Oscars 2014 Winners Summary

It finally came out and we're all super psyched! Some of the nominees were as expected to win but (yeah like Oscars always do like all the time), some of the winnings were quite surprising. Especially for the internet-dom *pukpuk Leo*. 

So for a summary of each award that went out on last Sunday night, here's complete list of Oscars champions.

Based on the official website, the Oscar went to...

Best Picture
"12 Years of Slave"
Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen and Anthony Katagas, Producers

Best Actor
Matthew McConaughey
"Dallas Buyers Club"
 
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett
"Blue Jasmine"

Best Supporting Actor
Jared Leto
"Dallas Buyers Club"

Best Supporting Actress
Lupita Nyong'o
"12 Years of Slave"

Best Directing
Alfonso Cuaron
"Gravity"

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
"12 Years A Slave"
Screenplay by John Ridley

Writing (Original Screenplay)
"Her"
Written by Spike Jonze

Best Animated Feature Film
"Frozen"
Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee and Peter Del Vecho

Documentary (Feature)
"20 Feet From Stardom"
Morgan Neville, Gil Friesen and Caitrin Rogers

Music (original song)
"Let it Go" from "Frozen"
Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Music (original score)
"Gravity"
Steven Price

Visual effects
"Gravity"
Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, David Shirk and Neil Corbould

Cinematography
"Gravity"
Emmanuel Lubezki

Costume design
"The Great Gatsby"
Catherine Martin

Makeup and hairstyling
"Dallas Buyers Club"
Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews

Film editing
"Gravity"
Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger

Documentary (short subject)
"The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life"
Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed

Foreign language film
"The Great Beauty"
Italy

Short film (live action)
"Helium"
Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson

Short film (animated)
"Mr. Hublot"
Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares

Production design
"The Great Gatsby"
Catherine Martin (Production Design); Beverley Dunn (Set Decoration)

Sound editing
"Gravity"
Glenn Freemantle

Sound mixing
"Gravity"
Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro

As many has expected, Jared Leto and Cate Blanchett has been one and only candidate to take Oscars home. I was rooting for Meryl Streep as well but I guess Oscars members must have thought, "Meryl had too much Oscars already". Uhm well not really, since Cate actually did superb on Blue Jasmine!

While not as many has expected, Lupita Nyong'o happens to beat Jennifer Lawrence. I actually prefer Lupita to win. I mean, not that JLaw failed at it, both did great and got their own charisma but if I have to choose then, Lupita Nyong'o definitely got better charm. Amateurly speaking, Lupita had gone through suffering as a miserable slave, a lot worse than JLaw as a lonely wife who desires attention. LOL but it happened right? 

And here comes for the internet highlight, Oscar statue seemed to love being held by Matthew McConaughey rather than Leonardo DiCaprio. If only Dallas Buyers Club had not been released in 2013, I believe Mr. Oscar would gladly sit by Leo's bedside table. I guess he just got unlucky because everytime he got nominated, his other competitors were actually somehow slightly better than him. And it happened again this time as McConaughey is indeed dead unbeatable.

Here for more important moments of Oscars 2014.

Anyhow, so saaad that not a single awards had been taken home for The Wolf of Wall Street. Instead, Gravity won most of nominations and the best of all category went to 12 Years of Slave. It's good I guess as I remember indeed weeping a bit at 12 Years of Slave's ending. I got my emotions carried on by the whole plot. Though I solely wanted to watch it because of Benedict Cumberbatch and...... Shooot! I haven't reviewed it yet. So furthermore on next post then :p

Since I haven't really watched the show yet and I only youtubed some of acceptance speeches, so I'll best leaving this post with series of Oscars Buzzfeed links recap. Aaaand probably some of its best memes. ALSO MY REVIEW PROPHECY JUST GOT REAL (SORRY FOR CAPSLOCKING).

Ellen DeGeneres' epic selfie.

This is how Internet mourns for Leo.

WHAT I SAID ON PREVIOUS POST LITERALLY HAPPENED.

