It’s time for big girls to take a spin on the Oscar carousel, and this ride will be a battle. Which actress will claw her way to the top?
Sandra Bullock (Leo) “The Blind Side”
Why she’ll triumph: Without a doubt, Leo Bullock earned her fur this year by becoming the most bankable actor of 2010 (male or female). She also won three major wards she was nominated for (including the SAG and the Golden Globe) thus becoming the most unlikely frontrunner of the year. This lioness is itching for her coronation.
Why she won’t: But can a so-so Southern accent and blonde bleach really win you an Oscar? Especially when Meryl Streep was denied for like a quarter of the century?
Helen Mirren (Leo) “The Last Station”
Why she’ll triumph: Lionesses like Mirren have won 5 out of 11 last times in this category. It’s a juicy, masterful, and a memorable role at Leo Tolstoy’s intriguing wife.
Why she won’t: Her last statue (won in 2007) is not rotting just yet. The academy already paid their Mirren dues.
Carey Mulligan (Gemini) “An Education”
Why she’ll triumph: The Academy loved the film and nominated it for Best Picture. Its breakout Gemini star gave a star making performance that drew comparisons with none other than Audrey Hepburn. Why not reward her early in what looks to be like a lengthy career?
Why she won’t: She did win a BAFTA, but was that just a British bluff? Mulligan turned off some voters by not being as appealing and bubbly as some expected her to be in real life. This is just not her time.
Gabourney Sidibe (Taurus) “ Precious”
Why she’ll triumph: Sidibe has the most demanding role in the lot and her illiterate character is virtually opposite of actresses’ real life charms. It was an impacting, deeply felt performance that might send shockwaves through the world on Oscar night.
Why she won’t: Taurus women haven’t won in the lead (as opposed to supporting) since 1974. Her competition is simply too stiff this year and Precious will undoubtedly be rewarded with Mo’Nique’s win.
Meryl Streep (Cancer) “Julie & Julia”
Why she’ll triumph: This poor woman got dressed up over and over since 1983 on Oscar night…only to lose 13 times. After winning a Globe and starring in two more hits this year, she’s way overdue. Her loss to Leo Bullock (who’s also favored to win a Razzie this year) might be too painful to bare. It’s easy, right? Oscar is hers.
Why she won’t: But Hollywood doesn’t often follow logic. It’s widely believed that this is Bullock’s year and Streep will just have to fake her applause on Sunday and hope that she competes with robots or five-year olds next year.
Astro Prediction: Bullock wins the gold in an appoprietly Leo gold dress, while Streep sucks up her pride and tells reporters that she’s “just thrilled for Sandra”.
