Tao of Pauly

The Oscars!

For some actors, tonight is like Christmas, the Superbowl, and the Senior Prom all rolled up into one big glamorous event. Alas, Haley is having her fifth annual NYC Oscar Party tonight, and if her Golden Globes party was any indication... tonight should be the event of the year. Yes, everyone will be getting dressed up for this black tie event. What will I be wearing? I know that's what's on everyone's mind. I showed up at Haley's Golden Globes party last month looking like a hoodlum, after playing poker at Foxwoods with my brother for a 24 staright hours.

Well, I should start off with some movie, film, and industry news... right?

Yesterday, the IFC Indie Spirt Awards were held in Santa Monica honoring the best independent films from last year. Lost in Translation fared very well, winning best picture, best director, best screenplay, and best actor. In his acceptance speech, Bill Murray mused, "I did not prepare a speech, because that would not be very independent, would it?"

And yes, some organizations give out awards for futility in film. The Razzies are one such organization, and the winner of their categories go home with the infamous Golden Raspberry award. Ben Affleck, J. Lo and Gigli Swept the Razzies taking down six categories.

OK, let's get back to the Oscars! Oscar organizers are worried about politically active celebrities hijacking the podium to spout off their politcial views much how Michael Moore did last year during his acceptance speech for best documentary film. Keep an eye on Sean Penn, Alec Baldwin, and Tim Robbins... all three have been nominated and might push off their personal views on the Bush Junta and world politics. Should make things interesting.

And Hollyweird is all about image right? be sure to read: Handicapping Best-Worst Dressed.

Security is always a concern espeically when there's plenty of famous people around during a live event.

And everyone know I love to gamble. I took $200 off of some of Haley's acting buddies during the Golden Globes and I'll be running a betting pool at her party tonight. (I'm sorry I didn't get to run a pool via the Tao of Pauly this year... I was swamped with deadlines for PGL and Truckin'!) Anyway, check out some Oscar odds posted by Gold Derby.

And now, here's my favorite part of this blog. Where I announce my picks...

Best Actor
Favorite: Sean Penn (Mystic River)
Pauly's Pick: Bill Murray (Lost in Translation)

Best Actress
Favorite: Charlize Theron (Monster)
Pauly's Pick: Naomi Watts (21 Grams)

Best Film
Favorite: The Return of the King
Pauly's Pick: The Return of the King

Best Director
Favorite: Peter Jackson (LOTR: The Return of the King)
Pauly's Pick: Peter Jackson

Best Original Screenplay
Favorite: Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola)
Pauly's Pick: Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola)

Best Supporting Actor
Favorite: Tim Robbins (Mystic River)
Pauly's Pick: Djimon Hounsou (In America)

Best Supporting Actress
Favorite: Renee Zellweger (Cold Mountain)
Pauly's Pick: Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April)

The closest race is in the run for Best Actor. Will Sean Penn smoke Bill Murray? Or will Johnny Depp be the late surprise (after he picked up the SAG award for best actor)? Best supporting actress is also up for debate. I guess the only way to find out... is to watch!

Here's another article: Handicapping the Oscars from FilmJerk.com.

And alas, stay tuned in the upcoming weeks when I'll be announcing the winners of the first annual Pauly's.