BRB FISTPUMPING GLORIOUSLY

PS: Thank you Buzzfeed and Oscars.go.com, smoooch!

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) #4

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) 
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Director: Jean-Marc Valée
Writer: Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto
Nominated for 6 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editor, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Original Screenplay.

Ron Woodroof's (Matthew McConaughey) life of getting high in drugs, sex, alcohol and gambling turns upside down after diagnosed with AIDS and given only 30 days to live. He moves on his life and begins to do some researches for his sickness that led to regime of medications that could prolong his life. Aware that he can take advantage of it, he then overcomes his homophobic to partner up with a transgender and also an HIV positive, Rayon (Jared Leto). Together they start selling the drugs to other AIDS survivors. By the time passing by he realized he's not doing this for the sake of money anymore but the good to help AIDS survivors lives in need. But his righteous attempt meets troubles along the way. His drugs he's carrying hasn't approved by FDA. Now he has to face the fact that his struggling to stay alive is not only for himself anymore but also for the lives of Dallas Buyers Club.

Review
I love the story, it's well-written, rich in values of life and powerful characters, like Woodroof. He has not only transitioned from a rude yet sleazy sex addict into a social hero, but he also sort of handling a secret message. Like somehow, deep down even the utmost douchebag... do have hearts and a selflessness even if it's only a tiny bit. For what he's done is superbly inspiring. Especially that scene when Woodroof gave his last speech like a ghetto to a private FDA-AIDS survivors meeting. Just... snap.



Aside from the story, both McConaughey and Leto has pulled their best effort not only physical-wise (just look how unbelievably skinny they are, it's like they're physically ready to die) but also acting-wise. McConaughey appears to be drowned deep into his character resulting Woodroof to have a strong straight-forward quality. While Leto here as a transgender depicting a warm-hearted fragile Rayon that I believe everyone will fall for her at first sight. Hence, later at Oscars party, they should take a selfie together holding their own Oscars and post it on Instagram... I mean they deserve it!

PS: I do still hope that Leo gets an Oscar (just like the rest of the internet), but it seems a little dubious considering his other competitor like McConaughey. Then again, Oscars is like a box of chocolate, you'll never know who will take em home until you watch it yourself.

Final verdict: 8.5/10

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) #3

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) 
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writer: Terence Winter (screenplay), Jordan Belfort (book)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey
Nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Leading Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The film focused mainly on the rise and fall of an american broker, Jordan Belfort's (Leonardo DiCaprio) eccentric life. On his younger poor days he started his very own brokerage firm--Stratton Oakmont from scratch by selling worthless stocks on the market. It gains a major success and he becomes richer than ever. Though he obviously realizes he has committed fraud by manipulating stock market, his company gains even more success as well as his wealth, along with his addiction of drugs, hookers, and parties. Blinded by his gleaming glory, he becomes careless and was unaware that his downfall is only waiting to happen. 


Review
Just a quick reminder if you haven't seen this film: There were so many nudity and drugs abuse here. So for the sake of averting awkwardness, don't watch it along with your parents or anyone :p. But aside from that, this another masterpiece of Martin Scorsese is pure brilliance. Plain great and actually pretty entertaining. It takes almost 3 hours but you won't notice that since the plot flows quite fast like bam bam bam with its dialogs, scenes and everything. Also I want to take a standing ovation to Leo because he did a great job. He's gone just completely... megalomaniac. His acting seems better. It's seen that he has pulled his best effort for this role. Like that time when he did such passionate speech in front of his employees. I can even see his veins showing from his neck as he speaks. So I am pretty sure he actually got a shot at taking home his very first Oscar this time. He just gotta have more luck than the other nominees.



By the way, The Wolf of Wall Street also reminds me of Leo's previous film with Steven Spielberg, Catch Me If You Can which I think they have a lot in common by storywise--success by deceit.

Source here.

And here's a super awesome--shot in the head--inspirational quote from the book by Jordan Belfort in real life (which I've just known by watching this film lol).

