December Best Picture Contenders

With very limited reviews this month, it seems as if it may be a mystery as to what baits will make the Best Picture lineup...

"Locks" (if we can say that)

• The Mystic- Arguably, it's the baitest of the month, and the synopsis is remarkable. However, it may split votes with Family Soupe. But, I'm betting BOTH will make the BP linuep.
• Family Soupe- Representing the comedy will be Family Soupe. Not doubt in my mind. The dynamic duo struck gold this month, and there will be even more gold going their way at the awards ceremony.
• Wonsaponatime- D.W. recreated the life of a brilliant man in a classy way. Expect this to be the nomination leader and probably the BP winner as well.

Possibilities

• A Tale of the Night- The chat is talking about the original musical a lot. The buzz is growing, but it may be lost in the shuffle.
• Pursuits- Family Soupe is the only thing standing in the offbeat comedies way. However, don't leave out the possibility of two comedies.
• A Life Before- Ryne had a huge comeback with this bait. Voters are splitting a bit more on this one, but in a not so strong month, it could make the cut.

More predictions to come soon!

Nutty November Featuring Aunt Linda

The following interview took place on November 11, 2008 prior to baits being posted.







Michael: As we all know, this month the Igloo Bait Festival had a record breaking ceremony, when Adrian James' newest bait Shadows of the Sun won every single category. Now that the baits, a record low, have been published many have already predicted the Oscars a sweep. Here to comment on this month and the baits that were just recently released is I's new correspondent and my very own Aunt Linda.


Aunt Linda: Thanks Michael for that WONDERFUL introduction...ghaa...

M: No problem, so Aunt Linda what did you think of Shadows of the Sun? It seems to be getting all the buzz as of now...

AL: BUZZ?! WHAT?!

M: Well, it's definately gotten the best reviews and it swept the festival so what did you think?

AL: Well first of all, why is it called Shadows of the Sun? The sun certainly doesn't have a shadow, let alone multiple shadows. Next, I didn't even know the name of the hero, if we can even say that...I gladly give this film a "What?"

M: Okay, well what did you think of "In the Heights", it seems to be promising...

AL: In the Heights?! I wish I were as high as those moviemakers who decided this was a good idea...it just didn't make any sense! I was wondering the entire time why people were dancing and singing in the streets of New York City, it just doesn't happen. I give this film a "Ghaa" and an "Oh, boy" NOT FOR ME! And finally my last film is IT..

M: Wow, you went to IT? It seemed pretty scary...

AL: I LOVED IT! It was well paced, greatly performed, and finally a movie that wasn't very long...I give this film a "THANK YOU!" and a "Learn from this Disney"

M: Well thank you Aunt Linda for seeing all these films for us, and to read all of Aunt Linda's reviews for this month keep reading I! where they will be posted soon...

I! Top 100 #40-1 Finale!!!

It's finally here. Your votes for the best of the best. The cream of the crop. The ace in the hole. Here are the 40 highest voted baits of Bait an Oscar:



40.) Dr. Death, written by Tony
39.) Criminal Origins, written by Zgamer
38.) Broken Pieces, written by Chris Perkins
37.) Dear Mr. President, written by James Somerton
36.) The Dead President, written by Pat (O, SAG)
35.) Behind Closed Doors, written by Chris M.
34.) Darwin Discovered, written by Maia (O, GG)
33.) Ironic Nonfiction, written by Daniel Crooke (O, GG)
32.) La Ventana, written by Brett (O)
31.) Pride of Baghdad, written by Alfredo (GG)



30.) The Arabic Cafe, written by Maia
29.) For Pay, written by Alfredo (NBR, GG)
28.) A Faith of One, written by Zgamer
27.) The Vampire Lestat, written by James Somerton
26.) Magic Lantern, written by Harry (O, F)
25.) The Wall, written by James Somerton (O)
24.) Gone Since November, written by Chris Perkins
23.) Cielo Drive, written by Brett and Dpac (SAG)
22.) Midnight Mass, written by James Somerton (GG)
21.) The Winter Sun, written by Tony



20.) The Bang-Bang Club, written by D.W. Dillon
19.) Sandstorm, written by Al (O)
18.) The Banality of Evil, written by Alex S.
17.) Dominion, written by Tony (GG)
16.) Realm of the Bird, written by Douglass Reese (NBR, GG)
15.) The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson, written by Josh P. (O, GG, F)
14.) Bootleg, written by Maia (O, SAG)
13.) The Wishbones, written by Chris M. (O, NBR, GG, SAG)
12.) The Killer Eagles, written by Pat (O, NBR, GG, SAG, F)
11.) Cinematheque, written by Alex S. (O)


--------------------


And now, the big 10. Drumroll please!:


10.) Destiny, written by Harry



9.) Mario Puzo’s The Family, written by Alex S. (NBR, SAG)


8.) The Valley of Ashes, written by Zgamer (GG, F)


7.) Silence, written by James Somerton (GG)


6.) Jackrabbit, written by Zgamer (O, GG)


5.) Wackos, written by Zgamer (GG)


4.) Bandito Express, written by Daniel Crooke (GG, F)


3.) A New Agenda, written by Daniel Crooke (O, GG, SAG)


2). The World’s Longest Suicide, written by D.W. Dillon (O)


And your new #1 pick....



The one you voted for...




is....





1.) Live From New York, written by Pat!!!!

Thank you for joining us tonight in the I! Top 100 countdown and have a great weekend!

I! Top 100's Best Actor, Supp. Actor and #80-41

Alrighty, here is part two of the I! Top 100. Sorry for the delay but we were partying with some ladies (college rocks!)

-------------------------------------

Ok, here are your votes for the 25 Best Actors of all time:

1) Julian MacMahon (The World's Longest Suicide)
2) Geoffrey Rush (Faded Red)
3) Ryan Gosling (Jackrabbit)
4) Barry Pepper (The Valley of Ashes)
5) Robin Williams (Midnight Mass)
6) Thomas Haden Church (Carter)
7) Tom Hanks (The Winter Sun)
8) David Straithern (Steamboat Disney)
9) Anthony Hopkins (Darwin Discovered)
10) Michael Imperioli (The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson)
11) Joseph Gordon Levitt (Broken Pieces)
12) John Goodman (Behind Closed Doors)
13) Peter O'Toole (Dr. Death)
14) Topher Grace (Gray Daze)
15) Tom Berenger (Borderman)
16) Micaulay Culkin (For Pay)
17) Jeff Daniels (Wackos)
18) Jeremy Davis (Judas Iscariot)
19) Max Von Sydow (Masterpiece)
20) Robert De Niro (Cherry Blossom)
21) Brendan Frasier (Once a Hero)
22) Joe Anderson (Here We Are Now)
23) Ben Foster (Booth)
24) Benico Del Toro (La Ventana)
25) Keifer Sutherland (The Bang-Bang Club)

--------------------------------------

Next up, here are your votes for the Best Supporting Actors of all time:

1.) Armin Mueller-Stahl for The Hussein Room (O, NBR, F\, GG, SAG)
2.) Cillian Murphy for Sandstorm (GG)
3.) Daniel Day Lewis for The Bang-Bang Club (O, SAG)
4.) Al Pacino for A New Agenda (GG, F)
5.) Samuel L. Jackson for Bandito Express
6.) Forest Whitaker for River City Blue (O, GG, SAG)
7.) Daniel Auteuil for Cinematheque (O, GG)
8.) Steve Buscemi for Wackos
9.) Ethan Hawke for Rivalry at 6 P.M. (GG, SAG, F)
10.) Kevin Kline for Silence (GG, SAG)
11.) James Gandolfini for The Winter Sun (GG, SAG)
12.) Daniel Radcliffe for Foggy London Nights (O, SAG)
13.) David Bowie for Ironic Nonfiction (O)
14.) Heath Ledger for Rush
15.) Hugh Laurie for Freak Show
16.) Paul Dano for Masterpiece (O, NBR, GG, SAG, F)
17.) Gary Oldman for The Banality of Evil (O)
18.) Artie Lang for Live From New York
19.) Alec Baldwin for Jackrabbit (SAG)
20.) Mark Whalberg for Cobra (O, NBR, GG)
21.) Samuel L. Jackson for Watts (O)
22.) Vincent D'Onofiro for Break Before Bend (O, F)
23.) Jeremy Piven for The Dead President (GG, SAG)
24.) Peter O'Toole for The Vampire Lestat
25.) John Malkovich for Forlorn (F)

----------------

And finally, we bring you the #80-41 baits of all time!!!:

41.) The Awakening, written by Gabby (GG)
42.) Faded Red, written by Brian Erickson (F)
43.) Dragontown, written by James Somerton
44.) Warner Girls, written by Anwar
45.) The Hussein Room, written by Brian Erickson (GG)
46.) Fosse, written by Alex (O, SAG)
47.) To Dwell in Evil, written by Tony
48.) Deep Secret, written by Matt
49.) Fresh Heir Vol. III, written by Brian Erickson
50.) Ralph's Food and Drug, written by Alex (GG)

51.) Masterpiece, written by Pat
52.) Recoil, written by D.W. Dillon
53.) Glass, written by Marcus Dennis (GG)
54.) Quiet Room, written by Sergio
55.) Rivalry at 6 P.M., written by Patrick D. (O, F)
56.) Six Days in 67, written by Alfredo
57.) Break Before Bend, written by D.W. Dillon (F)
58.) Cherry Blossom, written by D.W. Dillon
59.) Photograph, written by Pat (O, GG)
60.) Dubai, written by Maia (NBR)

61.) The Playground Factory, written by Bryce
62.) Inside You Out, written by James Somerton
63.) Lucky Clover, written by Sergio (O)
64.) Fallout, written by Zgamer
65.) Book, written by Connor Campbell (O, GG)
66.) The Poisonwood Bible, written by Brian Erickson
67.) Bruised Boys, written by Douglass Reese
68.) Judas Iscariot, written by George (O)
69.) Lord of the Flies, written by Zgamer (NBR)
70.) Once a Hero, written by Matthew LaRusso

71.) Imagine, written by Harry (GG)
72.) Flashes, written by Tony
73.) River City Blue, written by Ross (GG)
74.) The Madness of H.P. Lovecraft, written by D.W. Dillon
75.) The Breadwinner, written by Connor Campbell
76.) The Jersey Widows, written by Maia
77.) POZ, written by James Somerton
78.) A Work of Fiction, written by Douglass Reese
79.) E.L., written by Daniel Crooke
80.) The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Harry


Tune in tomorrow for the big winners!!!

