Host Jon Stewart is being fitted for a tuxedo with a 22-inch inseam (I’m sure his seminal Richard Armitage references won’t be lost on Casey Affleck.) Fans of “Into the Valley of Elah” have booked up every available hotel room. Which means, it’s almost time for the biggest night in Hollywood; the night when all your favorite stars come out like…Saoirse Ronan and Marion Cotillard. It only happens twice a year: “News as Gossip” presents: Oscars predictions.
BEST ACTOR
Apparently, only these five films had actors in a leading role.
In “Michael Clayton” George Clooney convincingly portrays the disaster that ensues when an attorney stops caring about billable hours. This was a particularly grueling role since Clooney’s character had to climb up a dirt hill in every scene of the movie.
I will not vote for Daniel Day-Lewis until he collaborates with M. Night Shyamalan in a “Day-Night” production.
Did you know the war in Iraq is bad? No? Then you should see “Into the Valley of Elah.” Apparently things in the Middle East aren’t going as well as we were led to believe in “Syriana.”
With his performance in “Eastern Promises,” Viggo Mortenson cements his reputation as the poor man’s Hugh Jackman.
PREDICTION: Johnny Depp wins for “Sweeney Todd,” spurring talks of a sequel in which Sweeney Todd goes to work in Cedric The Entertainer’s barbershop.
BEST ACTRESS
This is a tough category because so many chicks cried in movies this year, but these five were truly the most depressing.
Every year someone has to get nominated for playing some stupid king or queen, and this year Cate Blanchett did an amazing job of wearing a doily around her neck.
Julie Christie taught us the important lesson that not everyone with Alzheimer’s wets their pants.
Several people who walked into the wrong theater by accident were lucky enough to catch Marion Cotillard portraying Alan Cumming in “La Vie en Rose.” This movie brought all the excitement of a seminar on Edith Piaf to the big screen.
And what can you say about Ellen Page in “Juno” other than that she made being cool uncool again? Hopefully this movie will teach America's teenage girls that they really aren't very interesting.
PREDICTION: Laura Linney in “Savages.” This may give Linney the profile bump she needs to land those coveted roles playing Jessica Alba’s mother.
BEST PICTURE
“Atonement” – this movie dramatically captures how misunderstandings could lead to tragedy before cell phones were invented. If you’re a man who has done something wrong in his relationship, you may be forced to see this movie.
“Juno” – it’s not often that you can say Jennifer Garner steals a movie, and this is no exception. You’ll be impressed with this film’s dialogue if you’ve never talked to an actual human being. And while you’re watching this, remember that it’s way better than “Knocked Up.” Because actually being funny is easy. But just being a little funny…that deserves trophies.
Did you enjoy the LSAT’s? Then you’ll love “Michael Clayton.” After seeing this movie, you’ll think twice about sabotaging a class-action lawsuit.
“There Will be Blood” – it was much harder to cut through grime in the 1800s.
PREDICTION: “No Country for Old Men.” The pick of the litter of this year’s comedies. A guy with a bowl cut chases a local idiot around Texas, then shoots him in the head with compressed air. Another guy has a weird dream. The end.
SPECIAL BONUS PREDICTION: Robert Altman will win an honorary Oscar. Mark my words!