2009 Oscar Predictions; Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire, Mickey Rourke and Heath Ledger

Hugh Jackman, the host of this year's Academy Awards, is coming to the 2009 Oscars drunk and naked, so be sure to tune in. Hugh Jackman is not the only one excited about this year's Academy Awards. With great movies such as The Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Wall-E, movie goers have a lot to be excited about as well. I am certain of my Oscar prediction that Hugh Jackman will have clothes on during the entire Academy Awards show. However, Jackman may have a drink or two to get rid of the big-stage jitters.

As a big movie fan, 2009 Oscar Predictions were hard to narrow down for me. However, as the Academy Awards are the best of the best I came up with my list for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.

2009 Oscar Prediction for Best Picture; The Slumdog Millionaire
I had a chance to see The Slumdog Millionaire recently. My curiosity in this film rose after The Golden Globes, as I did not know why this one film was getting so much positive buzz. The Slumdog Millionaire is a movie unlike any I have seen before. Its story of a young man winning millions of Rupees on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The set of Who Wants to be a Millionaire is just a beginning though of this tough, gritty movie that will make you cry. As I mentioned, the storyline is unique by Hollywood standards. I have never seen or heard anything similar in Hollywood cinema.

Specifically, the scenes of interrogation by Indian police and sheer torture that Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is subjected to, because he is accused of cheating on the game show. Flashbacks to Jamal's childhood are often disturbing, with one scene showing his mother being murdered by an angry mob over religious views. In another scene, Jamal is subjected to seeing a friend be blinded by scalding hot water. This particular scene is disturbing to watch, but like every other flashback into Jamal's childhood it plays an important role in him knowing the answers for Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

2009 Oscar Prediction for Best Actor; Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler
The actual title for this category is Best Actor In A Leading Role, and Mickey Rourke fits the exact description. Rourke plays Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a professional wrestler who tries to change his life around after a serious heart attack. Rourke is no stranger to hard life, fighting inner demons or falling from grace. Mickey Rourke has been through every stage of Hollywood fame, including being a leading man and commanding movie roles to being completely shunned by his peers.

I expect Mickey Rourke to win Best Actor, despite great competition from Sean Penn and Brad Pitt. 2009 is the year of Mickey Rourke, and the Hollywood elite will once again eat out of the palms of his hands while he may or may not accept his return to silver screen fame.

2009 Oscar Prediction for Best Supporting Actor; Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight is an amazing, thrilling and intense movie. Its special effects are captivating, and at the end of it you'll want to see it all over again. It happened to me, and I even had to purchase The Dark Knight on DVD the day it came out. While Christian Bale can be complimented on his portrayal of Batman, the late Heath Ledger stole the movie with his role as The Joker.

The Joker owns the movie, especially after his "magic trick" scene. Ledger's portrayal of The Joker is disturbing, it is a glimpse into a dark and toxic world.

It will be sad to see Heath Ledger's name announced as the winner of Actor in a Supporting Role, especially as a standing ovation is expected at the announcement. Also, it is yet unclear who will accept the Oscar on Heath Ledger's behalf. If it is anyone from Ledger's family, it will sure be an emotional speech on behalf of an actor who did not live long enough to accept the award himself.

Oscar frenzy is officially here, with everyone making predictions and watching their favorite stars in what is always a showcase of talent and high fashion. The Academy Awards are said to be doing several things differently this year, and one of them is choosing a taller, first-time host Hugh Jackman. A talented actor, but unlike past hosts such as Jon Stewart and Whoopi Goldberg, Jackman is not a comedian.

The 81st Oscars will be held at the Kodak Theatre, in Hollywood and broadcast live on ABC.

Sources:
Hugh Jackman's Interview with CNN/Showbiz Tonight

2009 Academy Awards Nominees