Sunday, February 21, 2010

Oscar Predictions: Animated Short and Feature

There's something amazing about the animated film races this year, because the people who you'd place way out in the front in any other year are being given a run for their money. I'd previously expressed rage over the Academy's decision to omit The Cat Piano, and Partly Cloudy from the Animated Short category. I still maintain that they both deserved to get in more than some of the films that did make it in such as French Roast, and Granny O'Grimm. However most of the films nominated are quite amazing and enjoyable. The Lady and the Reaper is sort of a backwards Pixar short, applying the same liveliness and humor to a much darker subject.
The assumed frontrunner, and favorite in this category is the new Wallace and Gromit short A Matter of Loaf and Death. Combining the smoothest stop motion I've ever seen, the intrigue of a psychological thriller, and the same affable characters, it certainly has favor with the Academy who have rewarded Nick Park's animated series numerous times before. The thing that could probably stand in its way is deliciously dark Logorama. Even though most people think of this category as a kids race, where childish comedies are usually rewarded, it seems fitting that the Academy would choose a more realistic edgy film. Definitely see it as soon as you can. If any film can take down Wallace and Gromit it'll most likely be this, and I wouldn't be the slightest bit disappointed. This is a film that depicts Ronald McDonald as a mass murdering psychopath. It's got my vote based on that alone. As for the Animated Feature race, the clear front runner is obviously Up. In fact this category is mainly to blame for Up not having a chance at winning best picture. As for the other films, The Princess and the Frog did a good job of reviving the traditional hand drawn animation, but don't expect it to be remembered 15 years from now ranked alongside The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. The Secret of Kells snuck into the race out of nowhere, so I think that the fact that it's nominated at all is reward enough for it. Coraline was able to maintain enthusiasm since it was released over a year ago, so the spark it needed to win this category has regrettably mostly faded by now.

The film with the biggest chance of upsetting Up is without a doubt Wes Anderson's dark screwball comedy Fantastic Mr. Fox. Where the film lacks in the emotional resonance that Up provides it makes up in undeniable laughs and originality, which is rare to find in an adapted screenplay. One can't count the film out just because it missed a win at the Golden Globes, because by now everyone should know that the Golden Globes are a joke. The chances that Mr. Fox had two months ago are still very alive, and ultimately it will all come down to what happens on the big night.
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