IMAGES FROM ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

NEIL PATRICK HARRISJUST WHAT THE FICTIONAL DOCTOR ORDERED...

aging Dr. Howser, Dr. Doogie Howser... Ok, so Neil Patrick Harris has proven that he is, was, and will be WAY more than his TV beginnings. Playing a child genius M.D. was really just a way for us all to be introduced to the man he is today.

From being the cad on How I Met Your Mother to finding his place as a Broadway darling (with a statue to prove it), Harris has become a beacon for child actors everywhere on the power of reinvention and how being honest about yourself can lead to inspiring results.

A newly wed (he married his partner, David Burtka last year), this father of twins is taking showmanship to a whole new level. He wowed viewers as a host of the Tony Awards (three times) and held his own hosting the Emmys in 2013. Now his heading to the big stage and the world will see if his magic persona is more than just an illusion of legendary status. I have a feeling it is.

As you flip through the Watchlist, keep an eye out for this bookmark. While I can’t say with certainty who will take home the prize, these are the ones I think are safe bets.

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AMERICANSNIPER

Based on a true story, and one of the highest grossing films of 2015, AMERICAN SNIPER tells the tale of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle who became a legend due to his accuracy in the field yet found returning home a bit more complicated. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring the incredible Bradley Cooper, there is some talk that he might be a dark horse and win the Best Actor category. And that’s not because of his amazing skills handling a baby doll...

BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, FILM EDITING, SOUND EDITING, SOUND MIXING, & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED

VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, SUP-PORTING ACTOR, SUPPORT-ING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, CINEMATOGRAPHY, SOUND EDITING, SOUND MIXING, & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Visually arresting and probably one of the most interesting (and head scratching) films of the year. BIRDMAN is sure to take home some gold. Whether it is for directing or acting... well, the voices in my head say it is a toss up. It is a safe bet to say that it will win for cinematography because the seemless shots were like no other. Available for purchase onAmazon or iTunes now.

BOYHOODBEST PICTURE, SUPPORTING ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Talk about a passion project with some serious vision. Richard Linklater and his team have been working to bring this epic film, about a boy growing up, to the screen for over 12 years. Filmed in clips, we follow Mason and his family as he grows from a boy into a young man. While I would not say it was a favorite film of mine this year, there is no doubting the talent and expansiveness of the project. Expect Patrica Arquette to walk away with a statue. Available to purchase now on iTunes or Amazon.

Wes Anderson brings his quirky, colorful world to life again. Ralph Fiennes stars as Gustave H the consierge of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL who goes on a wild adventure with his friend/lobby boy, Zero Moustafa. Eccentric and creative, there is no doubt that a few statues will be awarded, though probably not for the biggest prizes. Get it now, to rent or own, on iTunes or Amazon.

the GRAND BUDAPEST

HOTEL BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING, COSTUME DESIGN, MAKE-UP & HAIRSTYLING, PRODUC-TION DESIGN, SCORE & ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

the IMITATION GAME

BEST PICTURE, ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, FILM EDITING, SCORE, PRODUCTION DESIGN & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“Sometimes its the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.” Based on the life of Alan Turing this dynamic film has Benedict Cumberbatch doing what he does best - thinking. Smart and socially awkward, Turing proves to be one of the most brilliant minds in the world as he works to break the Nazi’s Enigma Code. By doing so he not only helped stop a war and saved millions of lives, but also became became something like the grandfather of computers. He was a chapter of history that has been little explored, but that, it has been shown should never been forgotten. Preorder it now on iTunes or Amazon.

“GLORY”One day, when the glory comesIt will be ours, it will be oursOh, one day, when the war is wonWe will be sure, we will be here sureOh, glory, gloryOh, glory, gloryHands to the Heavens, no man, no weaponFormed against, yes glory is destinedEvery day women and men become legendsSins that go against our skin become blessingsThe movement is a rhythm to usFreedom is like religion to usJustice is juxtaposition in usJustice for all just ain’t specific enoughOne son died, his spirit is revisitin’ usTruant livin’ livin’ in us, resistance is usThat’s why Rosa sat on the busThat’s why we walk through Ferguson with our hands upWhen it go down we woman and man upThey say, “Stay down” and we stand upShots, we on the ground, the camera panned upKing pointed to the mountain top and we ran upOne day, when the glory comesIt will be ours, it will be oursOh, one day, when the war is oneWe will be sure, we will be here sureOh, glory, gloryOh, glory, glory gloryNow the war is not overVictory isn’t wonAnd we’ll fight on to the finishThen when it’s all doneWe’ll cry glory, oh gloryWe’ll cry glory, oh glory

Selma’s now for every man, woman and childEven Jesus got his crown in front of a crowdThey marched with the torch, we gon’ run with it nowNever look back, we done gone hundreds of milesFrom dark roads he rose, to become a heroFacin’ the league of justice, his power was the peopleEnemy is lethal, a king became regalSaw the face of Jim Crow under a bald eagleThe biggest weapon is to stay peacefulWe sing, our music is the cuts that we bleed throughSomewhere in the dream we had an epiphanyNow we right the wrongs in historyNo one can win the war individuallyIt takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energyWelcome to the story we call victoryComin’ of the Lord, my eyes have seen the gloryOne day, when the glory comesIt will be ours, it will be oursOh, one day, when the war is oneWe will be sure, we will be here sureOh, glory, gloryOh, glory, glory gloryWhen the war is done, when it’s all said and doneWe’ll cry glory, oh glory

