OSCAR time

Before I list my picks for the big awards tonight, I have to confess that I did not see all the nominated films or performances. I know, that's just not like me. Nothing I can do about it now, though. Ron and I did manage to sneak in one last movie before the awards. We could have skipped it.

The Artist is a throw back to the age of silent films that should be thrown back! I am quoting Ron there. I have not seen him that vehement about a film in a long time. He went on to say that he would be really upset if The Artist or either of the nominated actors win awards. Personally, I found the movie charming. The actors were good and Berenice Bejo is a real cutie. Even so, it was impossible for me to get completely lost in it because of the man behind us who had to read the dialog screens out loud and the lady next to me that was unwrapping her candy all through the movie (both very distracting). It was a cute film. Certainly not worthy of a nomination for best picture or for best actor or best supporting actress, but it was cute. It's nice because there is no swearing or nudity or violence (maybe that's why Ron couldn't relate to it!) My favorite actor in the film was Uggie the dog - a real scene stealer. The big surprise was seeing John Goodman as a movie executive - not that he was in the movie, but that he has lost an enormous amount of weight - looking good, John!

 Bottom line for me - it was sweet, but not best picture material. I also will be disappointed if this movie or the actors in it are chosen over more deserving films. Wait til it comes out on Netflix.

Having said that, here are my choices for the Oscars keeping in mind once again that I didn't see all the movies nominated.

LAURA'S OSCAR PICKS - 2012

Supporting Actor - Can't choose - only saw one performance
Supporting Actress - OCTAVIA SPENCER in THE HELP
Best Actress - VIOLA DAVIS in THE HELP
Best Actor - GEORGE CLOONEY in THE DESCENDANTS
Best Picture - THE HELP

It's hard for me to choose just one movie or performance because I also loved The Descendants or just one actress because I thought Meryl was amazing as Margaret Thatcher in IRON LADY.  My vote doesn't count anyway. What I wouldn't give to be a member of the Academy!