Ethan’s 2013 OSCAR Party Speech By Ethan Itkin 2012 was a great for movies. From enjoyable surprises (ParaNorman) to the old master at work (Lincoln) to the debut director and actress (Beasts of the Southern Wild). And (minus Wreck It- Ralph), the Oscar’s did a mostly fine job nominating the best work from the last year. From Best Costume Design to Best Picture, the nominees resemble the return of great movies. The 2010’s were off to a bad start with 2010 and some of 2011. But with 2012 directors like Benh Zeitlin, Ang Lee, Peter Jackson, Peter Ramsey, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hooper, Wes Anderson, Malik Bendejoul, Peter Lord, and many, many more brought the cinematic back to the cinema. And now...the predictions! Here is the film, directors, actors, actresses, and screenwriters that I think will be handed the golden man. Best Picture: Argo Best Director: Ben Affleck (Argo) Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln) Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) Best Supporting Actor: Robert de Niro (Silver Linings Playbook) Best Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables) Best Original Screenplay: Mark Boal (Zero Dark Thirty) Best Adapted Screenplay: Tony Kushner (Lincoln) For our Oscar Party we’ve selected two of the previously mentioned director’s wonderful works. Congratulations Mr. Anderson and Mr. Lord...The two films we are showing tonight are both nominated for one Oscar. In the den, we will be showing The Pirates! Band of Misfits. It was nominated for Best Animated Film. (Sadly though, in my opinion, it has the smallest chance of winning.) Peter Lord’s sixteenth feature film, it is a laugh-out-loud adventure that is intricately animated. It features a talented voice cast. They are: Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, Martin Freeman, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant, Brian Blessed, Anton Yelchin, Brendan Gleeson, and more. The film was released on April 27th and was unfortunately not a massive box office success. However, it received a fresh 86% on rottentomatoes.com. All facts aside, it’s a great film and anyone who opts to watch it will have a great time. In the living room, we will be showing Moonrise Kingdom. It was nominated for Best Original Screenplay (if you haven’t looked at our copy of it, you can do so later). Wes Anderson’s eighth feature, it is a hilarious, yet heartfelt film that has everything from Cub Scouts to a soundtrack of delights. The film is a radiant masterpiece, a true indie shocker. It features a varied, but superb cast. They are: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, Bob Balaban, and many, many more. The film was released on June 29th and was also unfortunately not a massive box office smash. But, it received 94% on rottentomatoes.com. If you choose to watch Anderson’s wonder you won’t be disappointed. That’s all folks...almost! I hope you enjoyed my speech! And I hope you have also enjoyed the music, word searches, ballots, raffle, newspaper clippings, and Best Picture nominees poster. Plus, I hope you will enjoy the films. But first, how much do you really know about the Academy Awards? that’s all! Osee S you C Aat R the S.