I! Top 100's Best Actress, Supporting Actress and Director Winners

Hey all, Zgamer here. Look, I want to apologize for how this has been taking. I know I keep blaming college for this, which is technically true, but I should do better than what I have been doing. So, we're going to redeem the credibility of this by concluding it all in a three part event. I know people would like it better if I posted everything at once, but then where is the anticipation. So, every night at 9 for until Friday, we will unveil the remaining winners for each category. So let's start with the female acting and directing ones.

First, your choices for the Best Supporting Actress performances of all time:

1) Maggie Gyllenhaal (Behind Closed Doors)
2) Maribel Verdu (Borderman)
3) Amy Adams (Wackos)
4) Rachel Weisz (Faded Red)
5) Uma Thurman (Bandito Express)
6) Vera Feminga (Livestrong)
7) Lauren Bacall (Masterpiece)
8) Amy Sedris (Live From New York)
9) Meryl Streep (Book)
10) Miranda Richardson (The Assassination of Marget Thatcher)
11) Kristen Chenweth (Wicked (MAr.))
12) Julianne Moore (Dear Andrea)
13)Gretchen Mol (The Jersey Widows)
14) Rito Moreno (Havena Dreams)
15) Lindsay Lohan (The World's Longest Suicide)
16) Naomi Watts (A Child of Shame)
17) Kathy Bates (Rabbit Hole)
18) Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (The Killer Eagles)
19) Maggie Smith (Negatives)
19) Suzuka Ohgo (Owner of a Lonely Heart)
21) Tabu (Break Before Bend)
22) Cher (Seven Days to the Weekend)
23) Maggie Cheung (Imagine)
24) Mary Louise Parker (The Wishbones)
25) Tilda Swinton (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time)

------------

Next, your vote for the Best Actresses performances of all time:

1.) Jeanne Tripplehorn for Gone Since November (O, GG)
2.) Kelly MacDonald for The Madness of Lady Macbeth (O, NBR, SAG, F)
3.) Toni Collette for The Poisonwood Bible (O, NBR, GG, SAG)
4.) Susan Sarandon for Dear Mr. President (O, GG)
5.) Naomi Watts for Marilyn (GG)
6.) Emily Blunt for Warner Girls (GG)
7.) Anika Noni Rose for Dinah Was...
8.) Marion Cotillard for Once a Queen (O, NBR, GG)
9.) Cate Blanchett for The Killer Eagles (O, NBR, GG, SAG, F)
10.)Betty White for E.L. (GG)
11.) Reese Witherspoon for The Awakening (GG, SAG)
12.) Jennifer Connelly for Quiet Room (O, GG, F)
13.) Kate Winslet for Midnight Mass (GG, SAG)
14.) Maria Bello for Once a Hero
15.) Meryl Streep for No Way To Treat A First Lady (GG)
16.) Sandra Bullock for Dear Andrea (O)
17.) Mary Louise Parker for Cigarette Burns (GG)
18.) Catherine Keener for A Child of Shame (O, GG)
19.) Emma Thompson for Lucky Clover
20.) Naomie Harris for The Night Shift (O, NBR, GG, SAG)
21.) Stockard Channing for Mermania (O, GG)
22.) Kerry Washington for Six Days in ’67
23.) Christina Ricci for Wildflower (O)
24.) Ellen DeGeneres for The Realmother (GG)
25.) Natalie Portman for Fresh Heir Vol. III (O)


--------------

Finally, your vote for the Best Director choices of all time:

1. Quentin Tarantino for Bandito Express (O, GG)
2. David Lynch for Sweet Black and Blue (O)
3. Peter Weir for Jackrabbit (O, GG)
4. Roman Polanski for The Valley of Ashes (O, GG, F)
5. Tim Burton for Dali (O, GG)
6. Stephen Frears for Mario Puzo's The Family (NBR)
7. Clint Eastwood for The Killer Eagles (NBR, GG, F)
8. Joe Wright for Cinematheque
9. Mike Nichols for The Arabic Cafe (O, GG)
10. James L. Brooks for A New Agenda
11. Steven Soderberg for Sandstorm (O, GG)
12. M. Night Shyamalan for Dominion (GG)
13. Pedro Almodavar for Destiny
14. Darren Aronofsky for Flashes
15. Stephen Gaghan for River City Blue (O)
16. Ang Lee for The Winter Sun (GG)
17. Bernardo Bertolucci for Magic Latern (O, NBR, GG, F)
18. Paul Thomas Anderson for Live From New York
19. Steven Speilberg for The Wall (GG)
20. Noah Baumbach for Wackos
21. Robert Benton for Broken Pieces
21. Jane Campion for The Awakening
23. Sidney Lumet for The World's Longest Suicide
24. Hayao Miyazaki for Pride of Baghdad (GG)
25. Bernardo Bertolucci for Cherry Blossom


----------------

Ok, that is part one for you. Tune in tomorrow night when we unveil the male actors and bring out more of the Top 100 baits of all time.

August Oscar Watch: A Big 8 Rundown

The Bait an Oscar community waited axciously for ended up being hours for the Oscar nominatinos, and much to our surprise, there were a ton of HUGE surprises this month. So here at I! we thought we'd give our view on this month's nominations with a few predictions as well.

Best Adapted Screenplay
La Bella y La Bestia
Cry to Heaven
**The Film Club**
Sands of Mars
Sweetest Girl

This month, I think the actual Big 8 nomination count will influence how the Academy voted. In the cast here, The Film Club recieved the highest amount of Big 8 Oscar nominations (5) and I think it is the clear frontrunner here regardless of nominations. However, in this month full of surprises, I wouldn't be extremely shocked if La Bella y La Bestia took home this award. Traditionally, Adapted Screenplay has had a clear frontrunner, yet another bait comes along and wins.

Winner: The Film Club
Spoiler Alert: La Bella y La Bestia


Best Original Screenplay
American Hollow
Blackbirds
**Chateau Marmont**
Cloverleaf
The Drifter

A strong category this month with 2 close competitors duking it out for the win. My guess is the Cloverleaf and Drifter are long shots here, and that Blackbirds remains in the race because this is probably the Big 8 category it has the biggest chance in. American Hollow will probably lose to Chateau Marmont here, in a somewhat surprisings upset. By the way, where is Trick?

Winner: Chateau Marmont
Spoiler Alert: American Hollow

Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett, Cloverleaf
**Marie-Josee Croze, Chateau Marmont**
Anna Faris, No One Knew Her Name
Janeane Garofalo, The Film Club
Natalie Portman, Sands of Mars

First off, WHERE IS EMILY BLUNT? I'd argue one of the biggest snubs of the year considering that she won the Golden Globe and was nominated at the SAG's. However, without her I think Croze will take the gold for her double SAG award winning performance in the masterpiece Chateau Marmont. Don't count out Garofalo though, if The Film Club ends up on a losing streak at the Oscars, look for her to win the category. I also wouldn't completely count out Portman who shines in Sands of Mars, the vote could split between the two titans baits (Croze and Garofalo) and she could sneak in.

Winner: Marie-Josee Croze, Chateau Marmont
Spoiler Alert: Janeane Garofalo, The Film Club

Bset Supporting Actor
Warren Beatty, Cloverleaf
Robert Duvall, American Hollow
Peter Facinelli, Cry to Heaven
**Paul Schneider, American Hollow**
Anton Yelchin, The Film Club

A tough category this month, seeing as American Hollow could easily rule the category, or split their vote allowing Yelchin to sneak in and win. I'm going to bet however that Schneider wins the Oscar this month, and Yelchin comes in a not so distant second. Plus, WHERE THE DEVIL IS TIMOTHY HUTTON?! He slowly moved his way up to frontrunner status and then completely was skipped over for a nomination. Even funnier, a multitude of Oscar voters have said that 1. they put him on their ballot and 2. They had marked him down as the winner of the category. Bait an Oscar conspiracy...

Winner: Paul Scheider, American Hollow
Spoiler Alert: Anton Yelchin, The Film Club

Best Actress
Blythe Danner, No One Knew Her Name
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chateau Marmont
**Mary Steenburgen, The Drifter**
Julia Stiles, Trick
Tang Wei, Losing Xiang

Danner may be considered the frontrunner here now that Regura was amazingly snubbed, but I'm putting my money on Steenburgen to take the Oscar this month in a truely great performance, and this will probably be the only place that The Drifter wins an Oscar this month.

Winner: Mary Steenburgen, The Drifter
Spoiler Alert: Blythe Danner, No One Knew Her Name

Best Actor
Hank Azaria, The Film Club
Javier Bardem, La Bella y La Bestia
Leonardo DiCaprio, Blackbirds
Tommy Lee Jones, The Drifter
**Nick Stahl, American Hollow**

My personal pick for Best Actor is somehow missing this list, which to me is unbelieveable considering Gaspard was brilliant in Chateau, but we're left with this list and I really believe that this will be as expected and Nick Stahl will pick up a much deserved Oscar for his performance in American Hollow. Azaria will probably remain a distant second for his role in The Film Club.

Winner: Nick Stahl, American Hollow
Spoiler Alert: Hank Azaria, The Film Club

Best Director
Peter Bogdonavich, The Drifter
Francis Ford Coppola, American Hollow
Cameron Crowe, The Film Club
**Guillermo Del Toro, La Bella y La Bestia**
Christopher Nolan, Blackbirds

In one of the bigger Best Director races in Bait an Oscar history, many are predicting a two horse race for the statue, the two horses being Coppola and Crowe. While in that race I'd probably give the edge to Crowe, something tells me that there vote will split and the artistic vision of Guillermo del Toro will lead him to the podium at the ceremony.

Winner: Guillermo del Toro, La Bella y La Bestia
Spoiler Alert: Cameron Crowe, The Film Club

Best Picture
American Hollow
La Bella y La Bestia
Chateau Marmont
The Drifter
**The Film Club**

This is undoubtably one of the hardest Best Picture races to predict within recent memory and will go down as one of the most historic wins in Bait an Oscar history. I almost immeadialy elimiate Bestia and Drifter from the list, because the three titans that will likely rule the Oscar this month, dominate the category. Each have multiple things going for it, American Hollow has the biggest number of nominations, Film Club has the reviews and the awards success (see the Festival and the Golden Globes, and Chateau has the reviews and some awards success. My pick to win ends up being The Film Club, which will be Brian's first BOTM win in a very very long time. However, I'm going to guess that Chateau will probably come in second and the possible spoiler is American Hollow.

