My Oscar Predictions

I'm running out of time to get these down before they become simply, My Oscar Dictions. So here goes:

Best Director:

Should win: Coen Bros.
Will win: Coen Bros.

Supporting Actress:

Expected to win: Tilda Swinton (why???)
Will win: Cate Blanchett (voters love stunt casting.)

Supporting Actor:

Should win: Javier Bardem
Will win: Javier Bardem. I should note, however, that Tom Wilkinson is a stunning actor who needs recognition. But he will not define "Michael Clayton," the way Javier's image will forever be associated with "No Country." I get chills just thinking about his terrifying performance.

Best Actress:

Favored to win: Julie Christie
My choice: Ellen Page. "Juno" would not have been the fabulous success it was without her. Her sarcastic charm quite simply made that movie. Plus I'm tired of Oscars going to actors who portray mental disease, as is the case with Christie.

Best Actor:

Favored to win: Daniel Day Lewis
Will win: Daniel Day Lewis. I don't think anyone doubts this one.

Best Picture:

Favored to win: No Country for Old Men
Will win: No Country for Old Men. I'm at a disadvantage here, having not seen "There Will Be Blood," (despite my best efforts), which seems like it's more of a 'best movie' film. However, "No Country" was brilliant, sparsely peppered with music, rich landscapes, a compelling story, and a likely best-director win for the Coen Bros. I'd put my money on "Country."

Rocco

Last night I went out to the Roxy in L.A. to see Rocco Deluca and the Burden. The first act was below average for a national act, and probably still mediocre for a high school band (they were both), while the second act (Honey Honey) were awesome.

But the night was about Rocco, who was great. There was one point where I was standing beside a man who looked exactly like musician/producer-extraordinaire, Daniel Lanois. Five songs later, Rocco called Daniel Lanois to the stage. Guess this guy fooled everyone in the club into thinking he was Daniel. He even ended up playing a song. (Yeah, it really was him).

Rocco's sound was great. Big fat drums, an awesome Hammond B-3 sound (he had an amazing organ, one could say), but the draw was Rocco's talented slide playing, around which all these sounds are built. Decent show.

Weekend escapades

Last night Dara and I went to The Improv to see "Flight of the Conchords" alum, Rhys Darby. For those of you familiar with the show, you will recognize him as Murray, the naive New Zealand band manager. For those of you at the standup show on Friday, you will recognize him as the hilariously naive New Zealand comic. I can't describe the show for you, but fans of comedy are encouraged to check out his show.

The next morning Dara and I went to the dentist. I'm not particularly afraid of the dentist, but this dentist wasn't very appealing. For starters, her office was open, without any separation between the chairs. She didn't have any staff (how many times have you had the dentist clean your teeth, rather than a hygienist?), and she burped right as she sat me down. Not impressed.

After the trip to the dentist, we went out for some breakfast. While we were at a traffic stop, we saw a small mouse trying to cross the street. He got to the middle and doubled back when a car came. We were cheering for the little guy to make it across, and then a car came and drove right over him. It's surprising how sad an event like that can make you. One second ago, that mouse was alive. Now, it's dead. I don't want to make too much of a small event, but little moments like that can remind you how quick and fragile life is. And to look both ways before crossing the street.