Jesse's picks are in, free rental if you win
By: Jesse Morrison
A&E Coordinator
Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: Entertainment
Entertainment Weekly, practically a bookmaker's guide to the race, gave Swinton their vote because it is the only chance "Clayton" could win anything. But really, it's between Cate Blanchett and Amy Ryan. I thought Blanchett as Bob Dylan was great for an experimental film, but that's why we have The Independent Spirit Awards.
Hands down, the best performance of a supporting actress last year was Ryan. I didn't like the movie, but I am a long time fan of the series, written by Dennis Lehane, and felt director Ben Affleck had no understanding of the characters. If it hadn't been for Ryan, this film would've been ruined. As the drug-addicted wastrel whose daughter is kidnapped, Ryan turned an oft-seen character into someone truly memorable.
Best Actor
George Clooney - "Michael Clayton"
Johnny Depp - "Sweeney Todd"
Tommy Lee Jones - "In the Valley of Elah"
Viggo Mortensen - "Eastern Promises"
Daniel Day-Lewis - "There Will Be Blood"
No one stands a chance against Lewis. Nothing can be said that hasn't been said before. This role and performance will be studied and admired for decades to come.
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett - "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Marion Cotillard - "La Vie en Rose"
Laura Linney - "The Savages"
Ellen Page - "Juno"
Julie Christie - "Away From Her"
The award will go to Christie for her role as a woman suffering from Alzheimer's. But if it were up to me, Page would win hands down for "Juno." Can you imagine any other actress as Juno? Neither can I. She is so heartbreakingly down to earth that she became a model for the youth of today.
Best Original Screenplay
Tony Gilroy - "Michael Clayton"
Tamara Jenkins - "The Savages"
Nancy Oliver "Lars and the Real Girl"
Brad Bird - "Ratatouille"
Diablo Cody - "Juno"
Cody's funny and sincere script should and will win. But if anyone has a chance of beating her, it's Gilroy for "Clayton." He wrote what our cinemas most desperately needed - a real, no frills, adult drama. I heard several people felt manipulated by the film's marketing campaign. It promised a thriller, but delivered a drama. But this is the studio's fault, not Gilroy's. If you know what you are watching, you will be amazed by the film's subtly and precision.
Hands down, the best performance of a supporting actress last year was Ryan. I didn't like the movie, but I am a long time fan of the series, written by Dennis Lehane, and felt director Ben Affleck had no understanding of the characters. If it hadn't been for Ryan, this film would've been ruined. As the drug-addicted wastrel whose daughter is kidnapped, Ryan turned an oft-seen character into someone truly memorable.
Best Actor
George Clooney - "Michael Clayton"
Johnny Depp - "Sweeney Todd"
Tommy Lee Jones - "In the Valley of Elah"
Viggo Mortensen - "Eastern Promises"
Daniel Day-Lewis - "There Will Be Blood"
No one stands a chance against Lewis. Nothing can be said that hasn't been said before. This role and performance will be studied and admired for decades to come.
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett - "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Marion Cotillard - "La Vie en Rose"
Laura Linney - "The Savages"
Ellen Page - "Juno"
Julie Christie - "Away From Her"
The award will go to Christie for her role as a woman suffering from Alzheimer's. But if it were up to me, Page would win hands down for "Juno." Can you imagine any other actress as Juno? Neither can I. She is so heartbreakingly down to earth that she became a model for the youth of today.
Best Original Screenplay
Tony Gilroy - "Michael Clayton"
Tamara Jenkins - "The Savages"
Nancy Oliver "Lars and the Real Girl"
Brad Bird - "Ratatouille"
Diablo Cody - "Juno"
Cody's funny and sincere script should and will win. But if anyone has a chance of beating her, it's Gilroy for "Clayton." He wrote what our cinemas most desperately needed - a real, no frills, adult drama. I heard several people felt manipulated by the film's marketing campaign. It promised a thriller, but delivered a drama. But this is the studio's fault, not Gilroy's. If you know what you are watching, you will be amazed by the film's subtly and precision.