Winner: The Film Club
Spoiler Alert: American Hollow

I!'s 2nd Annual Top 100 Baits of All Time (#90-81)

Announcer: For over two years, Bait an Oscar has awed, enlightened and entertained audience and authors alike. The concept was simple: create your dream Oscar winning movie. What it became, however, is something for the history books. Ranging from the ensemble dramas to witty satires to whimsical fantasies, the stories written by these authors will surely be the audience and critical darlings they are meant to be. These are truly ‘the greatest films never made”. So without further ado, we bring you I’s Second Annual Top 100 Baits of All Time Tribute Ceremony!

(Montage segment)

Announcer: Once again, please welcome the one, the only, the nerdy: Zgamer.

(Zgamer walks through one of the doorways of the Hall of Baiting and faces the camera)

Zgamer: Geez, we really need a map here. Ok, tonight we have the continuation of our ceremony celebrating the Top 100 Baits ever written. We have received the votes, scoured the forums and compiled together the following section.

Before we start, I want to thank you for your continued patience and I especially want to thank my partner Bryce and this section’s comment volunteers (and BOTM winners) Alex S. and Harry. So here are your choices for the 90th to 81st best baits ever.

-----------------------------------------------

#90

Alex S.- Even if Michael's musicals are seen now with a little resentment, “Into the Woods” is one of the best executed adaptations from stage, dealing with a complicated story difficult to translate to movie terms, “Into the Woods” was a humble and uplifting musical that never pretended to be something it wasn't and that was its greatness.

Announcer: Released back in December 2007, this acclaimed Stephen Sondheim musical shines a new light on the lives of such classic fairy tale characters like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. Finally getting a big screen adaptation, Michael took the Tony winning musical and added a top-notch cast and crew to the mix.

Harry- I had loads of fun reading “Into the Woods”. It is a musical, but also a nice tribute to fairy tales with references to the little red Riding Hood and Rapunzel among others. My favorite part of the bait is some of the casting, particularly Amy Adams as the princess with very long hair. Her voice and talents would shine in this role. Rob Marshall, while being a little safe, would truly work. In “Chicago”, he proved that he could be an actor’s director with the musical genre. I don’t see why he couldn’t continue showing this with this project. As a whole, “Into the Woods” is a fun bait with a nice plot structure.

Announcer: Though it took a while, “Into the Woods” became one of the month’s hits thanks to its cast and entertaining subject matter. After a good precursor run, the bait became a surprise Oscar darling by nabbing the #8 spot and a win for Adapted Screenplay. Most people still consider this Michael’s best musical adaptation so far.

Zgamer- Musicals are particularly hard to do in Bait an Oscar and Michael took a risk by doing one of the most unbaity musicals ever. Thankfully, it just so happens to be one of the best musicals ever and Michael did his very best to do justice to the material. I love his casting choices and after seeing the musical on stage, I’m sure I’d be very entertained seeing it in the theaters.

(#90-INTO THE WOODS, WRITTEN BY MICHAEL)

-------------------------------------

#89

Zgamer: Batman? You’d think that would be a sign for failure. But oh boy, how wrong we were when we all read Tony’s “Scars of Tomorrow”. Not only is it one of the most entertaining baits ever written, but it has an inspired cast, crew and story that give the bait that distinct Tony feel to it. Thank goodness “Batman Begins” came out before this, because it just makes the bait that much better.

Announcer: Released in July 2007, “Batman: Scars of Tomorrow” brings another reinvention to the Batman mythos. However, Tony skips the origin story to go straight to the action, following Batman attempt to combat villains Two-Face and the Black Mask. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and with such stars as Billy Crudup, Ralph Fiennes and Benicio Del Toro, this had all the potential for a blockbuster hit.

Alex S.- Through his career Tony is known for always pushing the envelope in terms of storytelling and his first attempt with a familiar story was no different. With brilliant casting and kick**s villains, this Batman actually prepared us for this summer, without fears Tony gave us a gripping story.

Announcer- Hot off of good Festival buzz, Batman found great support from the readers. Many pointed out the all-star cast, compelling storyline and distinct style as sources of its success. However, the most praised aspects were the casting of the villains, with Fiennes as the tormented Two-Face and Del Toro as the insidious Black Mask. While it was never considered an Oscar vehicle (and still really isn’t), it found the right support to place #7 in the month and easily nab a Box-Office Success award.

Harry- This bait has two of my favorite supporting performances ever. It’s curious since both Ralph Fiennes and Benicio Del Toro play villains. “Batman: Scars of Tomorrow” is Tony’s masterpiece that chronicles Batman’s adventures and how Black Mask and Two-Face, the two previously mentioned villains, came to be. The bait’s character development is extraordinary and psychological. Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a fascinating director choice considering his film “The City of Lost Children” and Billy Crudup is also great casting. Tony proved that a superhero film could be taken seriously at the contest.

(#89- BATMAN: SCARS OF TOMORROW, WRITTEN BY TONY)

------------------------------

#88

Harry- Cinema is seen as art by some and as an industry by others. “Buzzed”, Zgamer and Chris P.’s fresh parody, is bashing the industry. This bait’s accomplishment is to achieve its goal by being symbolic rather than manipulative. Patrick Layton, the bait’s principal character, isn’t making a film for himself. All he wants is that his film wins an Oscar. To achieve this goal, the studio’s head decides to hire a film critic to write fake reviews in the Internet and assure the film’s Oscar buzz. While the bait’s story is lots of fun, if you look closer, the bait is defending cinema as an art and attacking cinema as an industry. Jason Reitman is a solid directing choice and the bait’s ensemble is simply perfect. All of this reminds us why “Buzzed” is the only team bait to ever win BOTM.

Announcer: Released in November 2007, “Buzzed” was the combined brainchild of Chris P. and Zgamer. The story centered on a satirization of the Oscar season, where a director and studio construct an elaborate plot to push their movie to an Oscar win. Directed by rising comedy director Jason Reitman and led star Jason Bateman, Andy Griffith and J.K. Simmons, “Buzzed” was poised to sink its fangs into corporate Hollywood.

Zgamer- To this day, I still attribute the success of this bait to Chris. He came up with the idea, he got most of the cast and he was the one who helped promote its success. I feel like I was just along for the ride. The BOTM win was pretty much his. But I’m glad that it all worked out in the end and I’m especially glad I was able to help Chris along his way to becoming the author he is today.

Announcer: Though it got off to a shaky start, “Buzzed” slowly worked its way into the hearts of its readers. Many found the bait to be quite funny thanks to its sharp writing and SAG winning cast, with stars Griffith, Simmons and Cloris Leechman earning the most praise. Come Oscar time, Buzzed surprised everyone by leaping into the BOTM spot while also winning awards for its Online Campaign and Original Screenplay. To this day, “Buzzed” remains the only team bait to win the big prize and one of the best satires in the competition.

Alex S.- Movies spoofing Hollywood are common, movies that do it right are rare. With a fantastic cast and a hilarious and quirky storyline, “Buzzed” is one of the best comedies released in the contest. Aiming for natural laughs instead of artificial humor, this is a great accomplishment.

(#88-BUZZED, WRITTEN BY CHRIS P. AND ZGAMER)

---------------------------------

#87

Zgamer- I remember reading “Steamboat Disney” for the first time back in August and thinking to myself “Why hasn’t this been made already?” Well, Daniel showed how it should be done. With an expert crew, great writing and a stellar casting of David Strathairn, this remains one of my favorite biopics of the competition.

Announcer: Released in August 2006, “Steamboat Disney” took a look into the life of animation pioneer Walt Disney. From his service in the war to his early success in animation to the opening of Disneyland, the legend’s life is fully realized thanks to the dedicated direction of a certain George Clooney.

Harry- Daniel’s storytelling is simple, yet emotionally profound. “Steamboat Disney” is one of the most heartfelt biopics I have ever read in the contest. During the inauguration of the Walt Disney Resort, Disney begins to remember moments of his life. This is one of the most intimate biopics, as it tells the story from its main character’s viewpoint, making it have more depth. Now, I don’t think I need to talk about the perfection of David Strathairn’s casting as Walt. Daniel then picks George Clooney to direct him like in “Good Night, and Good Luck.” Daniel can achieve such greatness with such ease, portraying depth from the simplest things.

Announcer: “Steamboat Disney” met with great praise in a month full of great baits. Serving as a companion piece to his other biopic “I, Bergman”, the bait thrived thanks to the help of Clooney and lead star Strathairn in what is considered one of the best performances of the competition. Then it came with one of the most shocking omissions ever as Strathairn missed the shortlist. Fortunately, the bait still succeeded enough to place #6 in the month and helping Daniel get his first Author win. One of the first biopics to stand out in Bait an Oscar, it remains one of the best too.

Alex S.- One of the best biopics in past years, the amazing story of Walt Disney was perfectly told by its helmer George Clooney and in a second collaboration Disney is flawlessly portrayed by David Strathairn. Dan Futterman's words are able to capture our attention and hearts in the telling of a story that changed the world forever.

(#87- STEAMBOAT DISNEY, WRITTEN BY DANIEL CROOKE)

-----------------------------------

#86

Zgamer- Josh P.’s career has been one of ups and downs. While I can’t say I consider this his greatest ever, “Paradise Lost” is definitely one of the most ambitious baits ever attempted. With an epic scope and a competent director choice, this could prove to be an interesting film if made. Sure, some may say its not perfect, but I give him props for being the only one to actually give it a shot. Plus, how often do you see a bait tackle religion in such a unique way?

Announcer- Released in April 2008, “John Milton’s Paradise Lost” details a complex story depicting the literal confrontation between God and Satan for the control of man’s destiny. Helmed by director Ang Lee and with such stars as Eric Bana and Jeremy Irons, “Paradise Lost” hoped to end Josh’s prolific career with a bang.