MUSIC & LYRICS: JOHN STEPHENS & LONNIE LYNNPERFORMED BY: JOHN LEGEND FEATURING COMMON

SELMA BEST PICTURE & SONG

Largely overlooked by the Academy, this timely look back at the rise of the Civil Rights movement is not only filled with powerhouse performances, but crafted by a masterful director and brilliant storyteller. While it might not bring home the big award, we can at least find a little solace in the fact that is all but a lock to bring home an award for Best Song.

A film that is not easy to forget. Julianne Moore potrays Alice Howland, a linguistics professor whose world gets flipped upside down as she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Bold, heartbreaking and a true award-worthy performance, she is all but a lock to bring home a statue (which is something after being nominated four other times). If you missed it in theatres, you can preorder it on iTunes or Amazon now.

STILL ALICEBEST ACTRESS

the THEORY of EVERYTHINGBEST PICTURE, ACTOR, ACTRESS, SCORE & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

In a word: WOW! Eddie Redmayne is nothing short of genius as he embodies the role of Steven Hawking. From a young doctoral candidate to the world’s foremost expert on astrophysics, Redmayne’s performance is physical and so subtle that he takes you along for the ride of a lifetime that is only made better by the quiet power Felicity Jones brings as Hawing’s first wife. From beginning to end, the film is expertly told, but it is Redmanye who, for his first nomination, will likely bring home the gold. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING is available now to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.

There are few awards that are as close to guaranteed as the race for Best Supporting Actor. J.K. Simmons gives a commanding performance as the sadistic conductor/music teacher who verbally berates aspiring drummer played by Miles Teller. Intense and without remorse, Simmons’ commitment is sure to pay off. If you didn’t have a chance to see the film, it is available to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.

WHIPLASH BEST PICTURE, SUPPORTING ACTOR, FILM EDITING, SOUND MIXING & ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

BEST PICTURE

American Sniper Boyhood The Grand Budapest Hotel

Birdman or (the unexpected virtue of ignorance)

ACTOR Steve Carell FOXCATCHER

Bradley Cooper AMERICAN SNIPER

Benedict Cumberbatch THE IMITATION GAME

Michael Keaton BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

Eddie Redmayne THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

ACTRESS Marion Cotillard TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT

Felicity Jones THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Julianne Moore STILL ALICE

Rosamund Pike GONE GIRL

Reese Witherspoon WILD

SUPPORTING ACTOR Robert Duvall THE JUDGE

Ethan Hawk BOYHOOD

Edward NortonBIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

Mark Ruffalo FOXCATCHER

J.K. Simmons WHIPLASH

SUPPORTING ACTRESS Patricia Arquette BOYHOOD

Laura Dern WILD

Keira Knightly THE IMITATION GAME

Emma StoneBIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)

Meryl Streep INTO THE WOODS

DIRECTORBirdman or (the Unexpected

Virtue of Ignorance ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU

Boyhood RICHARD LINKLATER

Foxcatcher BENNETT MILLER

The Grand Budapest Hotel WES ANDERSON

The Imitation Game MORTEN TYLDUM

PRODUCTION DESIGNThe Grand Budapest Hotel

PRODUCTION: ADAM STOCKHAUSEN & SET: ANNA PINNOCK

The Imitation GamePRODUCTION: MARIA DJURKOVIC & SET: TATIANA MACDONALD

Intersteller PRODUCTION: NATHAN CROWLEY & SET: GARY FETTIS

Into the Woods PRODUCTION: DENNIS GASSNER & SET: ANNA PINNOCK

Mr. Turner PRODUCTION: SUZIE DAVIES & SET: CHARLOTTE WATTS

VISUAL EFFECTSCaptain America: The Winter Soldier DAVID DELEEUW, RUSSELL EARL, BRYAN GRILL, DAN SUDICK

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes JOE LETTERI, DAN LEMMON, DANIEL BARRETT, ERIK WINQUIST

Guardians of the Galaxy STEPHANE CERETTI, NICOLAS AITHADI, JONATHAN FAWKNER, PAUL CORBOULD

Interstellar PAUL FRANKLIN, ANDREW LOCKLEY, IAN HUNTER, SCOTT FISHER

X-Men: Days of Future Past RICHARD STAMMERS, LOU PECORA, TIM CROSBIE,

CAMERON WALDBAUER

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Foxcatcher BILL CORSO, DENNIS LIDDIARD

