Oscar: Best Picture

WILL Win: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of
the King”

SHOULD Win: “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of
the King”

There’s just no arguing with the power of the
“Ring.” Just as one fabled Ring of Power ruled over
every species of Middle Earth, so will one trilogy rule over the
entire Academy Awards ceremony this year. Even though the first two
installments were nominated but not rewarded with golden
statuettes, there seems to be an overwhelming consensus that
Academy voters have been waiting to see the entire trilogy before
doling out awards.

That said, it bears mentioning that, were it possible to honor
more than one Best Picture this year, the other film that really
rocked our socks was “Lost in Translation.” Think about
it: If people had told you a year ago you would soon be dying to
see a hot make-out scene between Bill Murray and Scarlett
Johansson, you would have called them liars. And even though Sofia
Coppola was smart enough not to exploit her two lonely characters
by giving us that scene, she did give us one of the most
beautifully crafted romantic comedies ever made.