Sunday, March 26, 2000
Who should win Oscars; who will
Enquirer movie critic makes her picks
BY MARGARET A. McGURK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
• BEST PICTURE
Should: American Beauty. Though the exquisitely imagined The Sixth Sense comes in a close second, American Beauty is not only the year's best movie, but one of the best of the 1990s.
Will: American Beauty.
• ACTOR
Should: Denzel Washington in The Hurricane stands above the crowd — and a distinguished crowd it is — with his utter mastery of a dense, protracted portrait spanning 30 years.
Will: Kevin Spacey seems to hold the momentum with his haunting work in American Beauty.
• ACTRESS
Should: Hilary Swank, Boys Don't Cry. Very rarely are American actresses given a shot at such deep, demanding work. And fewer still deliver as imposingly as Ms. Swank.
Will: Annette Bening, American Beauty. It looks like a sweep, and this was Ms. Bening's best work since her Oscar-nominated role in The Grifters.
• SUPPORTING ACTOR
Should: Haley Joel Osment, The Sixth Sense. The competition in this category is close enough to call for a coin-flip, but the boy was amazing — in what was by the way a leading, not supporting, role.
Will: Haley Joel Osment. True, the talk is that Michael Caine has it wrapped, but that's what they said about Lauren Bacall.
• SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Should: Catherine Keener, Being John Malkovich. A masterful job from an actress of astounding subtlety.
Will: Angelina Jolie, Girl, Interrupted. The Academy has never been big on subtlety.
• DIRECTOR
Should: Sam Mendes, American Beauty, for his miraculous good taste and dramatic instinct. Again, M. Night Shyamalan is close behind for The Sixth Sense.
Will: Sam Mendes.
• ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Should: Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Election.
Will: Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor. This pick is a long shot, given the full-court press the Miramax publicity machine has mounted for John Irving's Cider House Rules. But many of the same Writers Guild of America members who honored Election are in the Academy, too. So it could happen.
• ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Should: Charlie Kaufman, Being John Malkovich. Of all the tough choices this year, this one is the toughest. But for sheer originality, this fantasy tops the bunch.
Will: Alan Ball, for the fine craftsmanship of American Beauty.
Academy boss takes setbacks in stride
Follow the Oscars on the Web
Zero G is the ride of a lifetime
Shooting shocks Franklin
Does florist's guarantee pass the smell test?
Debbie Hill is free at last
Lawmaker proposes prison nursery
Praise reform, but pass the cash
West End Center is mall for needy
About the West End Center
GOP budget turnabout not fair play
Learning tools lead to award
Who should win Oscars; who will
Many CSO firsts mark maestro's last year
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's 2000-2001 Season
Decorative arts lectures focus on treasures
From homeless to hopeful
GET TO IT
'Lord of the Dance' mostly flat without Flatley
Mysterious man's paintings emerge for extraordinary exhibit
Performers make most of 'Dead-Eye'
UC student thrilled with 'Making the Band'
Best job can be worst job
CCM music class showcases talent
Builder wants Dayton to get a bigger share
'Death Row Dogs' enrich prisoners' lives
Flat telcom tax stirs up fight
Former congressman referees on gene splicing
Fugitive found in Fla. secret room
Liberty Twp. trustees boost fire staffing
Miami event celebrates diversity
New therapy holds hope for girl, 7
Public quizzes Portman on issues
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Race fans check their luck
TRISTATE DIGEST
