Best Picture Nominations Predictions

As awards season develops, there are certain films that kick up a bit more buzz than others.  So, with 2 months to go until the Academy Awards, here is my prediction for the top gong, 'Best Picture', nominations.  Despite the fact that I haven't seen some of these flicks, there are clear indications as to which films are valued by the critics. Some of my favourites are not fancied, so they get a special mention at the bottom.

My prediction:

1.  The Social Network (probable winner)
List Hero rating:  4 stars
Great cast, great script, great director, and a very interesting story.

2.  Inception
List Hero rating:  5 stars
Original idea, phenomenal effects, and a superb ensemble cast.

3.  Toy Story 3
List Hero rating:  5 stars
A beautifully animated, emotional farewell, with a few twists along the way.

4.  The Kids Are All Right
List Hero rating:  4 stars
An original and light-hearted twist on mixed up family troubles.

5.  Winter's Bone
List Hero rating:  4 stars
The film is pretty dark and is held up by a very strong performance from its cast, particularly lead actress Jennifer Lawrence (pictured below).

6.  Black Swan
List Hero rating:  5 stars
Psychological drama with a gorgeous soundtrack and a personal best performance from Natalie Portman.  

7.  The Fighter
List Hero rating:  Not seen

8.  127 Hours
List Hero rating:  Not seen

9.  The King's Speech
List Hero rating:  Not seen

10.  Rabbit Hole
List Hero rating:  Not seen

Films that I enjoyed, but won't get nominations:

-  Shutter Island
List Hero rating:  5 stars
A thrilling Scorsese picture, but not seen as his strongest (and was released way back in February) so won't be nominated.

-  Greenberg
List Hero rating:  5 stars
Ben Stiller (pictured below) gives a fantastic straight performance as an awkward outsider.  The character development in Noah Baumbach's movie is excellent but their doesn't appear to be enough buzz around to get a nod.

-  The Town
List Hero rating:  4 stars
An excellent, exciting movie, with great performances (particularly from Jeremy Renner).  However, it's fairly predictable and Ben Affleck isn't a big favourite with the academy (yet).

-  Despicable Me
List Hero rating:  4 stars
The humour is mainly aimed at children but this has an original plot, and a really emotional finale, but it's unlikely that two animated movies will be nominated - and Toy Story 3 is not going to budge.

-  Cemetry Junction
List Hero rating:  4 stars
Funny, touching, and has a great cast, but not big enough in the states to get a nomination.