Though the 2002 Golden Globes have come and gone and the BAFTA nominations are a matter for the history books, this year's Oscar candidates are still anyone’s guess – until the short list is revealed on Tuesday, that is. The roster of nominees is under lock and key until 5:45am Los Angeles time but, as is Tinseltown tradition, Hollywood insiders are already making predictions as to which front runners will make the final cut.
Critics awards and the Golden Globes have not revealed any one movie to be a sure standout in the race for Oscar gold, but there are plenty of pundits ready to speculate. The west coast editor of Premiere magazine, Anne Thompson, says we can count on Lord Of The Rings, which left the Globes empty handed, scoring “an enormous number” of nominations. “I’ve been talking to a lot of people in the academy, and they love this movie. They applaud its vision, its artistry, its scope.” Also a good bet, according to Oscar watchers, is Robert Altman’s murder mystery Gosford Park.
Others have more faith in the bookmakers, and where better to go for the hard odds than Las Vegas. Chuck Esposito, a bookmaker at the famed hotel and casino Caesar’s Palace, is giving A Beautiful Mind, which was the top Golden Globe nominee, the edge for best picture, with all-singing all-dancing Moulin Rouge,Black Hawk Down and family drama In The Bedroom tipped as likely nominees as well.
But, as inevitably occurs every year, there sure to be some unexpected names popping up in the shortlist, perhaps the animated fun fest Shrek or French phenomenon Amelie. “It looks like A Beautiful Mind being number one in so many categories,” says Chuck. “But it’s the Academy. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few surprises.”
Many networks, including the BBC, plan to cover the nominations live on Tuesday. Winners will be revealed at the annual star-studded ceremony at LA’s Kodak Theatre on March 24.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
