Looking for Oscar Gold: After the Precursor Nominations...

Now that all of the precursors have announced their nominatinons it's time to reevaluate the candidates in the best picture race...

Booth- The ensemble nomination at the SAG's boosts it a lot which is really helpful because it was needing something big and I think that may be big enough to boost it into the Top 5.

Day of the Jackal- No ensemble nomination hurts the bait extremely, but still it's pretty much the Daniel Craig show, so it's not really surprising it didn't get in. However, if Daniel Craig is upset, it can kiss it's chances goodbye.

The Devil in Austria- No nomination for Daniel Craig kind of surprises me, but I think this one is completely out of the race.

The Gift of Life- The ensemble nomination helps it a lot and a win would be fantastic, but I think it will come up empty handed. Still, it has a lot of authors behind it, they just aren't BOTM winners.

Into the Woods- The ensemble nomination helps it a great deal and puts it in a category with 4 other top baits, but something tells me that a Best Picture nomination or any win at the SAG's won't happen.

The Killer Eagles- Getting a nomination in every category is something that hardly any bait has accomplished which only boosts the powerhouse. It is by far the safest bet, and the official frontrunner too.

Norjak- 3 nominations isn't bad including the much needed Ensemble nomination. It's still not in the spotlight, but I think an major upset at the Globes or the SAG's will happen and it will slide into the Top 5.

The Playground Factory- No ensemble nomination kind of surprises me, but it will need to win both it's categories to stay in the race, and I don't think it will happen.

Reminiscence- The ensemble nomination surprises me and the amount of nominations it recieved surprises me too. If it sweeps the SAG's expect it to recieve a Best Picture nomination and a possible upset win over The Killer Eagles.

My Predicted Top 5
Booth
Day of the Jackal
The Killer Eagles
Norjak
Reminiscence
Spoiler Alert: The Gift of Life

My Predictions for the Oscar Big 8 Winners (As of Today)

Best Picture
The Killer Eagles- The only thing hurting it is the hesitation of crowning Pat for the 3rd time.

Best Director
Todd Field, The Gift of Life- I think this is the category where voters will reward the bait

Best Actor
Daniel Craig, Day of the Jackal- The not so secure front-runner in a very strong category.

Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, The Killer Eagles- She is kind of shaky, there are many contenders right behind her.

Best Supporting Actor
Djimon Hounsou, The Playground Factory- This is were the bait will be rewarded.

Best Supporting Actress
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, The Killer Eagles- This could change at any moment.

Best Original Screenplay
Reminiscene- A strong bait will be rewarded in this category.

Best Adapted Screenplay
Aida- Upsets this category with a surprise win.

My December 2007 SAG Predictions

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams for Into the Woods
Lorraine Bracco for The Playground Factory
Taraji P. Henson for Silent Running
Virginie Ledoyen for Reminiscence
***Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio for The Killer Eagles***

Will Win: Mary Elizabeth Mastranio for The Killer Eagles
Should Win: Elizabeth Mastranio for The Killer Eagles
Spoiler Alert: Lorraine Bracco for The Playground Factory

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Paul Bettany for Reminiscence
Jeff Bridges for The Killer Eagles
George Clooney for Norjak
***Djimon Hounsou for The Playground Factory***
Hugh Jackman for Into the Woods

Will Win: Djimon Hounson for The Playground Factory
Should Win: Jeff Bridges for The Killer Eagles
Spoiler Alert: Jeff Bridges for The Killer Eagles

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
***Cate Blanchett for The Killer Eagles***
Sharon Leal for Aida
Susan Sarandon for The Gift of Life
Meryl Streep for Through the Monsoon
Lisa Tucker for The Coldest Winter Ever

Will Win: Cate Blanchett for The Killer Eagles
Should Win: Cate Blanchett for The Killer Eagles
Spoiler Alert: Sharon Leal for Aida or Susan Sarandon for The Gift of Life

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Paddy Considine for Reminiscence
***Daniel Craig for Day of the Jackal***
Clint Eastwood for The Killer Eagles
Ben Foster for Booth
Nick Nolte for Norjak

Will Win: Daniel Craig for Day of the Jackal
Should Win: Daniel Craig for Day of the Jackal
Spoiler Alert: Ben Foster for Booth

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY THE CAST OF A MOTION PICTURE
Booth
Into the Woods
***The Killer Eagles***
Norjak
Reminiscence

Will Win: The Cast of The Killer Eagles
Should Win: The Cast of The Killer Eagles
Spoiler Alert: The Cast of Norjak

Best Picture update coming soon!

My December 2007 Golden Globes Predictions

The nominations for the Golden Globes this month came with a few surprises, and I think the winners will come with a few surprises too.