Final verdict: 8.6/10

Nebraska (2013) #2

Nebraska (2013) 
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Director: Alexander Payne
Writer: Bob Nelson
Starring: Bruce Stern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk
Nominated for 6 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

Woody Grant (Bruce Stern), a senior man with alcohol issues insists going to Lincoln, Nebraska presuming he's about to get his "a million dollar prize" from a coupon letter. Realizing how badly his dad wants to go pursuing his sham winning, his son, David (Will Forte), takes a long journey from his house in Montana to Lincoln just for him. While on their way there, Woody gets his head thumped so he has to take some rests for a few days. David then stops by at Hawthorne which isn't as far to visit his relatives where Woody had spent his youth. His fake winning then becomes a talk of the town and he has to deal with people who wants to take advantage of it.

Review
This is a black white and mostly quiet film though it doesn't feel like it. I was of course doubt it since most b/w films were boring. But Nebraska didn't as well. I guess it's that folk town vibes and the music that makes it homey. First time I saw the credits, that folk-ish melody stuck quite well in my mind. Thanks to Mark Orton, unsung genius behind those pretty music. Also, Woody reminds me of my old grannie who was pretty much just like Woody. Like when she sleeps with mouth opened, or those typical old people conversation.



I could say Nebraska was a lovely film. Once you reached the end and found out the reason why Woody insisted going to Lincoln to take his a million dollar prize, you'll definitely go... aww and start sobbing a bit. (Well it works for me since i'm pretty sentimental :p).

Hence, final verdict: 8.2/10

2014 Oscars Haul

2014 Oscars is one step away and just yesterday, the whole nominations was announced. I was a bit surprised bcs I thought it will be aired by May, instead it turns out March 2nd on ABC. As always, Golden Globes took the prophecy first on who and which will get the nominations. After reading series of news out there, 12 Years of Slave and American Hustle stole the top prizes of Globes on Sunday night, including best motion picture drama for 12 Years of Slave and best comedy or musical motion picture for American Hustle.

While actress throne was given to Cate Blanchett on her role on Blue Jasmine, and Amy Adams for American Hustle. Not quite shocking, right? But this happens quite unlikely for the best actor. Matthew McConnaughey won it for his role on Dallas Buyers Club instead of Chiwetel Ejiofor who was overly hyped by many to be the one who will take it home. On the other hand Leonardo DiCaprio won the Globe too for The Wolf of Wall Street. (I secretly wished Leo to win the Oscar this time, I just.. well he should win it at least once :) ).

For more 2014 Golden Globe winners, here.

So by Golden Globes forecast, here comes a list of nominations and nominees of 2014 Academy Awards as announced yesterday on January 16th:

Heads up nominees!

Best picture
"12 Years a Slave"
"The Wolf of Wall Street"
"Captain Phillips"
"Her"
"American Hustle"
"Gravity"
"Dallas Buyers Club"
"Nebraska"
"Philomena"

Best director
Steve McQueen -- "12 Years a Slave"
David O. Russell -- "American Hustle"
Alfonso Cuaron -- "Gravity"
Alexander Payne -- "Nebraska"
Martin Scorsese -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"

Best actor
Bruce Dern -- "Nebraska"
Chiwetel Ejiofor -- "12 Years a Slave"
Matthew McConaughey -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
Leonardo DiCaprio -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Christian Bale -- "American Hustle"

Best actress
Amy Adams -- "American Hustle"
Cate Blanchett -- "Blue Jasmine"
Judi Dench -- "Philomena"
Sandra Bullock -- "Gravity"
Meryl Streep -- "August: Osage County"

Best supporting actor
Barkhad Abdi -- "Captain Phillips"
Bradley Cooper -- "American Hustle"
Jonah Hill -- "The Wolf of Wall Street"
Jared Leto -- "Dallas Buyers Club"
Michael Fassbender -- "12 Years a Slave"

Best supporting actress
Jennifer Lawrence -- "American Hustle"
Lupita Nyong'o -- "12 Years a Slave"
June Squibb -- "Nebraska"
Julia Roberts -- "August: Osage County"
Sally Hawkins -- "Blue Jasmine"