Harry- It is a shame Josh P. left. His casting, crew choices and storytelling were all impeccable. “Paradise Lost” is no difference; it is a religious epic that, if made as a film, would certainly be a grand spectacle with amazing visuals and solid acting. Ang Lee is the perfect directing choice and the crew is extremely impressive. “John Milton’s Paradise Lost” was the final great bait of a great author.

Announcer- “Paradise Lost” opened to a mixed reception. While many tried to point out flaws in the writing and the overblown cast, there were many who praised the bait for its epic story, Lee’s directing and Irons tour de force performance as the Almighty. Come Oscar time, “Paradise Lost” found good success, tying for #7 of the month and earning a prize for its Box-Office Potential. Though Josh is no longer active, we at least have baits like this to remember how great an author he really was.

(#86-PARADISE LOST, WRITTEN BY JOSH P.)

--------------------------------

#85

Harry- There have been amazing stories in Bait an Oscar. Brian’s “Ashes of Elmwood” can be included among those stories. It is the story of Suzanne Elmwood, a woman who gets kidnapped while being with her boyfriend Sean, and how her mysterious return affects the lives of the people around her. I saw images in my head as I read the synopsis, dark images that portrayed humans and their psychological shocks. The cast is a dream with Björk being one of the most original casting choices Bait an Oscar has ever had. Sidney Lumet is the perfect director. This bait will surprise with its many unexpected twists, and an unrevealed ending.

Announcer- Released in May 2008, Brian’s deep drama on psychological scars centers on a cop’s investigation of a child abduction and how it ties many in his life to the scene. Directed by the legendary Sidney Lumet and led by Don Cheadle, Ellen Burstyn and singer Bjork, this was a story with a point to make.

Alex S.- With it's complex story and excellently defined characters, this story holds your attention from beginning to end and distinguishes itself as one of the best baits of that month with an amazing performance by Bjork.

Announcer- While May was not geneally considered a competitive month, Ashes found a way to stand over the crowd. While it received praise for many things, it is universally acknowledged that Bjork’s Oscar winning performance that garnered its #3 of the month and Original Bait win and sealed its fate as a classic. Easily another great bait Brian can add to his illustrious profile.

Zgamer- Funny that it has been two months since this bait’s release because I still vividly remember Bjork’s performance. She was pretty much the reason why I loved this bait so much, as it was one of the most inspired casting choices I’ve seen. Add to that the fact the bait was really well written and you have pure Brian.

(#85- ASHES OF ELMWOOD, WRITTEN BY BRIAN ERICKSON)

-------------------------------

#84

Alex S.- This remake of “Day of the Jackal” succeeds in taking us back to the amazing 70's when this kind of movies were more than just action movies but also gives us a feel of the renovated genre by movies like “Casino Royale” or “The Bourne Ultimatum”. A very concise storytelling and a brilliantly assembled cast & crew make this filck something more.

Announcer- Released in December 2007, “Day of the Jackal” reinvents the Frederick Forsyth novel and previous film to tell a thrilling story of an attempt to foil a presidential assassination. Directed by Martin Campbell and led by new James Bond Daniel Craig, this thriller hoped to bring old school action back to the Oscar stage.

Zgamer- Ok, I don’t agree with some of the details of this bait, but you have to admit that this was a pretty thrilling story. I mean really, after “Casino Royale”, I’m positive that Campbell and Craig would do a great job keeping the audience at the edge of your seats.

Announcer- “Day of the Jackal” opened to stellar reviews from the get go, with many praising the compelling story and Campbell’s directing the most. After a good precursor run, “Day of the Jackal” proved to be an Oscar darling when it earned the #2 of the month, along with wins for Box-Office Potential and director Campbell. In a world where remakes usually are not good, Adam proved they can work.

(#84- DAY OF THE JACKAL, WRITTEN BY ADAM)

-------------------------------

#83

Zgamer- Whether you love or hate Pat as an author, you have to admit he does write some great baits. I personally feel “Border Man” is one of Pat’s purest hits because it succeeds with what it doesn’t tell us. It sets the stage, gives us the characters and gives us the motives. All it asks of us is to figure it all out. Luckily, he employed a great cast to carry the weight of the bait.

Announcer- Released in July 2007, “Border Man” delves into a story of interracial relationships as a border patrol cop gets involved with the girlfriend of a notorious drug lord. Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu and led by Tom Berenger and Maribel Verdu, “Border Man” brought a needed amount of romantic tension to the Oscar race.

Alex S.- “Border Man” was interesting approach to a familiar theme. Though some aspects of the overall story were less than stellar, the bait achieved to tell a human story with two fantastic characters, Maribel Verdu won her Oscar deservedly and Tom Berenger had a memorable comeback.

Announcer- “Border Man” opened to great praise from the public thanks to its simple but effective storytelling and a great cast of lesser known and former stars. After a great precursor run, “Border Man” became an Oscar hit by ranking #3 of the month and picking up a prize for Verdu’s supporting turn as the drug lord’s girlfriend. Pat’s reputation may be slightly tarnished in the eyes of many authors, but his work still speaks for itself.

(#83- BORDER MAN, WRITTEN BY PAT)

-----------------------------

#82

Alex S.- A story filled with so much symbolism, “Tabula Rasa” is one of the best epics and one of the most original baits I’ve ever read. Taking the theme of the anti-Christ has never been this exciting and more interesting. A visually arresting and breathtaking picture that never ceases to amaze you with every frame.

Announcer- Released back in October 2007, “Tabula Rasa” is Tony’s unique tale detailing a priest’s decent into madness and his new crusade to be the anti-Christ on Earth. With inspired directing and cast choices, “Tabula Rasa” was bound to cock some eyebrows.

Harry- I will first begin with the poster. It left me speechless. It is such an artistic achievement, with such a breathtaking style. Now, I move into the story. “His awakening chose his path. His war will choose his legacy”. This is a dark, gritty story about a priest who, after beginning to feel hate through a surreal hallucinatory sequence, begins to make bad actions including war. Randall Wallace is the screenwriter and Zack Snyder is the director. Both of these chose work incredibly well as a team. Jude Law is perfect casting. The writing is poetry, entering into the reader’s mind, penetrating disturbing yet beautiful images. This is one of the grand achievements of Bait an Oscar and another masterpiece in Tony’s incredible career.

Announcer- Upon release, “Tabula Rasa” was embraced by the public for being an epic and daring bait. Readers loved its superb story, excellent poster and Jude Law’s lead performance. A critical and precursor darling, “Tabula Rasa” went on to pick up the #7 on the month spot and win prizes for Best Poster and Original Screenplay. To this day, this remains among some of Tony’s most acclaimed work, which is saying a lot considering his profile.

Zgamer- Pretty much, I was sold when I saw that poster. In that simple yet detailed square, you saw everything that this bait had to offer. Style, professionalism, mood, maybe even some controversial stuff. It’s exactly the stuff Tony built his acclaim with and it all served the bait well.

(#82- TABULA RASA, WRITTEN BY TONY)

-------------------------------

#81

Harry- Recently, there has been an author with a passionate talent writing baits that go into the reader’s emotions. His breakthrough bait “Revenant Dreams” is easily among the finest baits this contest has ever had. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” is another profound summation to Jeffrey’s fascinating career. It is tells the true story of a Japanese teenage girl who gets kidnapped by Korean spies and then becomes one of them herself. The synopsis takes its time developing itself. It never lets you go until the bait’s strong climatic finale. The press section is a wonder as it perfectly depicts how these real events would be handled on screen. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” is emotional.

Announcer- Released in April 2008, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” was Jeffrey’s successful follow-up to his breakthrough hit Revenant Dreams. This true story, told as a foreign film, follows the life of a young Japanese girl kidnapped by North Koreans and her struggles growing up in that environment. Headed by an all Japanese cast and crew, it’s easy to believe that many may have been warded off by such a foreign bait.

Alex S- A marvelous story, constructed with perfection and brilliantly acted, this is one of the best foreign movies in the past years. With a story that translates in essence to every part of the world, “Owner of a Lonely Heart” excels in creating a true human story we all loved to witness.

Announcer- “Owner of a Lonely Heart” opened to great reviews from the community. Though some criticized certain flaws within the story, most everyone enjoyed the baits emotional storytelling and the fact it was a truly compelling foreign film. As Oscar time approached, its following was convinced it would become the big winner of the month. While that claim did not hold true, the bait did place #6 of the month, along with earning deserved prizes for Best Original Character and Awards Campaign. This was, and still is, one of the best examples of foreign filmmaking the contest has to offer.

Zgamer- I admit, I never heard of a single person in this bait. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised upon reading it, because it was actually really good. I didn’t like the ending so much, but it was still an emotional rollercoaster and really made me connect with Japanese filmmaking. Plus, how often do you see an excellent foreign bait in the competition?

(#81- OWNER OF A LONELY HEART, WRITTEN BY JEFFREY)

-----------------------------

Zgamer: Thus we conclude this section of the ceremony. We are still hard at work keeping the ceremony on its feet and promise to keep bringing you the baits that made it over the next weeks. I also wish to thank my volunteers again for all their help. So until next time, we wish you a good night and the best of luck to this and future baiting.

Recap of tonight’s winners:

::#90. INTO THE WOODS, WRITTEN BY MICHAEL::

::#89 BATMAN: SCARS OF TOMORROW, WRITTEN BY TONY::

::#88 BUZZED, WRITTEN BY CHRIS P. AND ZGAMER::

::#87 STEAMBOAT DISNEY, WRITTEN BY DANIEL CROOKE::

::#86 JOHN MILTON’S PARADISE LOST, WRITTEN BY JOSH P.::

::#85 ASHES OF ELMWOOD, WRITTEN BY BRIAN ERICKSON::

::#84 DAY OF THE JACKAL, WRITTEN BY ADAM::

::#83 BORDER MAN, WRITTEN BY PAT::

::#82 TABULA RASA, WRITTEN BY TONY::

::#81 OWNER OF A LONELY HEART, WRITTEN BY JEFFREY::

I!'s 2nd Annual Top 100 Baits of All Time (#100-91)

Announcer: For over two years, Bait an Oscar has awed, enlightened and entertained audience and authors alike. The concept was simple: create your dream Oscar winning movie. What it became, however, is something for the history books. Ranging from the ensemble dramas to witty satires to whimsical fantasies, the stories written by these authors will surely be the audience and critical darlings they are meant to be. These are truly ‘the greatest films never made”. So without further ado, we bring you I’s Second Annual Top 100 Baits of All Time Tribute Ceremony!

