Oscar Picks

My choices are listed in the order I would pick them.

Best Movie

1. Birdman – I think this is the best movie Michael Keaton has made. 
2. American Sniper – This was a very close second to Birdman.  It was fantastic.
3. Boyhood – The idea behind the filming of this movie over the life of a boy was unique.  The fact that all the stars committed to all of the time it took to film, was amazing.  

Best Leading Actor

1. Michael Keaton in Birdman – Again,  I believe this was his finest movie yet.  His portrayal was amazing.  I liked the fact that he was a former superhero (like Batman).  It was a wonderful execution of the role of Birdman. 
2. Bradley Cooper in American Sniper – This was a perfect performance and also worthy of the number one spot.
3. Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything – He was magnificent in a part that had to be difficult to play.

Best Leading Actress

1. Julianne Moore in Still Alice – She is terrific in any role she plays.
2. Felicity Jones in The Theory of Everything – I thought her part, which was opposite of Eddie Redmayne, was outstanding.
3. Rosamund Pike  in Gone Girl – I thought her performance was one of the best of the year and close to the top.

Best Supporting Actor

1. J.K. Simmons in Whiplash – He is an absolutely terrific actor  - always has been and always will be.
2. Robert Duvall in The Judge – He may be getting older but can still give a great performance.
3. Ethan Hawke  in Boyhood – He played the father and was fantastic.

Best Supporting Actress

1. Patricia Arquette in Boyhood – She was unbelievably terrific.
2. Emma Stone  in Birdman – She played the Birdman’s daughter and nailed the part.
3. Meryl Streep in Into the Woods – Here we go again for her.  She’s always at the top.

Best Animated Feature Film

1. Big Hero 6 – The animation in this movie was some of the best I have seen.  The scenes seemed almost real.
2. The Boxtrolls – This movie was quite good.
3. How to Train Your Dragon 2 – This was a good family movie

Best Director

1. Alejandro G. Inarritu in Birdman – How many times can I say how much I loved this movie.
2. Richard Linklater in Boyhood – Again the idea behind this was unbelievably fantastic
3. Bennett Miller in Foxcatcher – Terrific directing.

Best Horror Films (even though this is not a category I love them)

1. Deliver Us From Evil – This had a great story line.
2. Oculus – This movie was very suspenseful.
3. Ouiji – Just enjoyable.

Best Not Nominated

1. Robert Downey Jr. should have been nominated for an Oscar for his part in The Judge.
2. Clint Eastwood should have been nominated for best director in American Sniper.
3. Ben Affleck should have been nominated for his role in Gone Girl.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy should have received nominations for Best Picture.
5. If I Stay is another movie that should have received nominations.
6. Keira Knightley should have been nominated for her role in Begin Again.
7. Mark Ruffalo should have been nominated for his role in Begin Again.