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| Emmanuelle Riva (your one on the left) |
And so Oscar night rolls around for what could be the most exciting photo finish in years. It might all seem wrapped up in most categories but to go into the ceremony with some sort of wiggle room vacant is still quite rare. Daniel Day Lewis's imminent third best acting award will be a deserved achievement for Wicklow's resident tower of dignity. His hold on that statue is only rivalled by Anne Hathaway's death-grip on the supporting actress race. PTA's The Master should really have horses in the final furlongs of both these races but anything other than a Day-Lewis/Hathaway double would be a major upset. Not to worry, Day-Lewis' speeches are always a joy and you can always whack on the kettle for Hathaway's 5 minutes of high pitched earnestness.
As far as the big prize is concerned Argo looks a very bland certainty after a clean sweep in the run-up. A decent film by all means but with so little edge when compared to the other nominees. Even Les Mis feels riskier (despite my falling asleep after an hour and a half of it).
But forget these sure things. The real stories lie elsewhere. Best director is still wide open due to Affleck's omission. The bookie's will tell you it's a Lee/Spielberg contest and either would deserve it. Both have won for films without a best picture win before and Spielberg would be picking up his 3rd gong. Leaving him just behind John Ford's 4 wins. Best supporting actor is surely the most open of the big categories; all five are past winners and while Cristoph Waltz has gained some momentum recently his performance might be a little too close to the one which won him the award back in 2009. He has to hold down a strong contender in Tommy Lee Jones as well as a resurgent Robert DeNiro not to mention perhaps the section's most deserving contender Philip Seymour Hoffman. But as with elsewhere this year, The Master just hasn't gotten through to anyone. Yet.
But whatever about all that. There is the possibility of something truly special happening tonight. Emmanuelle Riva celebrates her 86th birthday today (there she is pictured above looking stunning in Alan Renais' Hiroshima Mon Amour) and is in the running to be the oldest winner of the Best Female Actor award. She is surely the most deserving for her staggering performance but few thought that Hollywood would show any notice when Amour picked up the Palme Dor back in May.
It would be a a moment of magic if it were to happen and just maybe the plot is too perfect for Hollywood to resist.
J-Chase and J-Lawr are gonna be here again.
So it's not all wrapped up quite yet...
In other news Harvey Weinstien has picked up the rights for Sundance winner Fruitvale with the release date apparently being held till late this year? And so it begins again...
