Best Picture:
Gravity should be the frontrunner but it isn't because the Academy is full of old white men who are just now feeling badly about slavery. 12 Years A Slave will make a great winner, but Gravity is a groundbreaking entry in film making.
Best Director:
See above.
Best Actor:
As of right now...Hm. I'd give it to Ejiofor (not even going to attempt that spelling, sorry
) or McConaughey, but Dern is picking up some heat. This race looks to be the most interesting of the major categories.
Best Actress: I think Cate will win, but I'd personally rather see Sandra Bullock or Judi Dench take it.
Supporting Actor:
Jared Leto looks poised to sweep this season. His performance is no less than stunning, and this might be the place to reward Dallas Buyers Club, especially if McConaughey loses his bid.
Supporting Actress:
Lupita Nyongo deserves this, but the race isn't set in stone like it is with Supporting Actor. Having actually seen both movies, I can say that Lupita deserves it more than J. Law. Jennifer will probably get a nomination, but a win isn't warranted, especially over Nyongo and June Squibb.
The SA and BA races are going to be the most interesting out of the big categories, I think. The only lock I'd call right now is Leto.
EDIT: By the way girls, I work at a movie theatre and handle some of our order forms. I'm 16 so I'm no industry insider or anything, but if anyone has questions about certain awards contenders being pushed to wider releases or specifics about their campaigns I can do my best to answer them.
