The names have never been bigger.  The 2013 Toronto International Film Festival will run from Thursday, September 5, 2013 – Sunday, September 15, 2013 and our City soon will host some of the biggest names in Cinema internationally. Especially outstanding this year is the Female Contingent.  Thanks to Films like August: Osage County, The Railway Man,Don Jon and Labor Day, Toronto will be seeing the likes of Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman and we couldn’t be more excited not only to see their performances, but also what they’ll be donning on our Red Carpets.

Without Film, we would have no TIFF.  In addition to making it out to catch a glimpse of these A-Listers, it is important that we support the Films which give a reason for these Stars to visit our fabulous City.  I’ve had the chance to preview a number of this year’s major Titles seeing a Premiere here during the Festival, some for which I wait to see still with baited breath.

Here are my 12 most notable Players premiering at TIFF ’13, which will be a major force this forthcoming Awards Season:

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY –  A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Stars Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Juliette Lewis and Abigail Breslin. Review to go live September 10th.

Screening times:
Monday September 9 – Roy Thomson Hall 6:30 PM
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) 11:00 AM

Trailer:

RUSH –  A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his rival, James Hunt. Stars Liam Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Daniel Brühl; Ron Howard directs.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Roy Thomson Hall at 9:30 PM
Monday September 9 – Ryerson Theatre at 12:00 PM

Trailer:

LABOR DAY – Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited. Stars Kate Winslet,  Josh Brolin and Tobey Maguire. Review to go live September 14th.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 AM
Saturday September 14 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM

 NO TRAILER

TRACKS – A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. Stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 11 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM

Trailer:

DON JON – A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Princess of Wales at 6:30 PM
Wednesday September 11 – Ryerson Theatre at 3:00 PM

Trailer:

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Stars Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 – Ryerson Theatre at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 -The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 12:15 PM

Trailer:

THE FIFTH ESTATE – A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website’s growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Brühl, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 –Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:30 PM and Roy Thomson Hall  at 8:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Winter Garden Theatre at 12:30 PM

Trailer:

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB – The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Dennis O’Hare and Steve Zahn.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 10:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Trailer:

PRISONERS  –  A Boston man kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend. Stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Bello, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard and Paul Dano. Review to go live September 13th.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 12:00 PM
Friday September 13 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 2:30 PM

Trailer:

THE RAILWAY MAN – A victim from World War II’s “Death Railway” sets out to find those responsible for his torture. A true story. Stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Roy Thomson Hall at 6:30 PM
Saturday September 7 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
Thursday September 12 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

 NO TRAILER

12 YEARS A SLAVE – In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Princess of Wales at 6:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 11:30 AM
Saturday September 14 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM

Trailer:

PHILOMENA – A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Princess of Wales at 3:30 PM
Monday September 9 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Don’t forget to check back as Reviews and loads of Celebrity Photos and Scoops will be posted throughout the Festival. Click here for our Reviews section and get the scoop on what we thought of these TIFF ’13 Titles!

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)

We’re all awaiting the release of Saving Mr. Banks, at this stage a major Contender for Best Picture at the Oscars based on buzz alone. Telling the Story of how Walt Disney persauded P.L. Travers to have her classic Novel Mary Poppins adapted to the Big Screen and the 20-year-long struggle involved with that, Disney releases the Drama on December 13, 2013 in limited release, expanding the following week on December 20, 2013.

Starring in the Film are: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, Annie Rose Buckley, Ruth Wilson, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffiths, Kathy Baker and Colin Farrell.

See the brand new official Artwork for Saving Mr. Banks below:

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

At long last, a Trailer has arrived for Saving Mr. Banks, and if this isn’t bait for an Oscar, I don’t know what is!

Chronicling Walt Disney‘s 20-year struggle to bring Author P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins to the big screen, the Disney (I know, how meta!) Drama stars Tom Hanks as the famed Animator and Emma Thompson as Travers; John Lee Hancock directs.

Saving Mr. Banks also stars: Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti, Jason Schwartzman, Bradley Whitford, Annie Rose Buckley, Ruth Wilson, B.J. Novak, Rachel Griffiths and Kathy Baker.

