Oscar standouts

The 85th Academy Awards airs Feb. 24 on the ABC network. This year’s lineup ranges from a story of a slave turned bounty hunter in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained to the hunt for Osama Bin Laden in Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty. However, with all the attention on the red carpet and pre-Oscar shows, viewers might forget about the actual awards. Have no fear; this guide will help keep you on track.

BEST DIRECTOR: STEVEN SPIELBERG

Steven Spielberg is nominated for what could be his 14th and 15th Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director for Lincoln. Spielberg has mastered directing and Lincoln did not disappoint. The Academy Awards is familiar territory for Spielberg, and viewers should expect him to walk away with both awards.

BEST ANIMATED FILM: BRAVE

Disney’s Brave is the best-animated feature film of the year. It’s adventurous princess Merida, superb animation and vibrant colorful design bring the story
to life.

BEST PICTURE: LINCOLN

Re-enacting the days leading up to the passage of the 13th Amendment, Steven Spielberg captures the intensity of the great emancipator’s life during the Civil War in Lincoln, taking the audience back to 1865 and a divided nation. Through quick-witted jokes and love for family, Daniel Day-Lewis shows a side of Lincoln that is not often portrayed. Coupled with a strong supporting cast, the film sets itself apart from the competition.

Of all the nominees in the 85th annual Academy Awards, these heavy hitters have set themselves apart.

BEST ACTOR

Aside from the striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis’ soft tone and the way he carries himself personify the character of Lincoln.

BEST ACTRESS

Quvenzhane Wallis is the youngest nominee in academy history with good reason. Beasts of the Southern Wild was the most inspiring film of the year.

SUPPORTING ACTOR

With his comedic propriety and love for equal rights, Christoph Waltz’s portrayal of Dr. King Shultz sets him apart in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Showcasing her vocal skills in Les Miserables, Anne Hathaway’s gripping performance moves audiences to tears with the song I Dreamed a Dream.