DIGGING INTO: Danny West

>Name: Danny West

>Birthday and Age: November 22, 1984 (22)

>Location: Asheville, NC
>Education: UNC-Charlotte graduate

>What is it about the Oscars that you love so much? "Masses-unfriendly, but artistically important films getting their due."

>Future Aspirations: Screenwriting, Fiction Writing, Journalism and Music.

>Your favorite Oscar winning film of the 80 years: Schindler's List

>In your opinion, biggest Oscar snub: Brokeback Mountain

>Hobbies: "Fiction writing, Music, Magic: The Gathering and Playing video games that are way too old to be cool. I'm also very physically active."

>Predicted Best Picture nominees for 2007.

Atonement

Charlie Wilson's War

Into The Wild

There Will Be Blood

No Country For Old Men

>Single, married, engaged, etc? None. (Whatever that means)

>Most embarrasing moment? "Saying The Black Dahlia would be good."

>Favorite films of all time: Fight Club, Mulholland Drive, Amelie, Requiem for a Dream, Seven, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Memento, Taxi Driver, Brokeback Mountain, Schindler's List

>Favorite actors and actresses. Naomi Watts, Ellen Burstyn, Gwyneth Paltrow. Brad Pitt, Viggo Mortensen, Martin Sheen.

>Anything you would like say to your fans and readers: "I love you."

>Besides yourselves, your favorite Igloo writer. "Clayton Davis is epic."

>Your favorite Oscar predictor out there: "Roger Ebert is the man. Pete Travers is not."

The Lone Director Spot: Will the trend continue?

Clever as usual, Josh Kirschenbaum discusses one of the most bizarre trends followed by AMPAS in recent years: The Best Picture/Director Split.

It seems AMPAS likes to believe some great films and eventual Best Picture nominees directed themselves and there wasn't, even if eccentric or quirky, a man behind the curtain involved...

"Stylization plays a big role in the Picture-Director split. When a filmmaker powerfully inserts his or her directorial style into a film, AMPAS tends to notice, even if they don't love the film enough for a Best Picture nomination. Fernando Meirelles, director of City of God, is a good example of this. While AMPAS didn't like the film a lot (many thought it was too violent), Meirelles' direction was too good not to recognize. Stylization can backfire though; just ask Baz Luhrmann, who was denied a Director nomination while his super-stylized film Moulin Rouge! made the top 5 in the Best Picture category."

Read the rest of this article here.

Who are this year's top contenders for the Lone Director Spot?

Awards Profile: Gone Baby Gone

Joey Magidson puts his two cents on Gone Baby Gone's Oscar potential, especially the very favorable odds for Amy Ryan right now:

"Amy Ryan is poised for a real breakout year. She’s received plenty of raves for this film, and with “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” and “Dan in Real Life”, two dark horse Oscar contenders on the horizon for this year, the Academy may find her hard to resist"

Is Amy Ryan on her way to a breakthrough Oscar nomination?

Read the full article here

DIGGING INTO: Josh Kirschenbaum

> >Name: Josh Kirschenbaum

> >Birthday and Age: September 3, 1991.

> >Location: Westchester NY

> >Education: Currently in my junior year at high school

> >What is it about the Oscars that you love so much?:

"There are many things I love about the Oscars. The single best part is seeing my favorites films of the year get rewarded (although often they are not). I love the complexities of the race. It's politics without the corruption, and with more emphasis on quality. Also, without the Oscars, there would be little incentive for studios to make good movies."

> >Future Aspirations: "Writing. I wish I could be more specific but to me, the specifics don't matter. As long as I'm writing, I'm happy."

> >Your favorite Oscar winning film of the 80 years.: Network

> >In your opinion, biggest Oscar snub (both nomination and winner): Winner: Network losing Best picture to Rocky in 1976. Nomination: John Goodman failing to be nominated for his work in Barton Fink in 1991.

> >Hobbies: "Watching movies, writing for the Igloo, writing for the school paper, reading old noir novels."

> >Predicted Best Picture nominees for 2007.

1. No Country for Old Men

2. Atonement

3. There Will be Blood

4. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

5. Michael Clayton

> >Single, married, engaged, etc?: Single

> >Most embarrasing moment?: "Losing a $20 bet on the 2005 best picture race with a friend who knows almost nothing about the Oscars (I chose BBM, he chose Crash)."