The Grand Budapest Hotel FRANCES HANNON, MARK COULIER

Guardians of the Galaxy ELIZABETH YIANNI-GEORGIOU, DAVID WHITE

COSTUME DESIGNThe Grand Budapest Hotel

MILENA CANONERO

Inherent Vice MARK BRIDGES

Into the Woods COLLEEN ATWOOD

Maleficent ANNA B. SHEPPARD

Mr. Turner JACQUELINE DURRAN

CINEMATOGRAPHYBirdman or (the Unexpected

Virtue of Ignorance EMMANUEL LUBEZKI

The Grand Budapest Hotel ROBERT YEOMANIda LUKASZ ZAL, RYSZARD LENCZEWSKIMr. Turner DICK POPEUnbroken ROGER DEAKINS

FILM EDITINGAmerican Sniper JOEL COX, GARY D. ROACH

Boyhood SANDRA ADAIR

The Grand Budapest Hotel BARNEY PILLING

The Imitation Game WILLIAM GOLDENBERG

Whiplash TOM CROSS

ADAPTED SCREENPLAYAmerican Sniper JASON HALL

The Imitation Game GRAHAM MOORE

Inherent Vice PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON

The Theory of Everything ANTHONY MCCARTEN

Whiplash DAMIEN CHAZELLE

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAYBirdman or (the Unexpected

Virtue of Ignorance ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU, NICOLÁS GIACOBONE,

ALEXANDER DINELARIS, JR. & ARMANDO BO

Boyhood RICHARD LINKLATER

Foxcatcher E. MAX FRY, DAN FUTTERMAN

The Grand Budapest Hotel SCREENPLAY: WES ANDERSON

STORY: WES ANDERSON, HUGO GUINNESS

Nightcrawler DAN GILROY

The Imitation Game Selma The Theory of Everything

Whiplash

WHAT ARE YOUR PICKS?

OSCARS 2015 WATCHLIST BALLOT

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Ida POLAND

Leviathan RUSSIA

Tangerines ESTONIA

Timbuktu MAURITANIA

Wild Tales ARGENTINA

LIVE ACTION SHORTAya ODED BINNUN, MIHAL BREZIS

Boogaloo and Graham MICHAEL LENNOX, RONAN BLANEY

Butter Lamp (La Lampe Au Beurre De Yak) HU WEI, JULIEN FÉRET

Paryaneh TALKHON HAMZAVI, STEFAN EICHENBERGER

The Phone Call MAT KIRKBY, JAMES LUCAS

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Citizenfour LAURA POITRAS, MATHILDE BONNEFOY, DIRK WILUTZKY

Finding Vivian Majar JOHN MALOOF, CHARLIE SISKEL

Last Days in Vietnam RORY KENNEDY, KEVEN MCALESTER

The Salt of the Earth WIM WENDERS, JULIANO RIBEIRO SALGADO, DAVID ROSIER

Virunga ALAN ROBERT MURRAY, BUB ASMAN

DOCUMENTARY SHORTCrisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1

ELLEN GOOSENBERG KENT AND DANA PERRY

Joanna ANETA KOPACZ

Our Curse TOMASZ ŚLIWINŃSKI & MACIEJ ŚLESICKI

The Reaper (La Parka) GABRIEL SERRA ARGUELLO

White Earth J. CHRISTIAN JENSEN

ANIMATED SHORTThe Bigger Picture DAISY JACOBS, CHRISTOPHER HEES

The Dam Keeper ROBERT KONDO, DICE TSUTSUMI

Feast PATRICK OSBORNE, KRISTINA REED

Me and My Moulton TORILL KOVE

A Single Life JORIS OPRINS

ANIMATED FEATUREBig Hero 6The BoxtrollsHow to Train Your Dragon 2Song of the SeaThe Tale of the Princess Kaguya

ORIGINAL SONG"Everything is Awesome" music and lyrics by Shawn Petterson THE LEGO MOVIE

"Glory" music and lyrics by John Stephens & Lonnie Lynn SELMA

"Grateful" music and lyrics by Diane Warren BEYOND THE LIGHTS

"I’m Not Gonna Miss You" music by Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond GLEN CAMPBELL...I’LL BE ME

“Lost Stars” music by Gregg Alexander & Danielle Brisebois BEGIN AGAIN

SOUND MIXINGAmerican Sniper

JOHN REITZ, GREGG RUDLOFF, WALT MARTIN

Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance

JON TAYLOR, FRANK A. MONTAÑO, THOMAS VERGA

Intersteller GARY A. RIZZO, GREGG LANDAKER, MARK WEINGARTEN

Unbroken JON TAYLOR, FRANK A. MONTAÑO, DAVID LEE

Whiplash CRAIG MANN, BEN WILKINS, THOMAS CURLEY

SOUND EDITINGAmerican Sniper

ALAN ROBERT MURRAY, BUB ASMAN

Birdman or (the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance

MARTÍN HERNÁNDEZ, AARON GLASCOCK

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies BRENT BURGE, JASON CANOVAS

Intersteller RICHARD KING

Unbroken BECKY SULLIVAN, ANDREW DECRISTOFARO

ORIGINAL SCOREThe Grand Budapest Hotel

ALEXANDRE DESPLAT

The Imitation Game ALEXANDRE DESPLAT

Intersteller HANS ZIMMER

Mr. Turner GARY YERSHON

The Theory of Everything JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...