      The Academy Awards is one of the most watched television events of the year. From the red carpet and exquisite gowns to the comical host(s), entertaining acceptance speeches, tributes, and musical performances, The Oscars is an enjoyable evening for movie buffs and ordinary filmgoers alike. It is always fun to look back on the previous year and celebrate the achievements of cinema. Â
      Interestingly enough, there seemed to be a trend this year of actors significantly altering their bodies for leading roles. Christian Bale put on forty pounds in two months to play Irving Rosenfeld in American Hustle. It must have been interesting eating cheeseburgers and fries for days. Having seen the movie though, I found it kind of excessive that Bale opted to put on so much weight when his new physique was really only debuted in one scene at the very beginning of the movie. Could he not have just worn a fat suit? On another note, Matthew McConaughey lost 45 pounds to star as HIV-infected Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyers Club. McConaughey even abstained from going outside in the sun for six months to maintain a pale complexion! If it were up to me, Bale and McConaughey deserve awards for simply putting their bodies through these challenging transformations. Talk about dedication! At the Screen Actors Guild Awards last month, McConaughey won for best male actor in a leading role. It would not be surprising if he takes home the Oscar in the same category.
      Fun fact: David O. Russell, the director of the Best Picture nominee, American Hustle, is an Amherst alumnus. He graduated in ’81 and majored in English and Political Science. O. Russell is best known for directing Silver Linings Playbook, which perfectly casted Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as the leading roles, and The Fighter, which starred Christian Bale and Amy Adams. O. Russell was previously nominated for Best Director for both films, but lost to Life of Pi last year and to The King’s Speech in 2011. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that O. Russell can finally take home the win for American Hustle this year!Â
      O. Russell re-cycled these all-star casts for his latest movie, but it was definitely a great decision. American Hustle took home the SAG Award last month for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture. Should we take this as any indication that this movie will win for Best Picture??? I am sure people say this every year, but it seems like a tight race for Best Picture. There is a proposed “three-film race” for the Oscar between American Hustle, Gravity, and 12 Years A Slave. 12 Years A Slave won for Best Film at the British Academy Film Awards last week, but it was Gravity that picked up the most awards that evening, followed by American Hustle. Which movie do you think will win for Best Picture?
      Although only a supporting actress in American Hustle, I thought that Jennifer Lawrence stole the movie and deserves another Oscar. From Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games to a slightly crazy, yet lovable, character in Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence is extremely versatile and was fantastic as Christian Bale’s capricious and, if I may add, ballsy wife. I am definitely rooting for her to take home the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. After tripping up the stairs last year to receive her Oscar for Best Actress and her notorious line of “I beat Meryl” in her acceptance speech, I would love to see what Lawrence has in store for the Oscars this year.
     Besides the awards, acceptance speeches, and gowns, the host is what can really make or break the Academy Awards. K Let’s be honest here, from year to year we really only remember the Academy Awards by the host or maybe by which movie won for Best Picture. When we think of last year’s Academy Awards, we remember Seth MacFarlane and his questionably racy and controversial comments. I have no doubt though that Ellen DeGeneres will be a terrific host. With one Academy Awards already under her belt, one would expect nothing less than a hilarious opening monologue and witty one-liners throughout the evening. Unfortunately, we should not anticipate to see Ellen in various gorgeous designer gowns throughout the evening, as was the case with Anne Hathaway in 2011. However, be on the lookout for funky pantsuits and tuxedoes, like the red velvet Gucci pantsuit Ellen wore when she hosted in 2007!
     Lastly, for all you Disney fans, do not fear, for Frozen is strongly favored to take home the Oscar for Animated Feature Film. It has already won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award, among others, so it should come as a surprise if it does not win. You are all probably hoping that “Let It Go” will win for Best Original Song as well. (I am personally a fan of the Demi Lovato version.) From the sounds of the movie’s soundtrack blasting through dorms and its huge success in the box office, I think it is safe to say that Frozen left a big impression and will most probably be recognized at the Academy Awards.Â
Be sure to watch the Academy Awards on Sunday evening to see if your favorites win, and if Amherst’s own David O. Russell will bring home the Oscar!