Geoffrey Macnab: My Oscar Favourites
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Best film - True Grit
This category is the Grand National of the Oscars, withThe King's Speech and The Social Network the front-runners. My choice,True Grit is a beautifully crafted affair, that combines a majestic sweep with trademark Coen bros' black humour.
ODDS 20/1. Favourite: The Social Network (1/3)
Best director - Daron Aronofsky (Black Swan)
Whatever the story Aronofsky is telling, he attacks it in the same febrile, uninhibited way. Natalie Portman may give a bravura performance but her virtuosity is more than matched by his, via swooping camerawork, close-ups and horror-film style sequences.
ODDS 25/1. Favourite: David Fincher/Social Network (1/16)
Best Actor - Colin Firth (The King's Speech)
It would be perverse if Colin Firth's turn as the stuttering British monarch was ignored. The film takes a weirdly deferential approach to royalty, but Firth ensures that The King's Speech has heart and never seems like just another piece of British heritage cinema.
ODDS 1/20 (favourite)
Best actress - Annette Bening (The Kids are All Right)
Actresses in comedies don't often win awards. This year Bening, as a lesbian mum, is up against Natalie Portman and Nicole Kidman, who emote in a way that she doesn't. But hers is the outstanding performance – imperious, funny and moving.
ODDS 5/1. Favourite: Natalie Portman/Black Swan (1/9)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments