Oscar Predictions - The Sequel

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING:

HITCHCOCK

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

LES MISERABLES

Nominees I've Seen: 2/3 - Haven't seen Hitchcock.
Commentary: This is the first time the Academy refers to this category as "Makeup and Hairstyling" as opposed to just "Makeup."  Actors in fat suits usually only win if its Eddie Murphy, that leaves out Hitchcock.  I'm swayed toward Les Miserables of the remaining two, given how convincing Dying Hugh Jackman and Dying Anne Hathaway looked.  Also, Sacha and Helena!
WILL WIN: LES MISERABLES
I'D VOTE FOR: LES MISERABLES
SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED: Makeup making people into other races may be a tad controversial, but Cloud Atlas should have been here.  And again, should have won.

 

PRODUCTION DESIGN:

ANNA KARENINA

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

LES MISERABLES

LIFE OF PI

LINCOLN

Nominees I've Seen: All
Commentary: This category was known as "Art Direction" and now goes back to "Production Design."  Any of these could win.  Initially, I was a little surprised by Life of Pi's mention here.  After seeing the film a second time, it's easy to see why.  The film's first act has a lot of strong period work.  When it comes to this and costume, vote the prettiest.  That would be Anna.
WILL WIN: ANNA KARENINA
I'D VOTE FOR: ANNA KARENINA - as the work here is integral to the story.
SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED:  I sound like a broken record - Cloud Atlas, for spanning centuries.  Also, Prometheus is better than most of the nominees.  Those aside, The Master felt very authentic to its period but probably wasn't flashy enough. 

COSTUME DESIGN:

ANNA KARENINA

LES MISERABLES

LINCOLN

MIRROR MIRROR

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

Nominees I've Seen: All
Commentary: Snow White and Lincoln are probably sitting this out.  The other Snow White movie Mirror Mirror had the flashiest work, and many films win this category without any other nominations.  That film's designer, Eiko Ishioka, died about 2 months before its release.  Having acknowledged that, period piece usually wins over fantasy.  So, Anna probably has this one, too. 
WILL WIN: ANNA KARENINA
I'D VOTE FOR: While I think Snow White and the Huntsman is the better film, MIRROR MIRROR's costumes are jaw-droppingly decadent. 
SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED: Moonrise Kingdom - I think Sam and Suzy's outfits will be the most iconic someday.  Those, and Jamie Foxx's awesome blue suit in Django Unchained. 

 

CINEMATOGRAPHY:

ANNA KARENINA

DJANGO UNCHAINED

LIFE OF PI

LINCOLN

SKYFALL

Nominees I've Seen: All
Commentary: A race between Skyfall and Life of Pi.  Skyfall won the guild award, but 2 of the past 3 winners were Avatar and Hugo.  Both 3D releases prevailed over more deserving fare.  Meaning Pi just barely beats Bond.
WILL WIN: LIFE OF PI
I'D VOTE FOR: SKYFALL - for the Shanghai sequence alone.
SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED: The Master ranks with Skyfall as this year's most beautifully shot film. 

 

FILM EDITING:

ARGO

LIFE OF PI

LINCOLN

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

ZERO DARK THIRTY

Nominees I've Seen: All
Commentary: I don't have a problem with any of these films being here.  This year isn't as showy as last year - which had non-nominated Drive and Martha Marcy May Marlene and the editing Oscar-winner The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.  Argo needs a technical win, and its best chance is here. 
WILL WIN: ARGO
I'D VOTE FOR: ZERO DARK THIRTY - expertly building tension in more clever ways than standard airplane takeoff scenes.
SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED: Cabin in the Woods, for flipping between a standard horror story and a meta-comedy then blending them in a thrilling final act.