2011 OSCARS: Art Direction, Cinematography

Two of my favorite categories are Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography. Often, when audiences love the “look” of a film, they credit the director, but in actuality much of that work has been accomplished by the art director or cinematographer. Like makeup and costume design, these are the categories that transport audiences with lush imagery and faraway landscapes.

BEST ART DIRECTION

• Alice in Wonderland — Robert Stromberg and Karen O’Hara
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I — Stuart Craig and Stephenie McMillan
• Inception — Guy Hendrix Dyas, Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
• The King’s Speech — Eve Stewart and Judy Farr
• True Grit — Jess Gonchor and Nancy Haigh

Thoughts: This is a strong category with worthy contenders. I love the fantasy of Alice in Wonderland, the creativity of Inception and the historical pastiche of The King’s Speech. True Grit is also impressive, but once the main characters leave the western town in the beginning of the movie, the art direction simply gives way to unbelievable cinematography. This is a tough one.

What Will Win: Alice in Wonderland

What Should Win: Inception

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

• Black Swan — Matthew Libatique
• Inception — Wally Pfister
• The King’s Speech — Danny Cohen
• The Social Network — Jeff Cronenweth
• True Grit — Roger Deakins

Thoughts: Another super-difficult category to predict. I love the swooping actions and imagery of Black Swan, though the graininess of the film was a distraction. Inception is beautiful as is The King’s Speech. The Social Network I will remember more for acting and writing than the look of the film. True Grit is a visual masterpiece.

What Will Win: True Grit

What Should Win: True Grit

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Revised