> >Favorite films of all time: Network-American Beauty-Barton Fink-Brazil-Badlands-Sunset Boulevard-Annie Hall-Boogie Nights-Citizen Kane-Princess Mononoke

> >Favorite actors and actresses.Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Spacey, John Turturro//Actresses: Diane Keaton, Sissy Spacek, Frances McDormand

> >Anything you would like say to your fans and readers: "Thanks for reading. I hope you've enjoyed my articles so far and I'll try to keep you entertained and informed all the way up until the big night."

> >Besides yourselves, your favorite Igloo writer.: "Tom Houseman. The debate I did with him on Paul Haggis was very fun and I hope to work with him more in the future."

> >Your favorite Oscar predictor out there.: "Can I say the Igloo? If not, I guess it would have to be Sasha Stone over at Awardsdaily."

Charlie Wilson's War Poster

Courtesy of Comingsoon.net is the exclusive poster of Charlie Wilson's War.

A bit bland and a bit boring, this remains to yet be seen and we may be in store for a big time flop on our hands. But who knows anything anyway? We certainly don't.

DIGGING INTO: Kelly Doucette

Name: Kelly Doucette
Birthday and Age: April 11th - aged 20
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Education: sophomore at the University of WI-Milwaukee
What is it about the Oscars that you love so much?
"just love films and think they deserve accolades such as the Oscar."
Future Aspirations - to be a filmmaker (my major)
Your favorite Oscar winning film of the 80 years. - Annie Hall (1977)
In your opinion, biggest Oscar snub: Ray Liotta for Best Actor in GOODFELLAS

Hobbies: "movie watching, volleyball, hanging out, writing/reading, TRAVELING"

Predicted Best Picture nominees for 2007.
1) Charlie Wilson's War
2) Into the Wild
3) There Will Be Blood
4) Atonement
5) The Kite Runner

Single, married, engaged, etc? - single

Most embarrasing moment? - not sure

Favorite films of all time:
** No particular order
1) Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
2) The Last Picture Show (1971)
3) 8 1/2 (1963)
4) The Hours (2002)
5) The Thin Red Line (1998)
6) Pulp Fiction (1994)
7) Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
8) Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
9) Annie Hall (1977)
10) Goodfellas (1990)

Favorite actors and actresses.
1) Jack Lemmon 1) Cate Blanchett
2) Leonardo DiCaprio 2) Bette Davis
3) Marlon Brando 3) Katharine Hepburn

Anything you would like say to your fans and readers: "Thank you so much for your constant support. Without you, predicting the Oscars would be just another stupid habit."
Besides yourselves, your favorite Igloo writer. - Jonathan Alba

Your favorite Oscar predictor out there. - Roger Ebert

The Early Buzz: The Kite Runner

There's something special going on in Marc Forster's captivating drama The Kite Runner and there are many subtleties in its powerful story that AMPAS could easily embrace...

Here's a snippet from our early review:

"In a year were most of the films touted as Oscar contenders (even those competing for the Comedy/Musical spot on the Best Picture race) are too dark, too violent or both; Paramount Vantage’s spellbinding awards-hopeful The Kite Runner offers the kind of poignant storytelling and social relevance that AMPAS has effortlessly embraced in recent years"

Read the rest of our exclusive review here.

Is the Kite Runner on your Best Picture Predictions?

DIGGING INTO: Tom Houseman

Tom Houseman, a New York native has been one of the most creative and innovative critics of the Igloo. Drawing many readers and fans, people have been dying to know what makes Tom tick. Find out!

-------------------

Name: Tom Houseman

Birthday and Age: October 1st 1987, 20

Location: New York

Education: College Student

What is it about the Oscars that you love so much? "The history."

Future Aspirations: Screenwriter and Producer

Your favorite Oscar winning film of the 80 years: Of the Best Picture winners, either Rain Man or On the Waterfront

In your opinion, biggest Oscar snub:Nomination: too many to count, but most recently The Fountain for Best Score. Winner: Memento- Best Original Screenplay 2001

Hobbies: "Other than movie related hobbies, watching sports, arguing about politics, playing poker."

Predicted Best Picture nominees for 2007:

American Gangster

Atonement

The Kite Runner

Sweeney Todd

There Will Be Blood

Single, married, engaged, etc? In a committed relationship.

Most embarrasing moment? "Any time I walk the wrong direction in New York City for half a mile without noticing the street signs."