(A montage segment highlights clips from dozens of classic baits)

Announcer: To start us off tonight, we bring you the man in charge. Author of such classics as Jackrabbit and last year’s #1 bait Wackos, it’s Zgamer.

(Zgamer walks through one of the doorways of the Hall of Baiting and faces the camera)

Zgamer: Hello again fellow readers and authors. You know, it’s been a while since we walked down these halls. The memories we shared, the baits we read and the cheers we gave made last year’s event a time to remember.

(The camera zooms out slowly, to reveal a hall filled with blank spots)

Zgamer: But now another year has passed and a new wing has been built. All we need now is to fill it up with more baits. For over three weeks, the Bait an Oscar community sent in ballots with their picks for the greatest baits, actor and directors to ever grace the contest. For now, we’ll start with the traditional Top 100 Baits.

(Points to another hall)

Zgamer: But the actors and directors will have their time come shortly. Now let’s take a seat and welcome the first ten inductees to the new Hall of Baiting Top 100 Baits. Remember, these were voted by the community, so every ranking is final.


-----------------------------------------------

#100

Chris P: July 2007 still remains the best month ever for the contest and when I think about the great batch of baits that month, “Under Fire” definitely is one that comes to mind. It's still probably the best war bait since "Sandstorm" and Ryne did a terrific job gathering together a great all-star cast with standouts like Michelle Williams and Ludacris.

Announcer: Released July 2007, Ryne's sensational war drama, centered around the lives of soldiers in Afghanistan, witnesses the horrors and trauma each person faces fighting the War on Terror and how it affects them and those they love.

Ryne (the bait’s author): I love “Under Fire” because of its simple story about a "Forgotten War" as I make no secret in the bait about how I view it that way. The casting is my personal favorite part of it. I love Colin Hanks in that role along with Chris Bridges, who I feel is an underrated actor. I am honored to have it be in the Top 100.

Announcer: “Under Fire” received a great amount of praise when it released, making most of the Top 10 lists. In addition to placing #5 of the month, it won a well deserved best crew Oscar, along with a good amount of nominations at the SAG awards, and is also hailed as one of the contest's best war dramas.

Bryce: A lot of war movies in real life tend to try and focus on an anti-war/war is useless theme in their movies, and some of the past war baits in the contest have tried implementing this into their bait, but it comes off distracting and a bit preachy. “Under Fire” does not suffer from this, as it actually delivers this theme, and it's own, in a very effective manner that made the bait very memorable.

(#100- UNDER FIRE, WRITTEN BY RYNE)

------------------------------------------------------

#99

Chris P: December 2007 wasn't really a terrific month for baits but “Reminiscence” was one that stood out that month. I think mainly because the story is baity, Mel Gibson's direction was superb, and the leading performance by Paddy Considine was great.

Announcer: Released in December 2007, Tony surprised everyone with this haunting first person account of a man who is captured by the British and condemned to a Indonesian prison. We then experience the man’s attempt to survive while experiencing horrors like he hasn’t seen before.

Ryne: “Reminiscence” reads just like actually memoir entries of the main character which in Bait an Oscar's case doesn't offer enough to make a film, but Tony does a fantastic job with the press section at offering glimpses into what happens outside the cell walls. The press section paints the real picture of what “Reminiscence” would look like on screen and that is something rarely found in this contest.

Announcer: “Reminiscence” met with great praise from the forum, with people pointing out director Gibson’s handling and the stellar cast in particular. Oscar time was particularly kind to the film, awarding it #3 Bait of the Month and awards for Original Screenplay and Original Bait. Add the film’s great precursor run to the mix and you have one of Tony’s most harrowing and acclaimed baits ever.

Bryce: First person point of view is used a lot these days, and this bait is a great example of how it should be used. By putting us in the shoes of the main character, Tony was able to make the audience relate to the character's problem, motive, and emotions; while delivering a very intriguing and engrossing story.

(#98- REMINISCENCE, WRITTEN BY TONY)

------------------------------------------------------

#98

Chris P: I remember I first learned about the contest in March of 2007 and “Wicked” was one of the most buzzed about baits of that month. Choosing Menzel and Chenoweth as the two lead witches would definitely be approved by major fans of the musical and the rest of the cast were pretty interesting choices as well. Cuaron, though not the conventional director choice, seemed to fit with the epic and adventurous landscape of Oz.

Announcer: Based on the popular theater musical of the same name, “Wicked” (March 07), written by Al, was based in the world we all saw in “The Wizard of Oz”, but showed everyone there much more going on in Oz than we could of guessed. While “Wicked” had been done before in 2006, Al decided to adapt the stage version rather than go through the original book to give a new experience to the bait.

Ryne: I haven't seen the play so Al did a terrific job at painting the picture at what happened before Dorothy dropped in. Alfonso Cuaron is the perfect choice of director for this film

Announcer: Released in March 2007, the bait was met with huge praise from fans and newcomers alike, coming in at # 2 of the month. The bait won four Oscars for its Awards Campaign, Box Office Potential, Adapted Screenplay and Chenoweth’s electric performance. This remains to this day one of the most acclaimed musicals in Bait an Oscar history.

Bryce: Everything that was great about the source material, and the musical was in this bait. Al was successfully able to capture the brilliance of “Wicked”, and make us escape into a world we knew, yet knew nothing about.

(#98- WICKED (March 07), WRITTEN BY AL)

-------------------------------------------------------------

#97

Chris P: “The Great Fitzgerald” is the definition of baity. By 2006's standards, most casts were filled with big named stars so that's pretty understandable and the story, ensemble, and crew are some things that would guarantee real Academy Awards.

Announcer: Released in July 2006, “The Great Fitzgerald” brought a scrutinizing eye to the life of “The Great Gatsby” writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. The man’s personal problems, rocky love life and various roadblocks were all brought to life through the talents of the late Anthony Minghella and his all star cast.

Ryne: “The Great Fitzgerald” is the original ensemble piece in Bait an Oscar. In terms of the contest now, the cast might seem "bloated" but I love every aspect of it. Tom delves into F. Scott Fitzgerald's life and shows the difficulty in the way he lived. The Press Section is one for the ages, expanding on the synopsis while successfully baiting his actors. In my mind, the title is what really stands out. It is the perfect title if this movie would ever be made. Tom truly deserved to win Bait of the Month for this and I can only imagine what he would do in today's contest.

Announcer: “The Great Fitzgerald” managed to stand out amongst a crowded month, receiving its share of love and support from many of today’s biggest authors. The bait came somewhat as a surprise at Oscar time, winning Bait of the Month and Awards Campaign amongst heavy competition. Though the ensemble drama has lost some of its power nowadays, this remains one of the best.

Bryce: In a time when almost all of today's expert authors were total noobs and wrote baits that had many writing problems, “The Great Fitzgerald” stood out like a sore thumb. The writing can be compared to the writings of today, and became an instant classic

(#97- THE GREAT FITZGERALD, WRITTEN BY TOM HOUSEMAN)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

#96

Ryne: The thing that makes “Little Miss Murder” so good is its ability to make its audience feel a specific way. We feel sad when we are supposed to and we feel confused when we are supposed to. Its like we are characters in the baits itself.

Announcer: Released in September 2006, “Little Miss Murder” followed the lives of the infamous Ramsey family and the trial against John Mark Kerr for the death of one of their own. Many still find this bait a powerful read, thanks to support from “Capote’s” Bennett Miller and his stellar cast.

Chris P. A story like this would really be hard to tell but I think performances from someone like Susan Sarandon and direction by Bennett Miller would elevate something like this to Academy Award level work.

Announcer: Matt's bait soon became a huge forum favorite, winning a best ensemble at the SAG awards and garnering continued love for stars Cillian Murphy and Elle Fanning. However, many were stunned that both were omitted from the Oscar shortlists. Nevertheless, the bait found success with a win for Murphy’s Casting Choice and a spot at #8 of the month.

Bryce: Bait an Oscar has a lot of baits that tackle very controversial topics, and most, depending on how controversial, are met with negative reviews. This, however, did not apply with “Little Miss Murder”, which was handled its topic in a very appropriate manner to make it a great bait.

(#96- LITTLE MISS MURDER, WRITTEN BY MATT)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

#95

Ryne: The cool thing about “iLife” is the message it sends warning about how technology is slowly taking over daily life. It is one of the few baits in the contest to actually send a message to its readers while still being entertaining enough to not roll your eyes. The characters created are superb and it would make a great movie if actually made.

Announcer: Released in October 2006, Brian Erickson’s futuristic ensemble comedy pokes fun at the tale of various individuals and how technology has influenced their lives. Whether it’s the family whose mother tries to encourage time without it or quirky characters who thrive on its potential, the scenarios here are priceless.

Chris P: This was released during the time ensemble casts were the rage but I think that's really not an issue. The story and crew is really what stands out. Just a really fun idea.

Anouncer: “iLife” was met with great success from the get-go, earning unanimous praise for its originality and director choice. After a great precursor run, the bait became an Oscar favorite. Though narrowly beaten out for BOTM, it still ranked #2 of the month and earned awards for Most Original Bait and Original Screenplay. Among the baits from Brian’s first winning streak, this stands as the pinnacle.

Bryce: An ensemble with a great cast and crew, that was oozing with originality and was greatly written. It's one of the contest’s best ensembles that is hard to forget.

(#94- ILIFE, WRITTEN BY BRIAN ERICKSON)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

#94

Bryce For a long while, “Freak Show” was my absolute favorite bait of all time. I just love the uniqueness and originality of the bait. The story was so awkward but brilliantly delivered, and Tony was able to just hammer in how this bait would appear as a movie in your mind with his great writing and great press section. The characters were not only interesting, but just characters you really couldn't find anywhere else on the big screen. The crew was pitch perfect, and the cast was equal amount perfect. Reading this bait back in 2006, you knew Tony was going to be a force to reckon with in the future.

Announcer: Released in November 2006, Tony's classic followed a group of quirky and unusual characters in an effort to find the PERFECT clown. Helmed by mockumentary giant Christopher Guest, he extracts a bevy of laughs from powerful and unique ensemble.

Chris P: A very funny and hilarious ensemble comedy that was creative, fun, and really well written. I loved the fact that Tony used Christopher Guest and didn't use his usual stars (Catherine O' Hara, Eugene Levy, etc.) and used actors who really fit their parts.

