Oscar 2006 bets

[Nano]

I didn't see so many Hollywood movies this year, here are my bets about the chances of the ones I did see:

THE DEPARTED
Another nomination (and no-win) for Scorsese, here back to form but still far from his top-notch level of yesterday (GOOD FELLAS, CASINO).
For me, again DiCaprio is a letdown in this movie (he can't play tough guys, period), and Nicholson does this kind of roles in his sleep. My bets for acting nominations go to Matt Damon (very good) and Mark Wahlberg (excellent). The girl who does the psychiatrist has a pretty confusing role (one of the big plot holes of the film) but she may receive a nod too.

UNITED 93
I think this average film (almost a TV movie) had too much praise, maybe because everybody was expecting it to be much more patriotic. The problem for me is that it plays like an old catastrophe movie, like DEEP IMPACT for instance. More than half the movie is people having cathartic phone talk and the plane shaking for no reason. And I just don't buy the way people react in this movie, they seem to be more determined to die than the terrorists themselves.
Anyway, I predict a best film/best script nomination on the basis of the critics and audience reaction.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
Another Oscar nomination for Meryl Streep. Isn't about time she gets a third statuette?

BORAT
Without seeing the movie, I predict a best actor nomination.

Other movies with Oscar buzz that I didn't see:
DREAMGIRLS
BABEL
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
HOLLYWOODLAND (Ben Affleck)
THE QUEEN (Helen Mirren)
VOLVER (for foreign picture)
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (foreign)
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (script)
OLD JOY (script)
DELIVER US FROM EVIL (documentary)
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (documentary)

Argentina's choice for runner-up in the foreign film competition is an excellent character piece called FAMILY LAW (DERECHO DE FAMILIA), but I would be surprised if it gets a nod.

What do you think? Name your candidates.

[Videoskooter]

THE DEPARTED

Haven't seen it yet but I'm expecting much of it. The story, the actors, the director. Scorsese usually is almost without competition in the gangsta genre. After disappointing me to the maxx with the dreadful "The Aviator" (sorry I just can't stand Cate Blanchett) this can be a return to his glory days, but....remember the Acadamy sort of neglects him when it comes to the real statuettes.

UNITED 93

Very strong movie, this will certainly win "something". Certainly the patriottic members will not neglect this 1


THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

Don't know and I won't know. This sort of movies ain't my thing so I probably never gonna watch this 1. I don't give a damn about Prada and the whole fashion bizz! I only wear Armani or Dries Van Noten on occasions, and on daily base leather, Levi's, McGregor or Arrow!

BORAT

Could be a big surprise! Best actor nomination? But Sasha won't win!

Other movies with Oscar buzz that I didn't see:
DREAMGIRLS
BABEL
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
HOLLYWOODLAND (Ben Affleck)
THE QUEEN (Helen Mirren)
VOLVER (for foreign picture)
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (foreign)
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (script)
OLD JOY (script)
DELIVER US FROM EVIL (documentary)
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (documentary)

Haven't seen anyone of 'em yet. I'm only interested in "Flags Of Our Fathers". Certainly not "The Inconvenient Truth coz' that one is over-hyped and I don't believe in its statements.

I really don't have a clue which movie/actor/actress/director will win this year's price but I do think "Happy Feet" will get many nominations!