Favorite films of all time:Remember, these are favorites, not best: Empire Records, Harvey, Memento, The Princess Bride, The Shawshank Redemption

Favorite actors and actresses:Kate Winslet, Laura Linney, Toni Collette. Johnny Depp, Gael Garcia Bernal, Peter Sarsgaard

Anything you would like say to your fans and readers: "If it weren't for you, I'd just be a weirdo sitting in my room obsessing over the Oscars, by myself, for no reason. You guys make me seem sane, and for that I thank you."

Besides yourselves, your favorite Igloo writer: Who else? Johnny Alba

Your favorite Oscar predictor out there: David Poland

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Any questions for Tom or general comments? Tell him here!

For Your Consideration: Best Actor-Chris Cooper

Looks like they are going to campaign for Chris Cooper but in the leading category.

Early release date and a very competitive Best Actor race aren't looking too good in his favor.

Supporting might have been a better move for the studio.

The End for Bale

Some Awards sites from studios are up and Mr. Davis here has just read...

Christian Bale is going lead along with Russell Crowe for 3:10 to Yuma. That pretty much kills his chances now. Another year without Bale at the ceremony it seems. He is definitely a lead but people out there were secretly hoping for a supporting bid to increase his chances.

-----------

I guess we'll wait for The Dark Knight in 08' or Killing Pablo in 09' for Bale to be nominated. Well, maybe not 08'....

DIGGING INTO: Lee Hernandez

Name: Lee Hernandez

Birthday and Age: 24. June 1st, 1983

Location: West New York, New Jersey

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Saint Peter's College>

What is it about the Oscars that you love so much? Nothing.

Future Aspirations I aspire to a career in arts journalism.

Your favorite Oscar winning film of the 80 years. 1999's American Beauty

In your opinion, biggest Oscar snub (both nomination and winner)

"Recently, the omission of Catherine O'Hara (For Your Consideration) was appauling. But Jennifer Hudson's undeserved win for Dreamgirls has been most dissapointing."

Hobbies: "Reading about movies and journalism, restaraunts, and going to the movies"

Predicted Best Picture nominees for 2007.

Atonement

Into the Wild

No Country for Old Men

Charlie Wilson's War

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Marital Status: Single

Favorite films of all time:

Rear Window, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Sunset Blvd, All About My Mother, You Can Count on Me, American Beauty, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Schindler's List, Broadcast News

Favorite actors: James Stewart, Sean Penn, Kevin Spacey

Favorite Actresses: Julia Roberts, Annette Bening, Vivian Leigh

Besides yourselves, your favorite Igloo writer: "He's no longer with us, but I liked Ben Samara's reviews"

Your favorite Oscar predictor: "I don't know if this seems biased, but I think Johnny (Alba) is always first to predict the "big surprises" every year. He takes risks in his predictions which makes it fun, and most of the time, his choices make it."

DIGGING INTO: Myles Hughes

One of newest and youngest members to the Igloo is Myles Hughes. With three articles to his credit, and more to come, he has already made an impression on the staff and YOU, the readers. Dig into our own Maryland boy.

Name: Myles Hughes

Age: 18

Birthday: October 8

Location: Bethesda, MD

Education: Senior in High School

What is it about the Oscars that you love so much?:

“I love movies, and I love seeing good movies get rewarded. There are people who like to bet on outcomes for the Superbowl, or American Idol, or Survivor. I'm like them, but my thing is movies, so the Oscars are my natural home.”

Future Aspirations: Ambition is to become either a director or actor in the film industry.

Your favorite Oscar winning film of the 80 years: The Godfather, arguably one of the best films ever made.

In your opinion, biggest Oscar snub: For nomination, my biggest qualm of the last few years has been no dice for Viggo Mortensen for A History of Violence (or the movie in general's lack of attention, such as for Best Director). For win, it's easily Russell Crowe losing the Oscar for A Beautiful Mind to Denzel Washington for Training Day.

Hobbies: “I try to average watching 3-5 movies a week, with at least one being a film I haven't seen yet. Other than that, I work in my school's theatre department (I'm currently Assistant Student Director for our production of "Aida"), as well as with local theatre companies. I enjoy socializing, hiking, tubing, reading, writing, and acting.”

Predicted Best Picture nominees for 2007:
Atonement
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood
American Gangster
Charlie Wilson's War

Relationship Status: I'm currently single, for what it's worth.

Most embarrassing moment: “Any time I've ever asked out a girl who's already in a relationship that I didn't know about.”

Favorite films of all time: A Beautiful Mind, American Beauty, The Godfather, The Silence of the Lambs, Memento, Pulp Fiction, L.A. Confidential, The Lives of Others, Traffic, GoodFellas.

