Feature
Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory without a doubt.

Directing
One of the bigger honours in the world of cinema, yet not so much a fan favourite, the directing award has a tendency to snub the truly deserving. This year the choice seems pretty clear, though: Terrence Malick will almost certainly win for his powerful The Tree of Life.

Art Direction
The Artist has this one in the bag.

Costume Design
As is the Academy's usual custom, the costume award will go to the only period piece nominated, Anonymous.

Animated Feature Film
Unfortunately, I am fairly sure that Rango will take this category, but I wish that A Cat in Paris would win.

Cinematography
This one by all means should go to The Artist for its final number alone, which is very reminiscent of classic Hollywood great Busby Berkeley. Alas, I'm pretty sure the Academy will give it to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo instead for its flashy, in-yourface camerawork.

Actress in a Supporting Role
You know, despite all the major dramatic acting that earned nominations in this category, I believe that this will be one of those rare years when the Academy praises the comedienne. Melissa McCarthy for her role in Bridesmaids for the win.

Actor in a Supporting Role
With multiple heavy hitters in this category, it becomes impossible to know whose name will be called, but I can say with certainty that it will come down to Kenneth Branagh, Christopher Plummer and Max von Sydow (my personal favourite).

Actress in a Leading Role
There is always stiff competition for this one, but this year seems particularly tough. Based on mainstream appeal, which is all too often what compels the Academy, I'd say Michelle Williams will take it for My Week with Marilyn. There is a distinct possibility, though, that either Meryl Streep or Glenn Close will win for their roles in The Iron Lady and Albert Nobbs.

Actor in a Leading Role
In my mind, no one deserves this award more than Jean Dujardin for his role in The Artist, but it would come as no surprise if Gary Oldman or Brad Pitt took it instead.

Best Picture
The big one. This is the one that really matters; the award that makes a statement about the atmosphere of the entire American film industry. There is no doubt in my mind that The Artist deserves this high honour for its powerful, provocative and important message to the film industry at large. And yet, the tenacity of this little-known silent film will surely leave Academy members shaken, leading them to make a safer choice. I think it will come down to either The Help or War Horse, although who knows — they did choose The Hurt Locker a few years ago, so I'll hold out hope for as long as I can.

With all the drama that has unfolded for the world to see in the past few years, I am beyond excited to see what this year's ceremony has in store!