Top 10 of 2005:
1.) Brokeback Mountain?
Not only the best film of the year, but also a landmark film sociologically, as it tells the story of two cowboys in the 1960s who are in love but unsure of how to act out their emotions in a society that will not allow them to be together.
2.) A History of Violence
Working in a less respected genre, David Cronenberg crafts his best film yet, a masterful thriller that examines the true nature of violence and its impact on not only the people directly involved but also American society at large.
3.) Grizzly Man
This documentary on the fascinating life of Timothy Treadwell, a man who chose to live with Grizzly bears rather than humans, presents the conflicting views on life and man vs. nature of the protagonist and director, Werner Herzog.
4.) Match Point
Woody Allen stuns in this romantic thriller with his long-awaited return to form, which explores class issues and their potentially deadly impacts in current-day London.
5.) 2046
This hypnotic mood piece from Wong Kar-Wai explores nostalgia for lost love and its impact on the present.
6.) Good Night, and Good Luck
George Clooney's take on McCarthyism finds true resonance in its applicability to current-day politics as well as through David Strathairn's commanding performance.
7.) The Beat That My Heart Skipped
This French remake of "Fingers" improves on the original as it explores the dichotomy of the restless protagonist, torn between the artistic and violent.
8.) Capote
Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance goes beyond mere mimicry to delve into the conflict between compassion for humans, and the demands of art as he writes "In Cold Blood."
9.) The 40 Year Old Virgin
The year's best comedy avoids trivializing its characters, instead finding a surprisingly sweet and properly raunchy take, aided by the wonderful performances from the entire cast.
10.) Sin City
The film, full of stunning visuals and under-appreciated performances, gave viewers the filthiest fun available in the theater this year.
Oscar Predictions:
BEST PICTURE: After winning the Globe, Directors Guild, Producers Guild, and the top critic prizes, "Brokeback" has this one all sewn up.
Will Win: "Brokeback Mountain."
Should Win: "Brokeback Mountain."
Should've Been Nominated: "A History of Violence."
BEST DIRECTOR: Ang Lee has been snubbed before, most notably for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon;" expect that streak to definitively end on Sunday night.
Will Win: Ang Lee, "Brokeback Mountain."
Should Win: Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
Should've Been Nominated: Wong Kar-Wai, 2046
BEST ACTRESS: Reese's competitors will be left on the sidelines as this legally talented movie star, who did her own vocals, finally gets her chance to shine as Julia Roberts's heir.
Will Win: Reese Witherspoon, "Walk the Line."
Should Win: Reese Witherspoon, "Walk the Line."
Should've Been Nominated: Joan Allen, "The Upside of Anger."
BEST ACTOR: Hoffman's accent and the Academy's fondness for biopics should garner success for his role as writer Truman Capote.
Will Win: Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Capote."
Should Win: Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain
Should've Been Nominated: Viggo Mortenson, "A History of Violence."
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: At first it looked like a wide open race with no clear frontrunner. But then Rachel Weisz won the Globe and the SAG, and she should complete that trifecta with the Oscar here.
Will Win: Rachel Weisz, "The Constant Gardener."
Should Win: Michelle Williams, "Brokeback Mountain."
Should've Been Nominated: Maria Bello, "A History of Violence."
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: This category is up in the air, but comes down to George Clooney, who won the Globe, Paul Giamatti, who won the SAG, and the dark horse, BAFTA winner Jake Gyllenhall. But Clooney's weight gain and bona fide movie star status give him the edge.
Will Win: George Clooney, Syriana
Should Win: William Hurt, "A History of Violence."
Should've Been Nominated: Mickey Rourke, "Sin City."
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: With six nominations and the WGA award, this is the likeliest place for "Crash" to pick up an Oscar.
Will Win: "Crash."
Should Win: "Good Night, and Good Luck."
Should've Been Nominated: "The 40 Year Old Virgin."
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: "Brokeback" has dominated this category all season, nearly sweeping the board, and will no doubt take home this award as well.
Will Win: "Brokeback Mountain."
Should Win: "Brokeback Mountain."
Should've Been Nominated: "The Beat that My Heart Skipped."
BEST FOREIGN FILM: A race between two ultra-political, violent films: "Tsotsi" from South Africa and "Paradise Now" from Palestine. "Paradise" won the Globe, but the buzz on "Tsotsi" grew as the nomination period closed. This one could truly go either way.
BEST ANIMATED FILM: After their animation studio burned down in the fall, "Wallace & Gromit" had this one all sewn up.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: This past summer, those lovable penguins waddled away with the second-highest gross for a doc ever; "March of the Penguins" will do the same with Oscar.