(Not including Into the Woods, my bait)

Best Screenplay
Booth
***Day of the Jackal***
The Gift of Life
The Killer Eagles
Norjak
Reminiscence

Will Win: Day of the Jackal
Should Win: The Killer Eagles
Spoiler Alert: The Killer Eagles

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams, Into the Woods
Lorraine Bracco, The Playground Factory
Taraji O. Henson, Silent Running
Virginie Ledoyen, Reminiscence
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, The Killer Eagles
***Patricia Neal, Norjak***
Hilary Swank, The Gift of Life

Will Win: Patricia Neal, Norjak
Should Win: Hilary Swank, The Gift of Life
Spoiler Alert: Hilary Swank, The Gift of Life

Best Supporting Actor
Kevin Bacon, The Killer Eagles
Paul Bettany, Reminiscence
***Jeff Bridges, The Killer Eagles***
George Clooney, Norjak
Djimon Hounsou, The Playground Factory
Hugh Jackman, Into the Woods

Will Win: Jeff Bridges, The Killer Eagles
Should Win: Paul Bettany, Reminiscence
Spolier Alert: Djimon Hounsou, The Playground Factory

Best Director
Martin Campbell, Day of the Jackal
***Clint Eastwood, The Killer Eagles***
Todd Field, The Gift of Life
Mel Gibson, Reminiscence
Rob Marshall, Into the Woods
Bryan Singer, Norjak

Will Win: Clint Eastwood, The Killer Eagles
Should Win: Martin Campbell, Day of the Jackal
Spoiler Alert: Todd Field, The Gift of Life

Best Actress (Comedy/Musical)
***Sharon Leal, Aida***
Patti Lupone, Songs for a New World
Michelle Pfeiffer, Follies
Meryl Streep, Follies
Renee Zellweger, Into the Woods

Will Win: Sharon Leal, Aida
Should Win: Sharon Leal, Aida
Spolier Alert: Michelle Pfefiffer, Follies

Best Actor Comedy/Musical
Alec Baldwin, Silent Running
Matthew Broderick, Into the Woods
***Victor Garber, Follies***
Johnathan Rhys Meyers, Aida
Kevin Spacey, Follies

Will Win: Victor Garber, Follies
Should Win: Victor Garber, Follies
Spoiler Alert: Alec Baldwin, Silent Running

Best Actress Drama
Amy Adams, Through the Monsoon
***Cate Blanchett, The Killer Eagles***
Lisa Tucker, The Coldest Winter Ever
Susan Sarandon, The Gift of Life
Meryl Streep, Through the Monsoon

Will Win: Cate Blanchett, The Killer Eagles
Should Win: Cate Blanchett, The Killer Eagles
Spolier Alert: Susan Sarandon, The Gift of Life

Best Actor Drama
***Daniel Craig, Day of the Jackal***
Clint Eastwood, The Killer Eagles
Ben Foster, Booth
Nick Nolte, Norjak
Stellan Skarsgard, The Playground Factory

Will Win: Daniel Craig, Day of the Jackal
Should Win: Daniel Craig, Day of the Jackal
Spolier Alert: Ben Foster, Booth

Best Picture Comedy/Musical
***Aida***
Follies
Into the Woods
Silent Running
Songs of a New World

Will Win: Aida
Should Win: Follies
Spoiler Alert: Silent Running

(Making a Bold Prediction Here)

Best Picture Drama
Day of the Jackal
The Gift of Life
The Killer Eagles
***Norjak***
Reminiscence

Will Win: Norjak
Should Win: The Killer Eagles
Spolier Alert: Day of the Jackal or Reminiscene

Feel Free to Comment

My Thoughts: 2007's Final Oscars

As of now, it looks like there are about 8 conteders up for the big prize, and most will likely fall out of the race with the upcoming precursor nomination announcements.



Booth- Recieved fantastic reviews with it's debut and I think the precursor that will matter the most to it's sucess will be the Golden Globes. If Ben Foster upsets Craig however, it could gain a heavy amount of buzz. However, I think the lack of a Best Picture nomination hurts it enough to keep it out of the race. Still, it has a good chance of making the top five.

Day of the Jackal- After it's minor success with the Golden Globe nominations, this could easily make the Top 5, but I think voters may be hesitant because it is a remake. Daniel Craig is one of the things that makes this bait great, but will him also being in the hot contender bait The Devil in Austria hurt this baits chances. Personally, I don't think so, still it needs to sweep the Globes to recieve the boost to secure it's spot in the race.

The Devil in Austria- This bait had a lot going for it, but it's poor nomination count at the Globes hurts it's chances a lot. The only way this bait gains back it's lost momentum, scoring a plethera of nominations at the SAG's which I don't think will happen. Although, the name James Somerton does a lot for voters, so don't count it out of the top 5.