See the official Synopsis below:
When Walt Disney’s Daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite Book, P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins, he made them a promise—one that he didn’t realize would take 20 years to keep. In his quest to obtain the rights, Walt comes up against a curmudgeonly, uncompromising writer who has absolutely no intention of letting her beloved magical nanny get mauled by the Hollywood Machine. But, as the books stop selling and money grows short, Travers reluctantly agrees to go to Los Angeles to hear Disney’s plans for the Adaptation.

For those two short weeks in 1961, Walt Disney pulls-out all the stops. Armed with imaginative storyboards and chirpy songs from the talented Sherman Brothers, Walt launches an all-out onslaught on P.L. Travers, but the prickly author doesn’t budge. He soon begins to watch helplessly as Travers becomes increasingly immovable and the rights begin to move further away from his grasp.

It is only when he reaches into his own childhood that Walt discovers the truth about the ghosts that haunt her, and together they set Mary Poppins free to ultimately make one of the most endearing Films in Cinematic History.

See the Trailer below:

Saving Mr. Banks gets a Limited Release on December 13, 2013 and a Wide Release December 20, 2013, making this a prime choice for Families this Christmas!

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Just keep swimming! Fans of 2003 Oscar-winning Best Animated Feature Finding Nemo, will be bubbly with news of a forthcoming Sequel. Ellen DeGeneres who voiced the forgetful Dory in the Film announced earlier today she will be returning once again for Disney/Pixar‘s Finding Dory.

DeGeneres says, “I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time. I’m not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating ‘Toy Story 16.’ But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.”.

Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang will be returning once again, in addition to several new characters according to Director Andrew Stanton.

Finding Dory hits theatres November 25, 2015, timed and primed for what appears to be another Oscar Campaign.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

After making a huge splash at the Box Office internationally, Academy Award Best Animated Feature Nominee Wreck-It Ralph, soon will hit stores! In a groundbreaking move, Disney will be debuting the HD Digital and HD Digital 3D Versions early on February 12, 2013.   For the rest of us who aren’t quite technologically there yet, the Video-on-Demand, DVD and DVD/Blu-ray Combo Packs  (two and four-disc versions) will see a release on March 5, 2013.

Wreck-it Ralph centers around Video Game Villain Ralph (John C. Reilly), who is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer), the “Good Guy” Star of their Game who always gets to save the day. But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he’s tired of playing the role of a Bad Guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of Video Games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a Hero. On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) from the first-person action Game Hero’s Duty. But it’s the feisty Misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated Cart Racing Game, Sugar Rush, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly Enemy that threatens the entire arcade. Will Ralph realize his dream and save the day before it’s too late?

The four-disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition for Wreck-it Ralph includes:

• Bit by Bit: Creating the Worlds of Wreck-It Ralph – Fans of the Film will get a look at five new worlds created for Wreck-It Ralph. The short takes viewers into Game Central Station with the Artists who brought Sugar Rush, Hero’s Duty and Fix-it Felix Jr. to life.

• Alternate & Deleted Scenes – Four separate scenes are highlighted with an Introduction and optional Audio Commentary from Director Rich Moore.

• Video Game Commercials –Viewers can check out the commercials created for the Video Games featured in the Film – Fix-It Felix Jr., Sugar Rush, Hero’s Duty and Fix-it Felix Hammer.

• Paperman – This animated Short Film played in theaters before “Wreck It Ralph”. It tells the Story of a young Man in an office who sees the Girl of his dreams in a skyscraper window across the street. But how can he get her attention?

• Disney Intermission: The Gamer’s Guide to Wreck-It-Ralph – When the film is paused, Host Chris Hardwick appears on screen to guide Viewers through a series of 10 video Segments offering an inside look at the many Video Game references, Disney references and other hidden surprises featured in the Film.

Watch the Trailer below:

 Double your chances by clicking “Share” on this Facebook Post or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://tinyurl.com/av63ude  Enter to win a WRECK-IT RALPH ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION via @MRWILLW! In-stores 3/5/13!