Favorite Actors: Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, and Edward Norton.

Favorite Actresses: Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, and Frances McDormand.

Anything you would like to say to your fans and readers: “Whatever you do, do not pass judgement on a film's chances until January 1st.”

Besides yourself, your favorite Igloo writer: Johnny Alba, definitely.

Your favorite Oscar predictor out there: See above.

Have any questions for Myles? Want to get to know him better? Ask him right here! Comment.

Lars and the Real Buzz...

Quirky, heartfelt comedy Lars and the Real Girl is gaining lots of Oscar buzz for his leading man: Ryan Gosling (in an unusual, yet highly sympathetic, role). Joey Magidson analyzes the film's real awards prospects:

"Would a better title for this film be Lars and the Real Chance at a Nomination? Probably not, as it would make no sense in relation to the story but when it comes to Ryan Gosling, the actor in the title role, that is a different case. Gosling may be on his way to a second consecutive Oscar nod for this decidedly unconventional part"

Read the rest of this article here

And click here to read Lars and the Real Girl's reviews on RT...

Can Gosling return to the Oscars for a consecutive year or will the small film be too offbeat for AMPAS?

Visit our Forum

Back to our Main Site

The Dreamgirls/Departed Effect: Is AMPAS Changing?

Our latest article by Josh Kirschenbaum is all about studios learning from past mistakes and at the same time, making the race a lot more accesible for the small, early-released and un-baity films...

"When the academy decided to forsake the ubiquitously campaigned Dreamgirls for the atypical and less campaigned contender The Departed, they sent the message that they were tired of being told who to vote for. From now on, they would decide for themselves. Right?"

Read the rest of this very honest article here.

Back to our Main Site

Back to our Forum

Is there a change in progress within AMPAS?

DIGGING INTO: Joey Magidson

D.O.B.: Born March 13, 1987

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Current Location: Long Island, NY

Marital Status: Single [and looking :)]

Favorite Igloo Writer: Tom Houseman

Education: Stony Brook University,Degree in Progress English Literature. (Changing to Cinema & Cultural Studies)

Future Goals: Writer for Entertainment Publications with secondary plan to be a High School English Teacher.

Joey’s Snubs: The Shawshank Redemption not winning Best Picture. Chasing Amy failing to get a screenplay nomination.

Favorite Oscar Predictor: Sasha Stone (AwardsDaily)

Hobbies: "Reading, Writing, playing baseball, playing video games, hanging out with friends, girls, and other random/average 20 year old guy stuff."

Favorite Oscar films:
Annie Hall (1977)
Rocky (1976)
American Beauty (1999)
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
The Departed (2006)

Favorite Films of All Time: (no order)
The Shawshank Redemption, Chasing Amy, Pulp Fiction, The Fountain, Almost Famous, Garden State, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Clerks, Magnolia, Lost in Translation

Favorite Actors – Actress
John Cusack - Scarlett Johansson

Tom Cruise - Natalie Portman
Mark Ruffalo - Rachel McAdams

What is it about the Oscars that you love so much?
“The feeling of joy you get when a film you've championed to people wins the big one”

Most embarrasing moment?
“Ran through a closed mesh screen door when I was a child”

Current Best Picture Predictions:
Atonement
Charlie Wilson’s War
Into the Wild
Juno
There Will Be Blood

Anything you would like say to your fans and readers:
“Thanks for taking the time to read what I write, it means the world to me, and if you ever want to contact me my email is joeymagz@aol.com and my AOL screen name is joeymagz...im always down to chat”

IF YOU WANT TO ASK JOEY QUESTIONS, COMMENT ON THIS POST

Dig into the Igloo

Coming later this week!

Get to know your fellow Igloo writers. We'll have personal profiles of each one ranging from their predicted nominees for 2008 to most embarrassing moments. More than the bios in the About Us section, it's one on one with you, our readers. You can ask questions, comment or just get to know someone in our lonely world of Oscar watching.

Who are you looking most forward to getting to know?

Johnny Alba

Robert Cameron

Clayton Davis

Kelly Doucette

Lee Hernandez

Tom Houseman

Myles Hughes

Josh Kirschenbaum

Joey Magidson

Danny West

Taking a step from Oscar for a moment...

Here's the poster for the new Rambo film hitting theaters in January.

With semi-not sucking success of Rocky Balboa, Stallone is trying to ride his own wave.

Could this be in contention for technical nods for 2009's Oscar? More than likely, NOT.