Roundup: Academy members give e-voting an F
Also: 'Argo' is Ebert's #1, and the link between 'Silver Linings' and 'Amour'
An old-school Academy paper ballot -- on the way out.
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When the Oscar nominations are announced in exactly two weeks' time (!), they'll be a pioneering edition in two ways: not only will they land earlier in the season than ever before, but they'll be the first to be partially drawn from electronic voting. It's a brave new world and all, but after interviewing a cross-section of voters, Many of them aren't happy with the changes -- to the point that some of them, short of time to see the necessary films and/or befuddled by the security surrounding the online ballot -- may not bother voting at all. Scott Feinberg quotes one member as saying, "There will probably be a large percentage of people who will just say, 'Screw it,' and not even vote this year," and expresses concern that the changes could result in a record low in voter anticipation. Of course, we'll never know. [The Race]
Roger Ebert unveils his Top 10, and names "Argo" the best film of 2012. Another feather in the cap for Ben Affleck's steadfast crowdpleaser; I'm keeping my Best Picture money on it. [Chicago Sun-Times]
DGA president (and Oscar-nominated director) Taylor Hackford interviewed Quentin Tarantino about "Django Unchained" at the film's Guild screening. [Thompson on Hollywood]
Manohla Dargis celebrates two contrasting love stories in the Oscar race: "Amour" and "Silver Linings Playbook." [New York Times]
With "Les Mis" currently burning up the box office, will its popular appeal override its mixed critical reception to triumph in the Oscar race? [Gold Derby]
From "Best Exotic" to "Beasts," Pat Saperstein looks at the biggest stories in independent cinema this year. [Variety]
Wes Anderson chats to Glenn Whipp about the process of writing "Moonrise Kingdom" -- and forthcoming follow-up "The Grand Budapest Hotel." [LA Times]
The Playlist staff construct an alternative ballot for Best Director -- only one of the names on it, Paul Thomas Anderson, has a prayer at showing up on the Academy's version. [The Playlist]
Jaime Esteve Bengoechea responds to those critics taking "The Impossible" to task for its Hollywood-tailored demographics: take the movie for what it is, not what it isn't. [ICS]
The Guardian gears up for the New Year with a gallery of 100 films to look forward to in 2013. [The Guardian]
2012-2013 OSCAR PREDICTIONS
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Makeup And Hairstyling
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Production Design
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Visual Effects
Best Animated Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature
Best Foreign Language Film
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupJoe
December 28, 2012 at 9:52AM EST Reply to CommentEbert did NOT name Argo his #1 film of 2012. He put his list in alphabetical order. Argo was first.
Joe
December 28, 2012 at 9:53AM EST Reply to CommentNever mind. Sorry. He edited his initial posting
RichardZ
December 28, 2012 at 10:53AM EST Reply to Comment"feather in the cap"...There was that time when Kris used that phrase over and over again as he was live blogging the LAFCA and two other critics group's announcements. It was hilarious. Soon, this site will make its own style-guide and thesaurus.
Argo will take the prize this year. Ben Affleck will need host SNL, interview with Terri Gross and Charlie Rose, and pretend run for MA senate.
Luie
December 28, 2012 at 1:45PM EST Reply to CommentJust one typical example why reading Guy Lodge is annoying and non-informative - had "The Master" landed at #3 on Ebert's list, that would have gotten a mention. As it is, only the #1 pick is showcased in a way that lets Mr. Lodge minimize attention to other films and tout his own horn instead.
Chicago Cinema Circuit Guy is really the worst (I love you, Guy)
December 28, 2012 at 2:10PM ESTStacey's Mom Luie: I've read your comment about a dozen times in a row, and I can't figure out what you find annoying and non-informative, but I think you might be misunderstanding something. You can link to the full top 10 (it's right after the blurb, where it says Chicago Sun-TImes.)
December 28, 2012 at 3:04PM ESTKristopher Tapley I think most commenters can see that is a bizarre thing to write, but in any case, why would you NOT lead with said critic's #1 film? (And it's worth pointing out that "Argo" is very much in the hunt for Best Pic, while many think it isn't, so why not push the notion out there in combo?)
December 28, 2012 at 3:13PM ESTGuy Lodge "Roger Ebert names _______ the best film of 2012."
December 28, 2012 at 7:23PM EST"Roger Ebert names _______ the third-best film of 2012."
One of these seems a grabbier headline for a link roundup, but that's me.
I like the new handle, by the way.
CinemaPsycho
December 29, 2012 at 2:55AM EST Reply to CommentI think he's trying to say that because Guy Lodge likes Argo, and Ebert likes Argo, that Lodge is playing that up in his headline to make himself look better. As in, "Look! Ebert agrees with ME!" I don't necessarily think that's true, but I think that's what he's trying to get across...