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)

Hollywood united once again for the biggest night in Film, the 85th annual Academy Awards, held at newly-coined Dolby Theatre (formerly Kodak Theatre) in Los Angeles.  Hosted (and Nominee) by Funnyman Seth McFarlane, there were several moments of biting humour where he  drew “ooh”s, followed by “hahahaha”s, including everything from  jokes about Chris Brown and Rihanna to nine-year-old Nominee Quvenzhané Wallis, whom he said “in 15 years will be of age to date George Clooney“.  The highlight of his Opening Speech  included dancing by Charlize Theron and Channing Tatum and a cynical William Shatner, where we saw a hilarious Sock Puppet Re-enactment of Best Picture Nominee Flight. In addition, the sometimes Crooner showed-off  his singing chops including an inappropriate Duet with Kristin Chenoweth as the credits rolled, poking fun at the Losers.

Winning top honours tonight was Ben Affleck-directed Argo, which solidified its place in the race for Best Picture with a gain in momentum of late, with wins at major Oscars pre-cursor ceremonies including  the Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globe Awards and Directors Guide Awards. The Film also won Editing and Adapted Screenplay earlier in the evening and despite noticeably being left-out  in the Directing race this year, a fast-talking Affleck sorta addressed his snubbing by saying, “You can’t hold grudges and it doesn’t matter how you get knocked down in life as all that matters is that you  get up.”. The Drama had the distinction of debuting here at the Toronto International Film Festival this past September, when we were lucky enough to see Affleck and the Cast here in the City.

It should come as no surprise to many that Daniel Day-Lewis went on to win his third  Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in Best Picture Contender, Lincoln.  The private British-Irish Actor in 1989 won for My Left Foot and also in 2007 for There Will Be Blood.  In his Acceptance Speech, he showed his funny side, joking “Steven (Spielberg) originally wanted to cast Meryl (Streep) in the role of Lincoln“, accepting his Award from a fellow three-time Winner in Streep, acknowledging what a versatile Actress she is.

Winning Best Actress was 22-year-old Jennifer Lawrence, who looked stunning in her Dress designed by Dior Haute Couture, winning for her work in Rom-Com, Silver Linings Playbook.  Tripping up the stairs while accepting her Award, she humbly said “You’re all standing just because you felt bad I fell down”.  Lawrence became the second youngest Actress ever to win the Award, behind only a then 21-year-old Marlee Matlin in Children of a Lesser God.  The Category was seen as a hotly-contested battle between her and Jessica Chastain for Zero Dark Thirty.

Christoph Waltz repeated his 2010 feat, winning Best Supporting Actor once again for his second collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained.  The Austrian Actor  has solidified his standing  in North America as a Star with a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live just last week, completing his Awards Season sweep which also included wins at the Golden Globe Awards and also the BAFTAs.

Anne Hathaway, being the odds-on favourite to win Best Supporting Actress also was absolutely no surprise winning  her respective Category on the strength of her heartbreaking performance as Fantine in Tom Hooper‘s Les Misérables. Dressed in Prada – a decision she only made three hours prior to walking the Red Carpet which was met with mixed reviews – the New York Native has won an astonishing  43 wins  this Awards Season, with handful more to go still.

Taiwan-born Director Ang Lee became a two-time winner in the  Directing Category with his Life of Pi, after winning in 2005 with Brokeback Mountain.  Quentin Tarantino also won his second Oscar – his first being in1995 with Pulp Fiction – for his Screenplay, Django Unchained, although he  noticeably was omitted from consideration in the Directing Category.

After much buzz surrounding her appearance tonight which prevented her from appearing at the BRIT Awards the other night, International Singing Sensation Adele performed a stirring rendition of  Skyfall, co-written by her and Paul Epworth, which went on to win her an Oscar tonight for Best Original Song.   Adele among others, beat-out Host MacFarlane‘s co-written Everybody Needs a Best Friend, sung by Norah Jones, from Ted.