Announcer: The bait became a huge hit thanks to its SAG winning ensemble, with such names as Hugh Laurie and Wayne Brady garnering the most acclaim, and is known as innovative author Tony's breakthrough bait. It went on to become the #4 bait of November 2006 and won an Oscar for its quirky Original Screenplay.

Ryne: “Freakshow” is a true Christopher Guest comedy, which is hard to pull off in this contest. Tony has the ability to show us the characters and let ourselves play out the moments in our head, which is difficult to do.

(#94- FREAK SHOW, WRITTEN BY TONY)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#93

Chris P: “Cigarette Burns” has the same spirit of something like "Bootleg" or "Buzzed". It's a funny bait set in the movie business and its very well cast. Mary Louise Parker delivered one hell of a performance and it's a shame she wasn't nominated at the Oscars. It was just the beginning of the greatest comedy trilogy ever and Ben really set the standards of how Hollywood satires and comedies should be written.

Announcer: The first installment in Ben's famous "Hollywood Sucks" Trilogy, “Cigarette Burns” followed a mis-understood actress trying to get out of the film business by screwing up the films she has to be involved with. Directed by Paul Weitz and featuring a star performance by Mary-Louise Parker, this bait was chucked full of laughs throughout.

Bryce: A Bait with a great concept, and paved the way for one of my favorite trilogies of all time. The bait had an inspiring crew, and likeable cast. It’s really one of the contest’s comedy gems.

Announcer: Released in December 2006, this bait kick-started what became one of the best trilogies of the contest, and ended up becoming a forum hit. After a successful precursor run that nabbed Parker a Golden Globe, the film placed #7 of the month and won Oscars for Original Character and Tagline.

Ryne: Cigarette Burns was the perfect way for Ben Miller to begin his Hollywood Sucks trilogy. Its a quirky comedy with some of the best characters of 2006. Mary-Louise Parker is near perfect casting and truly one of the best performances of the contest. Personally, my favorite part is Ian McShane's role as the director. I love Deadwood and think he would be great in that comedic turn.

(#93-CIGARETTE BURNS, WRITTEN BY BEN MILLER)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#92

Chris P: I really liked “The Last Page”. The cast is great and the story is very spooky and imaginative, Glenn Close was sensational in her part, and I can see why she won the Oscar that month.

Announcer: When an author's book changes to become the point of view of her dead daughter's, the author embarks on a supernatural journey to find answers about her daughter's life.

Ryne: “The Last Page” is definitely my guilty pleasure bait. Its weird and quirky and great in my eyes. Its one of the only baits that actually left me in a state of suspense for the entire bait. I only wish Maia would tell me the ending cause I'm dying to know

Announcer: Released in June 2007, Maia's bait was one of the month’s sleeper hits, with good praise and word of mouth helping it become #14 of the month. However, it was Close’s Oscar winning performance that gave it the push it needed to be a lasting favorite.

Bryce: Maia took a risk with this bait and it paid off. She was able to give us one of the most successful supernatural dramas of the contest, with a bait that had a great crew, and a compelling story.

(#92- THE LAST PAGE, WRITTEN BY MAIA)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

#91

Ryne: “Rush” truly shows us what a great author Ross could have been had he stayed in the contest. With a great original story line, and an outstanding performance by Heath Ledger, I feel it far surpassed any bait that month. The casting is great and the choice of Michael Mann is one of my favorite directing choices of the contest.

Announcer: Released in May 2007, “Rush” follows a photojournalist who travels to India only to be caught up in a natural disaster, where the nuclear reactor leaks causing a city to go through some tragic times. However, when he goes missing, his editor hires a mercenary to venture in and recover him.

Bryce: One of the best Michael Mann baits ever written, Ross is able to keep the audience guessing to what is in store for the main character, and provide for us a story that is very intriguing and entertaining.

Announcer: Upon release, “Rush” became one of the most talked about bait's of the month. Thrilling audiences with its intelligent plot, fast pace and terrific cast led by Russell Crowe and the late Heath Ledger, the bait easily earned #3 of the month while also winning Oscars for its cast and Michael Mann.

Chris P: Man, when I think about this bait it just makes me know how great Heath Ledger would have been in a role like this. His performance is really what stood out for me and the story was very baity and intriguing as well.

(#91- RUSH, WRITTEN BY ROSS)

----------------------------------------------------------

Zgamer: And thus that concludes tonight’s ceremony. Don’t worry, our staff at I! is working double-time to make sure the next installment is up and running ASAP. We will make sure to inform you all about it when the time comes. So until next time, we leave you with a recap of the night’s inductees:

::100. Under Fire, written by Ryne::

::99. Reminiscence, written by Tony::

::98. Wicked (March 07), written by Al::

::97. The Great Fitzgerald, written by Tom Houseman::

::96. Little Miss Murder, written by Matt::

::95. iLife, written by Brian Erickson::

::94. Freakshow, written by Tony::

::93. Cigarette Burns, written by Ben Miller::

::92. The Last Page, written by Maia::

::91. Rush, written by Ross::

August Igloo Award Winner!

Best Picture
The Film Club

Best Director
Guillermo del Toro, La Bella Y La Bestia

Best Actor
Gaspard Ulliel, Chateau Marmont

Best Actress
Mary Steenburgen, The Drifter

Best Supporting Actor
Paul Schneider, American Hollow

Best Supporting Actress
Emily Blunt, Cry to Heaven

Best Original Screenplay
American Hollow

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Film Club

The Andrews Author Award
Brian

Best Ensemble
Chateau Marmont

Best Performance of the Month

*TIE*
Emily Blunt, Cry to Heaven
Gaspard Ulliel, Chateau Marmont

The Sunshine Bait (Bait With The Best Feel)
The Film Club

The August I! Award Nominations

Best Picture
American Hollow

Chateau Marmont

Cry to Heaven

The Film Club

Trick

Best Director

Cameron Crowe, The Film Club

Francis Ford Coppola, American Hollow

Milos Forman, Cry to Heaven

Christopher Nolan, Blackbirds

Guillermo del Toro, La Bella Y La Bestia

Best Actor

Hank Azaria, The Film Club
William Dafoe, Sands of Mars

Nick Stahl, American Hollow

Luke Treadway, Cry to Heaven

Gaspard Ulliel, Chateau Marmont

Best Actress

Blythe Danner, No One Knows Her Name

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chateau Marmont

Tang Wei, Losing Xaing

Mary Steenburgen, The Drifter

Julia Stiles, Trick

Best Supporting Actor

Robert Duvall, American Hollow

Peter Facinelli, Cry to Heaven

Andrew Garfield, Chateau Marmont

Emile Hirsch, Blackbirds

Paul Schneider, American Hollow

Anton Yelchin, The Film Club

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett, Cloverleaf

Emily Blunt, Cry to Heaven

Marie-Josee Croze, Chateau Marmont

Janeane Garofalo, The Film Club

Natalie Portman, Sands of Mars

Best Original Screenplay

American Hollow

Blackbirds

Chateau Marmont

The Drifter

Trick

Best Adapted Screenplay

La Bella Y La Bestia

Cry to Heaven

The Film Club

Sands of Mars

Sweetest Girl

The Andrews Author Award

Alex S. and Chris M.

Brian

Douglas Reese

James Somerton

Tony

Best Ensemble

American Hollow

Chateau Marmont

Cry to Heaven

The Film Club

Trick

Best Performance of the Month

Emily Blunt, Cry to Heaven

Robert Duvall/Nick Stahl, American Hollow

Peter Fonda.Paul Schinder, American Hollow

Gaspard Ulliel, Chateau Marmont
Anton Yelchin, The Film Club

The Sunshine Bait
American Hollow

La Bella Y La Bestia

Chateau Marmont

The Film Club

Sands of Mars

August Bait Reviews

American Hollow- While, not quite the masterpiece I was expecting...the ensemble does live up the hype. A fantatstic way to start of the month, but most of the writing seems stale. I do love it, but the writing leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I don't like revealing the ending in this case. B+

La Bella Y La Bestia- Previously Reviewed

Blackbirds- The use of time bothers me, it seems unrealistic, and there are many grammer errors, including i instead of I, which gets on the nerves because it is written in first person. I like the director choice, but DiCaprio seems off to me, though the Hirsch casting makes up for it. Could have been better. C+

Chateau Marmont- Great Garbo? TYPO, sorry had to point it out. Ambitious, yes and a bloated cast, but overall I really enjoyed it. Ulliel, is my favorite Actor performance so far and the press section is wonderful. Parts are confusing, but the main idea wins me over. Great job! A-

Cloverleaf- Ehh, not my favorite, but there are supporting acting performances that I can see myself enjoying. The writing is interesting, but nothing really grabs my attention and makes me want more of the bait. Not your best D.W. B-

Cry to Heaven- I really loved this bait, because I think in all of its unbaityness, it is ultimately baity. Emily Blunt is amazing in her role, and the ensemble seems strong. Forman/Hare are fantastic choices, and it keeps me interested. Great job! B+

The Drifter- A lot better of a bait than I was expecting. Steenburgen is an inspired casting choice in a role that is great for her. The setting kind of throws me, but its alright because by the end I'm rooting for the characters and invested in the story, something I rarely find in baits. Great job! B+

The Film Club- The best bait of the month, a fact I am quite sure of. While, I don't agree with the Azaria casting, the story is to great to ignore, and the characters are ones to love. A real gem, that I could almost argue is the best bait of the year. A triumph in Bait an Oscar, and a brilliant piece of work. A

High Times- While this could potentially be an entertaining movie, Bait an Oscar isn't the right place for it. The cast is extremely bloated, and seems a bit unrealisitc, and the press section not quite up to par. Not the best of the month, I was expecting more... C-

Neverland- My bait.

No One Knew Her Name- I don't understand what the title has to do with the bait, but Blythe Danner has a great role. However, the story is sappy and unoriginal, it could have been brilliant, but unfortunately it fell short. I do applaud you for casting Anna Faris though, I love her a ton. B-

Losing Xiang- Why was this almost thrown out of the contest? One of the great mysteries of Bait an Oscar, but this isn't the greatest bait in the contest either. The story is long and drags in places, but don't be surprised when Wei starts gaining nominations for her role. Nothing spectacular, but not horrid by any stretch of the imagination. C+

Lost Soul- Previously reviewed.