The Gift of Life- Ryan's bait has kind of come out of nowhere to really surprise everyone with the amount of support it has. It kicked Booth on it's butt and stool it's Best Picture Drama nomination from it and is a serious threat come Oscar time. Still, it needs a lot of SAG support to boost it into the Top 5.

Into the Woods- Michael's musical adaptation of the month has gotten some great reviews from forum members, but the academy voters have been a little hesitant. Still, it recieved 6 Golden Globe nominations and that helps it a great deal. I think the main thing stopping it, is it's genre which has failed to score big in the Big 8. If it gets the SAG support though, expect it to have a major shot at a Best Picture nomination.

The Killer Eagles- Once again, another fantastic western has been released in the contest and this time Pat has really outdone himself. The nomination count at the Globes only increases that off the charts buzz that it has gotten and winning both big awards at the new Academy voter Chris Perkins' awards doesn't hurt either. Some of the reviews have been less that stellar from Academy members, but it's still a safe bet.

Norjak- Tieing with Into the Woods with the second most nominations at the Golden Globe, this bait has a big shot at Best Picture that I think people are ignoring. It got good reviews, but something else needs to happen to get this bait a little more in the spotlight. While, I don't think it will sweep the Globes, having that happen definately wouldn't hurt, but I think it's success will come with a few surprise SAG wins that will push it up a few more spots in the rankings.

The Playground Factory- Just like Norjak I think this is a bait that people are forgetting about, proven because it's less that amazing success with the Golden Globe nominations, but I think a sweep of the SAG's will get people watching out for this one. I also think Bryce's past record will help people really find the charm the bait has and want to reward him for past work.

Reminiscence- It scored the 4 Golden Globe nominations it needed to really help boost it's buzz, and I think the forum is underestimating the power the bait has to upset The Killer Eagles for Best Picture. Even if it wins one of the categories, it helps this bait a lot more because unfortunately I think it may end up being forgotten. A lot of SAG love is what this bait and a lot of other baits need to keep their hopes alive.

HOW I THINK THE SAG'S WILL GO
Booth- 1 nomination (Actor)
Day of the Jackel- 2 nominations (Ensemble, Actor)
The Devil in Austria- 1 nomination (Actor)
The Gift of Life- 2 nominations (Ensemble, Actress)
Into the Woods- 3 nominations (Ensemble, Actress, Supt. Actor)
The Killer Eagles- 5 nominations (Ensemble, Actor, Actress, Supt. Actor, Supt. Actress)
Norjak- 3 nominations (Ensemble, Actor, Supt. Actor)
The Playground Factory- 4 nominations (Ensemble, Actor, Supt. Actor, Supt. Actress)
Reminiscence- 1 nomination (Supt. Actor)

THE BEST PICTURE NOMINEES
Day of the Jackel
Into the Woods
The Killer Eagles
Norjak
The Plaground Factory

Note: This is just a prediction and there were no biases on how my bait will be recieved. Please do not think that, it would be unprofessional and unethical to create fake buzz.

Baiting and Oscars in the time of Santa...

December baiting season is about to start, and how does it look?

Well judging by the amount of baits entered in the festival, and how many is listed so far in the "bait genre" topic I would say December will be: "Scarce". The real question, therefore, is, Will This December have the fewest baits ever published for a month? Last December didn't have that many baits either, but from the looks of things this year's decmeber might have less than 20 baits! That might not seem like a big deal for some, but November had near 50 baits, and even in April and May we had at least 30 (those were months we could only submit one bait). Obviously it's because of the season. Not only is Christmas/Hannukah time a busy time for almost all, but Oscar season is officially here with the latest precusor awards, so all us Oscar nuts may be getting pre-occupied with that. It will be interesting to see the outcome of the December awards, (and even more interesting to see the outcome of the Bait of the Year awards)

However, just because December is on it's way to having the fewest bait, I can safely say that it still stacks up as a great follow up month to November (which I think was our best month, ranking up there with July). If you have seen the festival nods, then you already have seen the effect Pat's "The Killer Eagles" had on our panelist. It's one bait to watch for in December, and stacks up as one of the greatest westerns written, alongside "Recoil" and "Bandito Express". There are a lot others that were really good too at the Festival, and I'm certain December will deliver, despite the chance of it having the fewest baits.

Good luck to everyone in December, stay tuned tommorow for the festival winners.

The 7 Best... Best Picture Winners

Alrighty, first up is Z's #7...

The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson- Along with its baity subject and excellent lead role, the bait's greatest strength was endurance. Even when people began predicting other winners at the time, this bait pushed its way through to become a winner. It also gets recognition for helping August 2007 become a worthy successor to July 2007, which stands as one of the greatest months for baits in the contest's history.