 See some of the stunning Fashion from the Oscars tonight, including my fave look – Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen!

For a full list of Winners, click here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Amidst these February Blahs, Moviegoers find solace in Comedy with Universal Pictures’ Identity Thief usurps the top of the Box Office once again in its third week with $14.1 million; tepid but enough to be number one this weekend and just-shy of the $100-million mark domestically.

Snitch starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, opens in second spot with $13 million for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films in 2,511 theatres across North America.  Reviews were mixed for the Action Flick at 54% on the Tomatometer, but audiences responded better with a B CinemaScore.

Escape from Planet Earth, the Canadian-produced Animated Feature, is in third this weekend with $11 million. Its two week tally is $35.1 million.

Holding its position at number four is Nicholas Sparks Adaptation, Safe Haven, with $10.6 million in its second week, just ahead of Horror Flick Dark Skies in number for in its debut with $9 million. Both Films are distributed by eOne Films in Canada.

Experiencing a significant slip is A Good Day to Die Hard in fifth with $10 million for 20th Century Fox. Its cumulative total for two weeks is an impressive $51 million for last week’s number one Film.

Amazingly, Silver Linings Playbook continues to show its grit in seventh spot with $6.1 million as its fate at the Oscars is set to be revealed tonight – the only Film still remaining in the Top Ten in the running for Best Picture.

Side Effects rounds-out this week’s Top Ten with $3 million in this its third week of release.

Sorta uncanny how in The Hunger Games’, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is propelled rapidly into stardom after her historic first Co-Victory with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), but is reality now mirroring Art? It surely feels that way with Lawrence‘s v. quick silver-lined ascent to the top of the A-List in Hollywood and front of the Style Pages. And now after Oscar Winner Natalie Portman‘s Reign as the face of Miss Dior comes Lawrence‘s turn, going superglam in these just-released Promotional Photos for their Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign.

After stunning us already this Awards Season in Dior at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards, will Lawrence be making at a three-peeta (lol), donning a creation by the Fashion House again tomorrow at the 85th Academy Awards? Would seem so.

See the images below:

While in the moment of her current Media domination, this amazing -looking Promotional One-Sheet for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was just released by Lionsgate Fillms yesterday, promoting Katniss and Peeta‘s Victory Tour within the forthcoming Sequel. A Promotional Tour within a Promotional Campaign… how meta!

Check-out the Poster below:

And if you aren’t one of the 8.6 million Facebook Users who have “liked” The Hunger Games Movie Facebook Page, do it here!  Catching Fire hits theatres November 22, 2013.

(Photo credit: Dior/Lionsgate Films)

Some of you might recall that my dear Friend Jonathan Godfrey, a fellow Film Aficionado has pitched-in a few Reviews here of late.  He thought of the brilliant idea of us combining our perspectives together for you all to read right in time for the 85th annual Academy Awards.  As it turns out, we have rather different opinions on how we feel the Oscars will unfold. We both live for Oscars Day and these would be our choices if we were given Ballots by the Academy…

SUPPORTING ACTRESS & ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Jonathan Godfrey: Ladies first, I am a Gentleman after all. And when it comes to the fairer sex I must admit my fondness for Anne Hathaway, however when it comes to this year’s Best Supporting Actress, she is not my Flagbearer. Helen Hunt is, and the sexuality she exudes in The Sessions makes her so.

Mr. Will: Although I would agree that the brazen and physically-correct Helen Hunt  was superb in  The Sessions,  it was Hathaway who devastated me most as Fantine in Les Misérables.  In fact her performance was so good that if the Academy would allow it, she could well have won Actress in a  Leading Role this year.  The last two-thirds of Les Misérables never could match that level of intensity it had when she was on-screen.  Mark my words, it will be a Hathaway Sweep this Awards season, completed by an Oscar win here.  Anne, I’m still on for Soy Lattes and Salon Day some time.  Text me, A-Hath!

Jonathan Godfrey: As for Actress in a Leading Role, my choice is far more mainstream. Jennifer Lawrence is unforgettable in Silver Linings Playbook, and such an impression should be adequately awarded.