The Rural Juror- I think this is one of the better comedies this month actually, not sure Mirren was the perfect choice, but I like this bait a lot more as a comedy. A gem in my mind that I think is terribly overlooked. B

Sands of Mars- I really like this bait, but I'm not sure I like the del Toro pick, it worked better for Bella. Dafoe and Portman stand out in there roles, and this is something I could see myself actually enjoying on the big screen. Good job! B

Sweetest Girl- I applaud the casting of Akon, because I don't really think of him as an actor, but this isn't the only area where the bait fails. I wasn't very entertained, and it seems like its been done before. Not your personal best, nor the months best...at all. D

Trick- The surprise of the month. This is a brillaint bait that shouldn't be ignored, while it reminds me of Wackos, it is different enough that it doesn't really matter to me and it make me laugh quite a few times. A surprisingly strong ensemble makes this bait one that you can't miss. A-

A Twisted Family History- Previously Reviewed

August Preview: Early Oscar Predictions

Here are our predictions... in July we went 4/8 once the nominations were announced, and this month we decided to have full Big 8 predictions before the baits were released, hopefully we can keep this going...

Best Picture
American Hollow
Blackbirds
Chateau Marmont
Cry to Heaven
**The Film Club**

Best Director
Francis Ford Coppola, American Hollow
Cameron Crowe, The Film Club
Milos Forman, Cry to Heaven
Christopher Nolan, Blackbirds
**Guillermo Del Toro, La Bella Y La Bestia**

Best Actor
Hank Azaria, The Film Club
Leonardo DiCaprio, Blackbirds
Peter Facinelli, Cry to Heaven
**Nick Stahl, American Hollow**
Gaspard Ulliel, Chateau Marmont

Best Actress
Blythe Danner, No One Knows Her Name
Helen Mirren, The Rural Juror
Ellen Page, High Times
**Mary Steenburgern, The Drifter**
Tang Wei, Losing Xiang

Best Supporting Actor
Robert Duvall, American Hollow
Emile Hirsch, Blackbirds
Timothy Hutton, The Drifter
Paul Schneider, American Hollow
**Anton Yelchin, The Film Club**

Best Supporting Actress
**Emily Blunt, Cry to Heaven**
Marie-Josee Croze, Chateau Marmont
Janeane Garoffalo, The Film Club
Natalie Portman, Sands of Mars
Uma Thurman, Neverland

Best Original Screenplay
**American Hollow**
Blackbirds
Chateau Maramont
The Drifter
Neverland

Best Adapted Screenplay
Cry to Heaven
**The Film Club**
La Bella Y La Bestia
The Rural Juror
Sands of Mars

Is Pat back?

check out the 4th post of this thread.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/503528/thread/1218342434/last-1218389051/Inglorious+Bastards

is it pat?

August Preview: An Inside Look at the Festival

"The festival this month was not very good," reports Chris Perkins, head author of The Bait Spot, who also served as a panelist for the Festival this month. "Overall, there just weren't to many that really stood out...I had a tough time making a ballot..." he added. The Film Club, American Hollow, and Cry to Heaven seem to be the early favorites to rule the month said author Joshua, in a recent conversation. "I believe Blackbirds, Neverland, Sands of Mars, and Cloverleaf have a shot as well." he commented in the Chat Room.

Many panelists agreed that there were many contenders for the "Razzie's" this month, but the Oscars may be a bit of stretch for most hopefulls this month. The most widely agreed upon fact however is that the Best Actor race is extremely crowded. "Azaria, Stahl, Ruffalo, and Di Caprio were all my favorites," said Joshua. American Hollow seems to be the frontrunner for Best Ensemble as many have pointed out, everyone in the cast are great. Many authors are starting to predict The Film Club and American Hollow are already locks for Best Picture, with one of the two battling it out for the gold; many have also pointed out that there are many baits that have yet to be read that could be amazing as well, most pointing to the highly anticipated Alex S./Chris M. bait. as well as August: Osage County straight from Broadway thanks to Alex.

Nominations for the Igloo Festival are expected to be posted tomorrow, so stay tuned for the official I! reaction.

August Preview: Evan's A Twisted Family History

In this twisted story involving a lot of death, deception, and "love", Evan certainly proves that he can come up with an interesting story. With a somewhat good cast (I question the choice of Keri Russell, even though I love her) and a good crew, A Twisted Family History doesn't seem too wierd until you get to the brilliant tagline, which hints that this could be one of his best ever, however the synopsis lacks in areas. Parts are definately hard to understand, yet over the story is compelling, but the ending is revealed, a mistake on Evan's part. The ending itself is weak compared to the rest of the story, and isn't really nessecary considering you basically find out the ending in the first line, however the press section is good, but it's not a typical Evan bait. With a strong campaign, this could easily be one to look out for, but in a strong month, it wouldn't stand out.

Grade: B-

August Preview: Douglas Reese's La Bella y la Bestia

The classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, has a bit of a new look now thanks to Douglas Reese's August bait. Directed by Guillermo Del Toro, the bait has some great things about it, including a near perfect director choice. The bait seems to tailor to Del Toro, and as of now, he is a lock for a nomination in my opinion, but the bait lacks in a few areas. The story, while captivating, is a bit out there sometimes, even for Del Toro. The descriptions, create a vivid picture in the brain, that didn't really work for me at all times. Many characters are not present in this version that are in the classic Disney film, such as the fun loving objects around the castle, yet Douglas makes up for it with a talented cast, and an interesting adaptation. The press section is definatley weaker than the rough draft synopsis, and doesn't really seem like a review at all IMO, yet it didn't really bother me all that much. The synopsis needs to be shortened (which is likely considering this is a rough draft) and has a few childish writing moments, but hopefully all this will be gone. The crew is extremely large however, and Douglas campaigns in a few wrong areas, plus the Mexican feel to it isn't much my taste. I do miss the comfort of Disney but, you get a suitable story, good cast, and a strong bait, sounds good to me!

Grade: B

August Preview: Pierre's Lost Soul

Pierre's August bait, Lost Soul, is the story of acclaimed singer/performer Marvin Gaye, played here by Laz Alonzo. The cast is extremely bloated with such stars as Sharon Leal, Alfrie Woodard, and Denzel Washington, but the crew leaves me interested with Spike Lee as director. The writing overall could be a lot better with numorous grammar errors, as well as feeling like I'm reading a Wikipedia page about Marvin. The awards campaign isn't very well written either, and the actors that are campained leave a bad taste in my mouth. This could easily have been a gem, but it feels like the early days of Bait an Oscar, bloated casts, bad grammer, and simply unbelieveable.

Grade: D

July Oscar Watch: I! Reader Results

After conducting polls to see which baits/actors were the favorites, here are the reader predictions for the month of July...



Best Picture
Winner- The Violinist
2nd Place- In the Land of Eden
3rd Place- Tuskgee
4th Place- After the Fall
5th Place- The Monster of Florence

Best Actor
Winner- Jack Nicholson, After the Fall
Spoiler Alert- Derek Luke, Tuskegee

Best Actress
Winner- Julie Christie, Neighbors
Spoiler Alert- Sigourney Weaver, After the Fall

Best Supporting Actor
Winner- Ian McKellan, Hale's Inferno
Spoiler Alert- Tom Sturridge, The Violinist

Best Supporting Actress
Winner- Sophie Okonedo, After the Fall
Spoiler Alert- Angela Bassett, Tuskegee

The Bait an Oscar Mole?

Did anybody else see this? The he/she commented on I! and The Bait Spot, posting the address to his blog, where he was planning to be the 100% true view on Bait an Oscar, yet never revealed his/her idenity. Any idea who this poser was? If you go on over to the chat room you can see all the thoughts that have already sprung up, its pretty entertaining, so thanks for the laugh!

July Oscar Watch: Results

This is the accuracy of our predictions here on I! guys...



Best Picture- 5/5

Best Director- 4/5
Our Wrong Guess: Mike Nichols, Neighbors
The Result- Brian DePalma, In the Land of Eden


Best Actor- 4/5
Our Wrong Guess: Lee Pace, The Violinist
The Result- Christian Bale, The Aftermath

Best Actress- 5/5

Best Supporting Actor- 3/5
Our Wrong Guesses: Christian Clemenson, The Monster of Florence & Joe Odagiri, Sacred
The Result- Sacha Baron Cohen, The Monster of Florence & Joel Grey, Neighbors

Best Supporting Actress- 4/5
Our Wrong Guess: Rosemary Harris, The Violinist
The Result: Sienna Miller, The Violinist

Overall: 25/30= 83%

The wait is agonizing...

Can't wait for nominations to be posted. I know we're supposed to be patient, but the wait is agonizing lol.

July Oscar Watch: Best Picture

1. The Violinist- I stand by what I have said, and I think that this will be the winner of the month. A lot of BOTM voters give it solid reviews and it's closest rival doesn't have the love of some BOTM voters. Expect this to be the winner of the month..

2. Tuskegee- Bryce is probably the most overdue author on the site, and voters may want to reward one of his most succesful baits ever. Although, some voters found it overrated and didn't put it in their top 5. With hardly any buzz for the bait itself, it may be a bit forgotten, and not win the month.

3. After the Fall- The most highly acclaimed team bait since The Bluest Eye is sure to break into the Top 5, and have one of the higher nomination tallies as well. Don't expect it to take BOTM, but it's a solid candidate if the nominations aren't what predicted.

4. The Monster of Florence- With solid BOTM winner support, this bait could easily garner Michael's 2nd career BP nomination. However, with so many baits fighting for spots this month, it could easily be left out in the cold.

5. In the Land of Eden- One of the baitier baits of the month is likely to get a spot, but in recent discussions with BOTM authors, they seem to have forgotten about it. Can it withstand a wild and crazy month?

Still in the Running:

6. Neighbors- A solid bait could easily sneak in the Top 5, and if so, expect it to have a huge nomination tally as well.

7. Sacred- Much like In the Land of Eden, voters have sort of forgotten about the highly praised bait, however if the nominations are as up in the air as some authors believe them to be, this could easily sneak in.

July Oscar Watch: Best Director

1. Tony Kaye, Tuskegee- The clear frontrunner in my opinion, there isn't much strong competition this month, and I feel like the choice is perfect. He's won the majority of precursors, and voters agree he's a good choice. Expect him to take home the gold.

