My Oscar predictions, 2013 (Update: 16/24)

Christopher Denham, Clea DuVall, Kerry Bishé, Rory Cochrane, Ben Affleck,
Tate Donovan and Scoot McNairy star in "Argo"

Here it comes! This year is harder to predict than most years– a good thing. I'm sure I'll have more to say post-ceremony, but for now, here are my predictions.

Update: Well, a record bad year for my predictions, but at least us Oscar watchers were kept on our toes. I don't really feel that "Argo" belongs in the Best Picture cannon, despite being a good film. But plenty of Best Picture winners shouldn't have been Best Picture winners and the world hasn't stopped turning yet. The Sound Editing tie was a beautiful double-surprise. I'm thrilled Jennifer Lawrence has an Oscar, especially for "Silver Linings Playbook," but my heart breaks for Emmanuelle Riva. I'm sure Ms. Riva is just fine, however. Not thrilled with either of the wins for "Django Unchained." Tarantino has done a lot better without being rewarded and Christoph Waltz was likely the fourth best in his category (and second best in his film). I didn't see any of the Documentary Short or Animated Feature nominees (I know, I know), so I'm not surprised I missed those. The win for "Lincoln" in Production Design is a welcomed surprise for what I was certain would go to "Anna Karenina" or "Life of Pi." Seth MacFarlane was an adequate host, but I don't know that he'll be back. I live-tweeted the show and participated in Paste Magazine's liveblog. Check them out for a few laughs.

Best Picture

"Argo" WINNER (alt. "Lincoln")

Best Director
Steven Spielberg, "Lincoln" (alt. Ang Lee, "Life of Pi" WINNER)

Best Actor
Daniel Day-Lewis, "Lincoln" (alt. Bradley Cooper, "Silver Linings Playbook")

Best Actress
Emmanuelle Riva, "Amour" (alt. Jennifer Lawrence, "Silver Linings Playbook" WINNER)

The Savannah Film Festival mystery Director's Choice screening

Crowds gather outside the Trustees Theatre on Broughton Street

One of the most anticipated events at the Savannah Film Festival each year is the Director's Choice screening, a surprise film that is only announced as it lights up the screen at the Trustees Theatre. Last year, "The Muppets" had its world premiere as the Director's Choice film. Doing some research, I learned that plenty of high profile films have filled the slot in years past. 

In 2010, Robert Redford's Savannah-filmed "The Conspirator" was screened. Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air" surprised on the big screen in 2009. There wasn't a director's choice film for 2008, but Oscar-nominated animated film "Persepolis" was the chosen selection in 2007. Pedro Almodovar's "Volver" held the honors in 2006, with Woody Allen's "Match Point" selected in 2005.

What is the chosen film this year? It's anyone's guess! Murmurings of "Lincoln," "Hitchcock" and "Life of Pi" can be heard around town. After last year's family-friendly fare, Disney's "Wreck-It Ralph" has also been mentioned. Will it be one of the film's I mentioned before the festival's lineup was announced? "Silver Linings Playbook," "Flight," "Quartet," "Rust & Bone," The Sapphires" and "Amour" were all correct guesses.

Follow us on Twitter to find out as soon as the projector starts to roll!

14 films we might see at the 2012 Savannah Film Festival

Last year, the Savannah Film Festival marked both my first visit to the event and the first festival I've covered while writing for Reel Georgia. Thank you for following me around the state for an entire year!

I had a phenomenal experience in Savannah last year, but having only attended once, I've had to do a bit of research to learn the tastes and evolution of the festival over the years. This year marks the 15th anniversary for Georgia's most glamorous festival, and I think they'll create quite the spectacle.

I'll admit it, 14 is a pretty high number for a festival wishlist. I don't think we will see all of these films make the cut, but I think all of them would fit in just fine as official selections. (And just for the record, it would be a dream if Terrence Malick's "To the Wonder" was featured, but I don't want to get my hopes up.)

Find out which films have pinged my radar after the jump!