Mr. Will: Inasmuch as I love J-Law – and I really do – I really just don’t think she’s earned it yet.  When you measure her performance here against recent Winners like Natalie Portman in Black Swan, Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby/Boys Don’t Cry, Charlize Theron in Monster or Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady, her Silver Linings Playbook work just doesn’t stack-up to that caliber. I’m so sorry to say it – don’t Katniss me with a Crossbow! I also would hate to see her peak this early in her career as I think her best work is still ahead of her.  The Oscars Curse can be detrimental,  ask Mira Sorvino.  Therefore, my vote goes to the effervescent Jessica Chastain.  Her stone-cold performance as Maya in Zero Dark Thirty in my opinion, dug that extra layer deeper and left an impression with me long after I left the theatre. Kudos also to a then six-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis who wowed me in Beasts of the Southern Wild, a born natural.  Naomi Watts I adore, starting off so strong in The Impossible, but alas it is her role which didn’t give her as much to work with after she fell ill for most of the Film.

SUPPORTING ACTOR & ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Jonathan Godrey: My choices here are for the  pair of Chaps who star opposite each other in The Master. Yes, I was one of those Oddballs impressed by that haunting theological treatise. And so I believe Philip Seymour Hoffman to be Supporting Actor, and Joaquin Phoenix the Actor in a Leading Role. Color me crazy (a suitable shade), for that Film drove me to madness (its own indelible mark).

Mr. Will: Odd, indeed! The Master was this year’s Tree of Life for me.  Although sartorially exquisite, it went completely over my head.  I appreciate Phoenix‘s daringness  and Hoffman‘s conviction here, but it is Christoph Waltz who lit-up the Screen for me in Django Unchained, giving us a performance equally  brilliant  to the one he gave us in 2009’s Inglourious Basterds.  This Man fascinates me: his range, his ability to command a scene and his working chemistry with Quentin Tarantino is just explosive. And can I  say what an injustice it is that Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t get recognized?

As for Actor in a Leading Role I begrudgingly have to say the incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis is the odds-on choice.  And I  say “begrudgingly” because I know how Hugh Jackman gave it his all in Les Misérables, finally getting that long-overdue Academy acknowledgment.  In any other year it could’ve been him.

COSTUME DESIGN, PRODUCTION DESIGN & ORIGINAL SCORE

Jonathan Godfrey: Though I do not believe I am qualified to comment on every Technical category, I do wish to talk about a few. It may be Paul Delgado’s first nomination, but he is deserving of the gold for Costume Design nonetheless. The Wardrobe he stitched for Les Misérables is inspiring, so is Sarah Greenwood & Katie Spencer’s work on Anna Karenina. To them the aesthetic award of Best Production Design is given easily. They made the stage a character of its own, a truth too often overlooked. Lastly, may Mychael Danna take the Oscar for Original Score in Life of Pi. We Torontonians must stick together.

Mr. Will: I tend to agree with you Jonathan, despite our v. different opinions in the Acting categories. In any given year there are several Nominees in categories such as Short Film – Animated or Short Film – Live Action which we unfortunately don’t get an opportunity to evaluate.  In terms of Costume Design, Colleen Atwood has built her own legacy and her work for Snow White and The Huntsman cannot be overlooked as a possible Dark Horse,  but yes, the Costumes in Anna Karenina were stunning –  a Film defined by its Fashion. I do think though that Les Misérables has more fuel in its tank at this point in Awards Season.  I’d give the upper hand to  Delgado here for his work in the Musical.

As for Production Design, I’m inclined to say that the Duo of Eve Stewart  & Anna Lynch-Robinson for Les Misérables also will be awarded.  Hard to believe they made us believe we were amidst the June Rebellion in France all within the confines of a few Soundstages. As for Original Score, I love John Williams as does the Academy making him the choice, although Thomas Newman for Skyfall might give him a run for his money.

I also would like to commend the phenomenal Makeup and Hairstyling in the under-appreciated Hitchcock.  You go, Howard Berger, Peter Montagna & Martin Samuel!  Anyone who can turn Sir Anthony Hopkins so believably into such a widely-recognizable Icon deserves a round of applause in my books.

