Carmichael's Oscar Picks

There is quite the lineup of contenders this year for Best Picture at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.

Today beginning at 5 p.m. on ABC, settle in for a star-studded evening of recognizing and appreciating the art of film and the finest performances of the year in movies.

I took a trip over to American River College, braving the blistery and wet weather and asked a few students which film they thought was worthy of the Oscar.  

I guess most of the students and faculty are preoccupied studying and/or preparing for classes, because I was amazed at the amount of people who had no clue who the nominees were this year.

This year there are no less than 10 candidates competing for the coveted Best Picture award.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the nominees are...

Black Swan: starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis

True Grit:  starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin

The Social Network: starring Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake and Rashida Jones

Inception: starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page

The Fighter: starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams

Toy Story 3: featuring the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen

Winters Bone starring Jennifer Lawrence

127 Hours: starring James Franco

The Kings Speech: starring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush

The Kids are Alright: starring Mark Ruffalo, Annette Benning and Julianne Moore

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Kelly Ondricka: graphic design major

" I really like Inception, Toy Story 3 and The Kings Speech, but I think I'd like to see Toy Story 3 win just to see an animated film win for the first time.  It was so creative and I thought it was an amazing movie."

Raphael Aubin:  general business major

"Well,  I'm really into Pixar and animation and fascinated with the technology involved making a movie.  I love to watch a film through the director's eyes and try to appreciate the craft of film making. My daughter Trinity and I watch movies together and she loved the original Toy Story, so I guess I'd like to see Toy Story 3 win."

Katherine Holder:  liberal studies/anthropology major

"I haven't seen most of the movies nominated this year, but I did see Inception.  That movie was a trip.  I walked out of The Social Network. I'd love to see Inception win. Toy Story 3 made me cry though."

Ellie Teklinski: art history major:

"Who the hell could replace John Wayne? It's difficult for me to root for True Grit because the original was so good. There were so many memorable scenes in Toy Story 3. It was so weird!  That scary baby, oh my God (laughs) , it gave my mother nightmares."

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Personally,  I have seen all but one of the movies recognized this year for Best Picture and I would have to say that my favorite was "The Fighter."  Christian Bale transformed himself physically for his role and delivered a masterpiece of a performance and Mark Wahlberg shined once again. 

The "True Grit" remake was recognized as a worthy successor to the original with another world class performance delivered by Jeff Bridges.  However, the academy already gave Bridges his long overdue trophy last year for "Crazy Heart" so this year I would bet the farm on Colin Firth to get the nod for Best Actor.

The underdog "sleeper" this year would have to be "Winters Bone," which is a powerful tale of loyalty and family bonds. This dramatic thriller set in the mountains of Missouri is unlikely to take home the Oscar, but is a legitimate and worthy nomination nonetheless. 

The 83rd Academy Awards is hosted by Best Actor nominee James Franco accompanied by the lovely and talented Anne Hathaway.