My number 7 is...

The World's Longest Suicide- While it may not be my favorite bait ever, this once again is what the contest is about. It is the best way to do a biopic and came at a time when D.W. really deserved Best Picture and this bait is his crowning achievement. The casting is great and like I said before is a film waiting to be made. This was really one of the first months in the contest that I remember it being the clear frontrunner that went on to win.

Next up on Z's list...

Bootleg- This bait gets recognition for being that little film that could, just like a Reitman movie should be. Adding to that its baity subject and spot-on cast, this was one of the Igloo's most welcome surprise victories. Plus, it really paved the way for more satirical baits that would follow in its footsteps.

And on mine...

A New Agenda- This win was a complete surprise to me because I was sure that an author would not win 2 Best Picture's until the Academy crowned some overdue authors, but none the less Daniel pulled off the win and it was completely deserved. One of the best comedies to ever be submitted in the contest and really a huge achievement for Daniel. Daniel, you should be very proud.

Coming in at number 5 on Zgamer's Top 7...

La Ventana- Never had I ever rooted for a bait to win best picture like this one. Everything about it just screamed BOTM material to me when I read it, from the terrific casting to the fact it was a foreign film, which at the time it was rare to find a good foreign bait. So it places on the list because it was such a change of pace from the usual BOTM winners as of then.

Going over to my list I have..

The Wall- What a way to cap off the best one-two punch ever in the contest. While, I still think Silence was the better bait, I was not surprised at all that The Wall won. It got more nominations than any other bait (that month) and it had tremedous buzz. This to this day remains one of the best baits ever and I still think that it would have won Best Picture had it been released in any other month, which is not true for most winners.

Grabbing the number 4 spot on our lists are...

Zgamer
Sandstorm- What better way could there be to start a new year off than to have such a well written bait win best picture? This bait could have easily just been a bait due to its deep characters, intriguing style and baity material. However, this bait earns its win because it set the bar for what the next year would turn out to be. So far, it has proven to be a great one.

Michael
Rivalry at 6 PM- This is one of my favorite baits of all-time because it is such a great idea that I would really enjoy if it were turned into a film. It's such a classic set-up and executed in such a classy way. The roles are all acting vehicles and perfect for the Oscars in my mind. I couldn't have been more surprised by this bait and I was SO happy that it won, because I was afraid it wasn't going to.

As for the 3rd place, Zgamer gives it to...

The World's Longest Suicide- This was the bait that came out of obscurity to sneak past the frontrunners and win the top prize. That could easily earn it any spot on the list, but the main reason it places so high is because of the innovations in the bait. D.W.'s bold casting, unique plot structure and excellent use of source material really made an impact on the contest and continues to do so to this day. One of the most well deserved wins yet.

I am giving it to...

Jackrabbit- Talk about perfect timing for Zgamer. This came at the perfect time and was well written and baity. It was right at the time when people were starting to say, "Hey he should win Best Picture" and he turned out one of the greatest baits of all-time. This is really that way people should be baiting and it's uniquiness helped it a ton.

Zgamer is giving number 2 to...

The Wall- This bait easily earns its spot on the list because of James Somerton. Not only did he write two of the site's most popular baits, but he was able to push them both to success in the same month. The win for The Wall was the Igloo's way of showing their appreciation for him pulling off such a feat. However you look at it though, it is one of the site's greatest best picture victories of all time.

I think this bait is #2...

Ironic Nonfiction- This was one of the first months that I really began to follow the contest and when I read the baits I absolutely fell in love with Daniel's comedy. I couldn't even put in words how funny it was and the synopsis was so well written that I was engaged the whole time. To this day I think of comedies and see if it would ever compare to this masterpiece and how perfect this really is. One of the best comedies ever written.

Here is Zgamer's Best Best Picture Winner of All-Time...

A New Agenda- Why do I consider this the greatest picture win of all time? Because this was the bait I think people enjoyed seeing win best picture the most. The bait itself was such a great read because of its sentimental value and quality, but what really made it noticeable is how well everything worked out. The cast was spot on, the director choice was perfect and the bait was just great on every level. Perhaps its greatest accomplishment though was how it rejuvenated the contest after a three month dry spell of outstanding baits. This was my personal favorite of its month and it is perhaps one of the best baits (particularly among comedy) the contest has ever had.

My Best Best Picture of All-Time is...

Fosse- This is probably a big surprise to you guys, but this is one of my favorite baits ever. It is a fantastic cast and the reason it comes in at #1 is because it was a complete surprise to me that it won. I was not expecting it to win at all and it comes out of one of my favorites months in the contest's history. This bait has grown on me a ton since it was first released and I think it's just a really class act.