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY, ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY & DIRECTING

Jonathan Godfrey:  Lucy Alibar & Benh Zeitlin cannot go unmentioned for Adapted Screenplay. Theirs is a story of life, its beauty and opposing struggle. Beasts of the Southern Wild is absolutely brilliant and so is Amour. Thus, for Original Screenplay the statue goes to Michael Haneke. However, as much as I am torn in denying Haneke the Award for Directing, it nevertheless goes to a worthy Opponent. Benh Zeitlin took home the honours at Sundance for Beasts, and here he shall have them again. His Film reminds the World that life is in the living.

Mr. Will: Argo was my fave Film of 2012, so I am pretty much rooting for Chris Terrio to be awarded Adapted Screenplay for his enthralling, humanistic and detailed work.  For Original Screenplay, my heart is with Tarantino for Django Unchained; an unparalleled Storyteller, in a league of his own.

As for Directing, it still to this day does not sit well with me that Ben Affleck so cruelly was overlooked for Argo.  The Golden Globes, BAFTAs, DGAs and Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards got it right. The Academy, not so much.  That being said, the legendary Steven Spielberg is as deserving as he’s ever been for Lincoln, drawing  phenomenal performances all around from his superior-caliber Cast, paying a fitting tribute to a Man who changed our World.

BEST PICTURE

Jonathan Godfrey:  Beasts of the Southern Wild is my selection for Best Picture. All of the Nominees are deserving of the honour this year, and I believe Les Misérables and Amour to be especially so. That said, Beasts remains my choice, one I have been debating for weeks on-end. In time, I shall see if the Academy agrees with me, and I do not worry if they don’t. I’m happy to have seen all of the nominated Films, and to have enjoyed them in turn. I hope those interested do the same, and come to their own honest conclusions.

Mr. Will:  Although I walked away from Zero Dark Thirty thinking for sure it was this year’s Best Picture, I’ve seen both Silver Linings Playbook and Argo gain a huge amount of momentum over the past few weeks, particularly the latter.  To be honest, I think Argo is peaking at the right moment to take it all, especially with Affleck‘s snubbing reminding the Academy how badly they’ve messed-up failing to recognize his work as a Director.  Argo, it is.

And thank you so much Jonathan for generously sharing your thoughts with us.  You definitely have a unique perspective and offer a refreshing take!  I do think you’re terribly wrong about  Hathaway though and you know it!

ABC airs the 85th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 7:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The accolades continue to pour-in for Argo, which won top honours today including Best Picture and Best Director (Ben Affleck) at the EE BAFTA Awards, held at London’s Royal Opera House.  Acclaimed Actor Stephen Fry filled hosting duties.  The Drama also won Best Editing, further drawing attention to the Academy‘s snubbing of Affleck at this year’s forthcoming Oscars in the Directing category.

Winning British Film at the Awards this year was Skyfall, the latest in the James Bond Franchise.  Composer  Thomas Newman also won Original Music too for the connections of the Film.

Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables also took home an impressive four Awards including shoe-in Anne Hathaway for her work as Fantine.  The Film also won Best Hair and Makeup, Production Design and  Sound also.

Perhaps the biggest Shocker to come out of the EE BAFTA Awards was 85-year-old Actress Emmanuelle Riva‘s win for Amour, which also won Best ForeignFilm.  The Category was seen widely as a match between Zero Dark Thirty‘s Jessica Chastain and Silver Linings Playbook‘s Jennifer Lawrence, further evincing what a wide-open affair this year’s Oscars really is.  Not so surprisingly, Daniel Day-Lewis was honoured for his work in Lincoln.

Picking-up the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award this year is Juno Temple who is making a splash stateside in titles like Dirty Girl, Killer Joe and The Dark Knight Rises.

See all the Winners here.

See some of the Fashion from the BAFTAs at Vogue UK here.

e! will be airing the BAFTAs at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PAC tomorrow, February 11, 2013.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)