Best original screenplay
"American Hustle" -- David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer
"Blue Jasmine" -- Woody Allen
"Her" -- Spike Jonze
"Nebraska" -- Bob Nelson
"Dallas Buyers Club" -- Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack

Best adapted screenplay
"12 Years a Slave" -- John Ridley
"Before Midnight" -- Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater
"The Wolf of Wall Street" -- Terence Winter
"Captain Phillips" -- Billy Ray
"Philomena" -- Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope

Best animated feature
"The Wind Rises"
"Frozen"
"Despicable Me 2"
"Ernest & Celestine"
"The Croods"

Best foreign feature
"The Hunt" (Denmark)
"The Broken Circle Breakdown" (Belgium)
"The Great Beauty" (Italy)
"Omar" (Palestinian territories)
"The Missing Picture" (Cambodia)

Best music (original song)
"Frozen": "Let it Go" -- Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez
"Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom": "Ordinary Love" -- U2, Paul Hewson
"Her": "The Moon Song" -- Karen O, Spike Jonze
"Despicable Me 2": "Happy" -- Pharrell Williams
"Alone Yet Not Alone": "Alone Yet Not Alone" -- Bruce Broughton, Dennis Spiegel

Best music (original score)
"Gravity" -- Steven Price
"Philomena" -- Alexandre Desplat
"The Book Thief" -- John Williams
"Saving Mr. Banks" -- Thomas Newman
"Her" -- William Butler and Owen Pallett

Best cinematography
"Gravity" -- Emmanuel Lubezki
"Inside Llewyn Davis" -- Bruno Delbonnel
"Nebraska" -- Phedon Papamichael
"Prisoners" -- Roger Deakins
"The Grandmaster" -- Phillippe Le Sourd

Best costume design
"The Great Gatsby" -- Catherine Martin
"12 Years a Slave" -- Patricia Norris
"The Grandmaster" -- William Chang Suk Ping
"American Hustle" -- Michael Wilkinson
"The Invisible Woman" -- Michael O'Connor

Best documentary feature
"The Act of Killing"
"20 Feet From Stardom"
"The Square"
"Cutie and the Boxer"
"Dirty Wars"

Best film editing
"Gravity" -- Alfonso Cuaron, Mark Sanger
"12 Years a Slave"-- Joe Walker
"Captain Phillips" -- Christopher Rouse
"American Hustle" -- Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten
"Dallas Buyers Club" -- John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa

Best makeup and hairstyling
"The Lone Ranger" -- Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny
"Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" -- Stephen Prouty
"Dallas Buyers Club" -- Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews

Best production design
"12 Years a Slave" -- Adam Stockhausen and Alice Baker
"The Great Gatsby" -- Catherine Martin and Beverley Dunn
"American Hustle" -- Judy Becker and Heather Loeffler
"Gravity" -- Andy Nicholson, Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard
"Her" -- K.K. Barrett and Gene Serdena

Best visual effects
"Gravity"
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"
"Star Trek Into Darkness"
"Iron Man 3"
"The Lone Ranger"

Best sound mixing
"Gravity"
"Captain Phillips"
"Lone Survivor"
"Inside Llewyn Davis"
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"

Best sound editing
"Gravity"
"All Is Lost"
"Captain Phillips"
"Lone Survivor"
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"

Best short film, live action
"Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me)"
"Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)"
"Helium"
"Pitaako Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)"
"The Voorman Problem"

Best short film, animated
"Feral"
"Get a Horse!"
"Mr. Hublot"
"Possessions"
"Room on the Broom"

Best documentary short
"CaveDigger"
"Facing Fear"
"Karama Has No Walls"
"The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life"
"Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall"

There's one missing point I can't even believe. Tom Hanks on his role for Captain Philips didn't make it through Oscar nominee for best actor. Strange indeed.

And btw, not a single of them I've ever watched, so I can't really judge which and who deserves the Oscar. But I am positively suuure though internet has spreaded that 2014 is the worst year of Oscars, and how there are so many speculations out there.... all the nominees do, have the same opportunity to win.