Academy Award Picks, Pt. 2

Yesterday I made my picks for the big categories, today I'll make my predictions for the smaller film categories and technical awards.

Film Categories:
Best Foreign Language Film
"Biutiful" is the only film in this category with a second nomination, a Best Actor nod for Javier Bardem. Normally one would give a film the upper hand for having made an impression in that way. But the favorite in this category is Golden Globe winner "In A Better World."
The Pick: "In A Better World," Denmark

Best Documentary Feature
The best documentary of 2010 was "Waiting for Superman," which failed to yield a nomination. "Exit Through the Gift Shop" has been an art house favorite, and the emotionally resonant "Restrepo" continues to earn effusive praise. But the pedigree in this category belongs to "Inside Job."
The Pick: "Inside Job," Charles Ferguson, Audrey Marrs.

Best Documentary, Short Subject
The favorite in this category is the heartfelt piece "Killing in the Name." Others could make an impression, but Jed Rothstein's film seems to be a consensus choice.
The Pick: "Killing in the Name," Jed Rothstein

Best Short Film, Animated
I liked "Night & Day," Pixar's entry, when I saw it in front of one of the Pixar features this summer. However, one of the frontrunners is "The Gruffalo," featuring the voice talents of nominee Helena Bonham Carter.
The Pick: "The Gruffalo," Jakob Schuh, Max Lang

Best Short Film, Live Action
This is a total shot in the dark based on the description of the premise of each film. We don't normally get to see many live action shorts outside of film festivals.
The Pick: "The Confession," Tanel Toom

Technical Awards
Best Achievement in Editing
Traditionally this award flows to the winner of the Best Picture prize, but in this case the interweaving stories in "The Social Network" seem to stand out more.
The Pick: Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall, "The Social Network"

Best Achievement in Cinematography
There are many worthy entries in this category. "Inception" featured some incredible shots and landscapes, and "The Social Network" and "The Black Swan" also featured some interesting and beautiful shot selections. Then there's the favorite, "The King's Speech." But the fact Roger Deakins has never won an Oscar is a crime; one that should be rectified this year.
The Pick: Roger Deakins, "True Grit"

Best Achievement in Art Direction
This is usually an award that goes to the film that creates the most dynamic visual palette. That is what Tim Burton is known for. He found great partners in Robert Stromberg and Karen O'Hara.
The Pick: Robert Stromberg, Karen O'Hara, "Alice in Wonderland"

Best Achievement in Costume Design
Colleen Atwood is a past winner with a strong resume. Add that to the fact that her work in "Alice in Wonderland" was most impressive, and we have a clear cut favorite.
The Pick: Colleen Atwood, "Alice in Wonderland"

Best Achievement in Makeup
None of the three films in this category really stands out to me. When in doubt, go with the film that required the most makeup effects. That could make "The Wolfman" the worst film in 2010 to receive an Academy Award...
The Pick: Rick Baker, Dave Elsey, "The Wolfman"

Best Achievement in Original Score
My personal favorites in this category would be the haunting score from "The Social Network" and the large, sweeping score from "Inception." However, the score from "The King's Speech" seems to be a favorite as that film looks to capture the top prize.
The Pick: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, "The Social Network"

Best Achievement in Original Song
This is a tough category. The two animated films produced songs that will be trendy picks, and I though the nominated song from "Country Strong" was one of the best things about the film. But here could be a place where Academy voters will try to spread the love, meaning an award for "127 Hours."
The Pick: A.R. Rahman, Rollo Armstrong, Dido, "If I Rise" from "127 Hours"

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
The two sound awards typically go together. There aren't a lot of places where "Inception" will earn awards, but I think it will be popular among the technical categories.
The Pick: Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo, Ed Novick, "Inception"

Best Achievement in Sound Editing
See rationale above.
The Pick: Richard King, "Inception"

Best Achievement in Visual Effects
What I love about Christopher Nolan's films is the fact that he tries to use real movie magic and not effects driven by a computer. Considering what was achieved with "Inception," that is pretty great.
The Pick: Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley, Pete Bebb, Paul J. Franklin, "Inception"

The annual Academy Awards presentation will air live on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on ABC

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