The Nominees are...

I've been hesitant to write an Oscars-prediction-post because part of me feels unqualified. But I like movies, have seen most of the films nominated for best picture, and like to think I watch films with a somewhat critical eye. By that I mean I can be a tough critic and that is why I feel like sometimes my opinion becomes less valuable. So here I go. These are my picks for this years top categories:
Best Actor: I'm with most of the critics on this one and have to say that Colin Firth definitely deserves it. A seasoned Actor who has paid his dues, I think his job in The King's Speech hit the nail on the head. Although Eisenberg was pretty impressive, separating himself from other teen male actors (namely Michael Cera) by even getting an Oscar nomination for The Social Network, Firth really gave a great performance.
Best Actress: Again, I'm with most of the critics and Natalie Portman is my top pick. Her role in Black Swan was both mentally and physically demanding and she did a beautiful job. Natalie has shown a range of emotions and types of characters throughout her career and really dedicated herself to this demanding role.
Best Director: I'm going to go with David Fincher for The Social Network, or perhaps Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan. After reading a few articles and watching the round tables with the actors and directors I've gathered that The Social Network seems to be a very director-driven film. The acting is great and the story interesting, but ultimately Fincher's execution is what did it. I have a little bias towards Black Swan because I feel like it comes from some really specific vision that Aronofsky wanted to create and because it was a spectacular film I'd have to say he achieved it. I am a Cohen Brothers fan but I haven't seen True Grit or heard too many really amazing things about it. I also would hate for them to win it for a remake.
Best Picture: My vote/prediction for best picture is Black Swan. When I think of a "best" picture I think of a movie that is great in many different aspects. The film was visually stunning, had an interesting story and plot, had great acting, costumes, etc., and also was psychologically thrilling. It covers so much ground and was a really great piece. My second pick would probably be The Social Network because it seems like a somewhat revolutionary film that is causing a lot of hype and was actually really great.

I decided I couldn't make a comment about supporting actor/actress because I haven't seen enough of the performances. Please leave comments with your Oscar predictions/opinions! I can't wait to watch. Especially because James Franco and Anne Hathaway are hosting!

Music: Girls Fall Like Dominoes - Nikki Minaj

Explosion

I've been setting type for the last 3 hours while trying to get my laundry done and not think about the 3 other assignments I still need to get done. It is official: I AM OVERWHELMED. I've loaded myself up this term with 3 studio classes and a Sophomore Inquiry. My projects are important to me and so I slave over them for hours, causing me not to keep up with my reading. I know. It's no one's fault but my own. But this is also my blog and therefore I get to complain if I want. Please let the next 3 weeks go by slow enough for me to finish all of my work. I want all of my projects to be great so I can put them in my portfolio next term. I can only imagine how awful it is going to be when I'm trying to scramble for the Portfolio Review.

WAAAAAHHH!!! Back to work.

"I want to live,
I want to give
I've been a miner
for a heart of gold."
-Neil Young, Heart of Gold

Vday bitches!

Classy

After a few long weeks, a lot of tedious typesetting, some major printing issues, and a few cuts from the exacto knife, I am FINALLY finished with my invitation project for my Typography 1 Class!



The invitation is a 5x7 card with a 4x6 RSVP postcard, 4x4 map, and 4x4 Fancy Mustache Making Kit. The envelope, invite, map, and kit envelope are lined with a gold and black ornamental cloth paper. The Fancy Mustache Making Kit includes a square of felt, popsicle stick, instructions, adhesive, and list of recommendations/inspiration mustaches. If only I had the facilities to REALLy host this shindig!

Music: Beard Lust - Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

I know these are long, but watch them if you have time. It is really fascinating to hear from these amazingly talented actors and actresses. Part of me is really curious about the art of acting. I find a lot of people think of actors merely as rich celebrities whose lives and work don't help society in a greater way. I greatly disagree. Acting is a delicate art, and what better, more beautiful contribution to society is there than art? It takes great talent, thought, training, time, and discipline to be a truly amazing actor.
I have trouble calling myself an artist, but really that is what I am. It is difficult to take a little piece of talent and have the concentration, drive, and confidence to develop it and even more difficult to present it to the world once you've come to terms with it yourself. I think any art, whether it is visual, preforming, writing, etc., is an amazing thing and probably one of the greatest parts of this world.