2. Andrew Dominik, The Violinist- A refreshing choice that the Academy could really eat up, he was extremely close behind Kaye with the NBR, but something tells me the frontrunner will actually win this time.

3. Mike Nichols, Neighbors- A good director choice for a solid bait will make this nomination happen. I doubt he'll win, but I could see the old vet coming out of nowhere and be the one walking up to the podium.

4. John Boorman, After the Fall- Much like Dominik, it's a refreshing choice that the Academy could go for, provided that there is a surprising After the Fall sweep. Without that, I doubt he'll hold the gold this month.

5. Isao Yukisada, Sacred- A risky choice that led to lots of praise, and expect an Oscar nomination to be the only praise that this director gets.

Still in the Running:

6. David Cronenberg, The Architects of Fear- The bait was strong and opened to good reviews, but like I said earlier, I think everyone is tired of Cronenberg/Mortenson baits.

July Oscar Watch: Best Actor

1. Jack Nicholson, After the Fall- Even though he didn't win any major precursors, I believe the veteran will beat out Derek Luke. To my knowledge he has never won an Oscar (in the contest, haha) and this is the perfect role for him. Look for the "surprise" victory here.

2. Derek Luke, Tuskegee- This is a really close one guys, but I think the old pro will take the award. Luke has won the major precursors though, so he is the favorite, but I would expect an upset of sorts here.

3. Liam Nesson, Hale's Inferno- He did well at a few precursors, but there was no NBR love at all. While an award would be deserving, look for all the glory to go to costar Sir Ian McKellan.

4. Viggo Mortenson, The Architects of Fear- Mortenson/Cronenberg projects have become very common these days, I think in response to this, the academy will shut out the talented actor for a bigger name star.

5. Lee Pace, The Violinist- Like I said earlier, a nomination is likely, but only because voters loved the bait. The question remains, is he taken seriously enough as an actor to be nominated?

Still in the Running:

6. Mandy Patinkin, Neighbors- As I have also said earlier, if Neighbors gets a BP nomination look for it to get a lot more nominations than expected, this could be one of those surprises.

July Oscar Watch: Best Actress

1. Julie Christie, Neighbors- In a moderate upset over "frontrunner" Sigourney Weaver, I pick Christie to take the Oscar this month. Neighbors is the Julie Christie show, and After the Fall (as I have said before) will be successful in some different categories, this is where Neighbors will take the spotlight.

2. Sigourney Weaver, After the Fall- A considered frontrunner will not be taking home the Oscar this month, but rest assured the bait will be rewarded in a different place. She still has a big chance, but I feel like it's just not the right time.

3. Jennifer Connelly, The Architects of Fear- Connelly has a big chance to in my opinion, this is a situation where the "Top 2" battle it out, but the 3rd just sneaks past them and wins. Keep an eye out for her, she may be the one at the podium.

4. Kou Shibasaki, Sacred- If the bait is rewarded in any major category it could be here, but I think it will likely be ignored across the Big 8 board. Still, she gives a fantastic performance that still has a chance at winning the gold.

5. Ayelet Zurer, In the Land of Eden- The more I think about this bait winning awards, the less I think it will happen. Look for her to be unfortunately overlooked in a strong month for Best Actress.

Still in the Running:

6. Meryl Streep, The House of Bernardo Alba- She may not have been buzzed about at all, but don't completely count her out. She got moderate percursor support, but it's likely her other competitors will blow right past her.

July Oscar Watch: Best Supporting Actor

1. Sir Ian McKellan, Hale's Inferno- A legendary actor gets his well overdue Oscar, and it is much deserved in his most compelling yet. He may not have the most buzz, but he has the acclaim, and the Academy will reward Hale's Inferno with a win here.

2. Tom Sturridge, The Violinist- He may have just as many "precursor" wins as McKellan (each with 2 a piece), but look for The Violinist to be rewarded in other categorise this month. Although, Sturridge did gain the SAG's support, I don't think it will warrant a win for him.

3. Hugh O'Connor, After the Fall- Much like his costar Sophie, they will both fall fate to no Gold come Oscar night. Their costars are just too strong in the film, and the film won't sweep the awards either. I just don't think he'll win, although he has the most precursor nominations out of the bunch.

4. Christian Clemenson, The Monster of Florence- With not as much buzz, and a bit of a controversy regarding if the character even should have been cast, this makes him a risky bet. Yet, if he isn't nominated, Monster has no one in the acting races, which is rare for such high Best Picture contenders.

5. Joe Odagiri, Sacred- Odagiri has managed to make two key short lists this month (SAG/The Bait Spot), but failed to win either, or reach the Top 3 with the NBR. While this does hurt his chances, a strong role helps him to a nomination.

Also in the Running:

6. Joel Grey, Neighbors- Except this to happen if Neighbors picks up a Best Picture nomination and Christie wasn't the only standout performer...

July Oscar Watch: Best Supporting Actress

1. Rosemary Harris, The Violinist- My predicted winner of the category. Winning the SAG really boosted her to frontrunner status, and even though she didn't make the NBR Top 3, I think she'll pull out the only acting win for the likely Best Picture winner.

2. Angela Bassett, Tuskegee- Harris, barely beats out Angela for the Oscar. Bassett gave a first-rate performance that will likely be ignored for the veteran. A win is more likely on her part if her costar Luke does not win his category. Still, I think she'll have to wait a while to get her Oscar.

3. Sophie Okonedo, After the Fall- If you look at the stats, she's the most likely candidate to win, but something tells me that she will be overlooked come the end of the month. Her problem: Two A-list costars who are both neck and neck with their competitors.

4. Shohreh Aghdashloo, In the Land of Eden- A bit more of a risk to put money on her, but she is the next in line as far as buzz is considered. A powerful role, in an accalimed bait, and a weak month, usually equals a nomination.

5. Joan Cusack, Baked Alaska- The biggest change of not getting nominated lies here with Joan. I pick her to round out the 5 because I think this is what most people will do on their ballots "Oh, I need a fifth nominee, I'll put her in..." The NBR helped her out, but doesn't guarentee a spot for her at all.

Also in the Running:

6. Sienna Miller, The Violinist- She made the SAG cut, and Cusack didn't. The fact that The Violinist is the front-runner helps, but the fact that her co-star is in the same category doesnt.

Stay tuned for more detailed predictions!

Zgamer's Official Statement

The following is a recording of a press event held by Zgamer, the head of the Golden Globe panel, following the recent publishing of I!'s article:

"Hello and thank you all for coming. At this time, I would like to address the recent article on I! criticizing the GG panel's decision to suspend this month's progression. Before I elaborate, I would like to say I am not mad that the article was posted. We are all respectable authors on this site and we each have our own opinions. The right to express those opinions are part of the basic principles of our country. However, I feel it would be better for one of the panel members to come out and publicly address the issue before it gets blown out of proportion.

"First, this decision was just as hard on the panel as it was to the voters. It took much thought and consideration, but in the end the panel found it may prove beneficial in the long run. I know this is upsetting, as we have not missed a month of broadcast since the precursor was handed over to me by Harry almost two years ago. Still, everything happens for a reason.

"The primary reason for our decision was a combination of details. First, we felt that at the time when the deadline had been reached, we simply didn't have enough baits to accurately justify a group of nominees fitting the public's opinion. Because seriously, do we want four people, with one of them a panel member,to decide what baits garner buzz? While others have attempted to send ballots encouraging to revoke our decision, we just feel it would ruin the integrity of the panel members and this long standing precursor to change it now. Second, the fact that people have only really tried to vote after we made the decision was one of annoyance. We feel that we gave a reasonable amount of time to allow people to send ballots and they never came. It just felt wrong.

"Now, I would like to address the recent complaints surfacing as to why people have either not voted or think the contest does not allow proper voting procedure. The biggest being that the precursor has continued to uphold the policy that voters cannot vote for their own baits. While we are not blind to the fact many precursors have changed their standing here, it just isn't in the interest of this panel as of now to change that policy. For almost two years, there had been no problem withhaving people not vote for their own baits, as we usually received a good number of ballots throughout. Besides, what point is there to healthy competition if we let people vote for themselves? Is it fair to tip the scales towards your bait when maybe there may be another one more deserving? Even I know that I don't always write the hit of the month, but I always make sure to support other people who do write the classics and hits of that month. Sure, it may hurt a bait's chances of garnering praise, but not if enough people vote with support for it. So perhaps the problem is not being able to vote for yourself, but getting enough people to vote for your bait. Our decision will not be swayed though and our policy of not voting for your own bait will still stand.

"The other complaint mentioned addresses frustration towards finding baits to fill categories when there are a shortage, especially in Comedy/Musical categories. I personally think this is a more justifiable excuse and both of the panel members are currently in talks of addressing it. Our current plan being discussed is to put a link to the 'Bait Genre' thread that's started every month so people can find the nominees needed to fill their ballots. This is easy to do and we hope this will be resolved for next month's ceremony.

"As for the complaint about time constraint and extending our timetables, this will be harder to fix but not impossible. See, each timetable is constructed with the hopes the the ceremonies will be finished prior to the announcement of the Oscar nominations with the hopes it will generate buzz for nominees. However, this also conflicts with a common argument that the precursors hold no real power over the outcome of the Oscar nominations. Seriously, so what? The purpose of this contest is to emulate the real Oscar race and in almost every Oscar race, precursors usually generate buzz no matter how big or small and even they aren't always correct when concerning predictions. Now this isn't truly the real reason why there may be problems with the timetables. Since Johnny Alba does not always announce when the nominees will be unveiled before the precursors start, it's hard to tell how long we have to get everything put together.So we try to estimate a reasonable amount of time at which the GG can be completed done before the Oscar nominations. The panel understands this concern though and we will address this in our e-mails so we can make the time for voting suitable for everyone. It won't do much good if people don't vote though.

"Again, I take no true pleasure with these recent events, but perhaps it is for the best it happens now rather than later. We will do our best to fix the concerns with time to vote and accessibility of genres, but in the end we really need to people to participate. This has been a major issue for some time and we share your concern. So perhaps we will truly act on Douglass's video message and become more active in the forum and more supportive of each other. I promise to do this and everyone else should to. Only by doing that can the contest continue to flourish."

End of Recording