CONNOR BURTON
Special to The Leader
Much like last year’s Oscars race, this year’s ballot is such a tight race in the major categories that it could be anyone’s year. In past years, winners have been easy to predict, but the 2015 Academy Awards are filled with excellent films and incredible performances; come Feb. 22, anyone could win.
The best picture category this year is packed with films that resonate on so many levels. Powerful and brilliantly depicted biopics, such as “Selma,” “The Imitation Game,” “The Theory of Everything” and “American Sniper,” and technical marvels like “Boyhood” and “Birdman” provided some of the most profound theater experiences this year. Wes Anderson continued to build upon his incredible work with “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “Whiplash” — one of the most intense films this year. It’s a true sign of a good year for films when all of the nominees are worthy: but there can only be one.
I predict that Richard Linklater’s film “Boyhood” will take the best picture. “Boyhood” was shot over 12 years as its lead actor, Ellar Coltrane, grew up. As the boy, Mason, grows up in the movie, the actor is growing, too. The film is a portrait of a time in life everyone can relate to: coming of age.
When I saw “Boyhood” playing at the Fredonia Opera House during its recent Cinema Series, it was the most profound theater experience I’ve ever had. From how this film resonates, to the raw and excellent acting, to the technical scope, “Boyhood” is the best picture of the year.
This year’s competition in the best actor category is just as tight as the best picture race. Steve Carell’s performance in “Foxcatcher” is a transformation to such dark and creepy territory that you’ll forget he’s the same guy who charmed us as Michael Scott in “The Office.” Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne’s performances are some of the best biopic works in years, especially Redmayne as Stephen Hawking in a performance that is reminiscent of Daniel Day Lewis’ Oscar winning performance in “My Left Foot” in 1989. Bradley Cooper truly becomes legendary sniper Chris Kyle in “American Sniper,” continuing Cooper’s impressive dramatic streak.
Then there is Michael Keaton, who I believe will win the night’s ballot. In “Birdman,” Keaton, in a way, plays himself. He plays an actor who once portrayed a famous superhero and struggles with a Broadway play he’s putting on to prove he is a real actor.
The Best Actress category should not be overlooked either. The Best Actress award will likely come down to Rosamund Pike in “Gone Girl” or Julianne Moore in “Still Alice,” in which she showcases some career-best work. Other nominees include Marion Cotillard in “Two Days, One Night”; Felicity Jones in “The Theory of Everything”; and Reese Witherspoon in “Wild.”
The Best Supporting Actor category has performances that would each win any other year, but amongst the amazing performances, J.K. Simmons in “Whiplash” is almost certain to take the Oscar. His performance as a music school conductor was intense and — at times — terrifying. If anybody could steal it from him, it would be Edward Norton in “Birdman.” Other nominees include Robert Duvall for “The Judge,” Ethan Hawke for “Boyhood” and Mark Ruffalo for “Foxcatcher,” all in amazing performances.
Best Supporting Actress will hopefully, and deservedly, go to Patricia Arquette for “Boyhood.” Her competition is Emma Stone in “Birdman,” Laura Dern in “Wild,” Keira Knightley in “The Imitation Game” and Meryl Streep in “Into The Woods.”
Feb. 22 will be an interesting night, as anyone could walk away a winner; in the meantime there are plenty of excellent films to get caught up on before the big night.