A sudden twist

      This wasn't anticipated, I didn't think I would be writing again so soon, but here I am. Today, the National Board of Review announced their awards, which shook the ground a bit. Also I have read a couple of "American Hustle" reviews, which weren't exactly flattering. 

      First of all Best Film - Her. It is a little surprise although I am happy, because I read a couple of good reviews and it's nice to have Spike Jonze back in the spotlight as he won the Best Director award. Next are acting awards, with Emma Thompson, beating Cate Blanchett, for her portrayal of P.L. Travers in "Saving Mr. Banks". Best Actor was given to Bruce Dern for his performance in "Nebraska". Supporting categories: Will Forte (Nebraska) and Octavia Spencer (Fruitvale Station). "Inside Llewyn Davis was named Best Original Screenplay, whereas the Adapted - "The Wolf of Wall Street".
       I am also starting the leaderboard that will show the overall look at the race. You are welcome to look at it choosing "Oscar Race" on the menu bar on the right.
      I'll post quick predictions adjusted for the events that occurred.

Best Picture:


1. 12 Years a Slave (Steve McQueen)
2. Gravity (Alfonso Cuaron)
3. Saving Mr. Banks (John Lee Hancock)
4. Captain Phillips (Paul Greengrass)
5. Inside Llewyn Davis (Joel & Ethan Coen)
6. The Wolf of Wall Street (Martin Scorsese)
7. Her (Spike Jonze)
8. Lee Daniels' The Butler (Lee Daniels)
9. American Hustle (David O. Russel)

Best Director:
1. Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave)
2. Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity)
3. John Lee Hancock (Saving Mr. Banks)
4. Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips)
5. Spike Jonze (Her)

Best Actor:
1. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave)
2. Bruce Dern (Nebraska)
3. Robert Redford (All Is Lost)
4. Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips)
5. Mathew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

Best Actress:
1. Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
2. Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks)
3. Judi Dench (Philomena)
4. Sandra Bullock (Gravity)
5. Meryl Streep (August: Osage County)

Best Supporting Actor:
1. Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave)
2. Tom Hanks (Saving Mr. Banks)
3. Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)
4. Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street)
5. Will Forte (Nebraska)

Best Supporting Actress:
1. Lupita Nyong'O (12 Years a Slave)
2. Oprah Winfrey (Lee Daniels' The Butler)
3. Julia Roberts (August: Osage County)
4. Margo Martindale (August: Osage County)
5. June Squibb (Nebraska)

Best Original Screenplay:
1. Inside Llewyn Davis (Joel & Ethan Coen)
2. Blue Jasmine (Woody Allen)
3. Saving Mr. Banks (Sue Smith & Kelly Marcel)
4. Lee Daniels' The Butler (Danny Strong)
5. Gravity (Alfonso & Jonas Cuaron)