The Oscars 2010

Those little golden statues are beginning to reappear on our television screens. That can only mean one thing, the Oscar season is fast approaching once again. Preparations are well and truly under way for the first ceremony of the new decade. What exactly is in store? We will find out on the big day itself, however the usual weepy speeches and endless ‘thank you’s’ are a near certainty.

Now that the nominations themselves have been announced, it is clear that the academy is attempting to reach out to as wider audience as possible, as ten films have been nominated this year rather than the usual five.

In recent years I must admit I have lost interest in the Oscars, however I am prepared to renew my enthusiasm in the ceremony, largely due to the fact that three of my favourite films of last year are up for nomination.  These are Inglourious Basterds, An Education and Up. Admittedly there are some films in the list I am still yet to see (Precious, Up in the Air and A Serious Man). If any of you have watched these I would be especially eager to hear your comments.

Avatar was possibly a given.  Whatever you may think of the story (I personally thought it rather weak), you cannot fault the eye-watering visuals. It seems that Mr Cameron has well and truly outdone himself in terms of visual effects. I will therefore not be surprised should it win ‘Best Cinematography’. Does it deserve to win ‘Best Picture’ though? I am not so sure.

In striking contrast to Avatar is The Hurt Locker, a film about a very different, all too real war. The story about a group of bomb experts in the middle of Iraq is a powerful reminder that this conflict is still going on. The personal, artistic rivalry between director Kathryn Bigelow and her ex-husband James Cameron has just been cranked up several notches. 

In terms of Best Actress it is hardly surprising to see the likes of Meryl Streep and Dame Helen Mirren competing this year. However it is possible they will lose out to newcomer Carey Milligan for her charming performance as an Oxford University hopeful in “An Education”.

Fellow Brit Colin Firth has also been nominated for his role as a gay college professor in ‘A Single Man’. Once again I am yet to see that however it looks to be a significant departure from his typecast English-gent persona.

So, no doubt the bookies will be busy for the next few weeks. Opinions amongst the public will be strong, especially with the inclusion of more films in the ‘Best Picture’ category. The Oscar battle for 2010 has begun.