I think Argo is pretty fast-paced. Especially during the end. If it wins Best Film Editing, it will be because it jumps back and forth between countries and because of the airplane take off.OscarGuy wrote
When was the last time a slow-moving film won an editing award? That's what I'm talking about as well edited as Argo is, it's not fast-paced, it's not chaotic, it's tense but done without resorting to the type of action adventure editing cliches to which we've become accustomed.
It may be a ploy, but it also may be a tactical decision to attempt to control the ridiculousness that spouts from Jennifer Lawrence's mouth on a non-stop basis.OscarGuy wrote
It would be surprising for Spielberg to win without a precedent, but I'm not so sure Lee will win a second Oscar for this film without Best Picture. They've done it to him once before and look how that turned out. Spielberg seems like a strong beneficiary of the non-presence of Affleck who, were he nominated, would have won in the current framework. Spielberg would then have three Oscars for directing, but this would be his second without a corresponding Best Picture win. I'll admit I'm still torn on who will win Best Director. I want to lean towards Spielberg, but this could be an opportunity for Harvey to sneak Russell in. It would be surprising, but with only Best Actress within sight for one of his films, I could see him turning his attention to Russell to win what some might consider an "overdue" Oscar. Were it David Fincher, I'd say it was a done deal, but who in Hollywood actually likes Russell? Sure Jennifer Lawrence has been singing his praise whenever she can, but that sounds more like a Weinstein-crafted ploy than a genuine one.
I don't know how many people in Hollywood genuinely like David O. Russell, but I do know that most of the appearances lately have appeared almost Quaalude-induced. This dude knows exactly what reputation he has and he wants to get rid of it. The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and his upcoming ABSCAM feature...he's gone Hollywood and so far we're the better for it. Comedies (let alone romantic comedies) don't win in this category, but Silver Linings Playbook is a very "directed" film and with his previous nomination for The Fighter, Russell is the most "due" of the bunch. But again: no DGA nomination.
What about Best Sound Mixing?mlrg wrote
Everyone is talking about Argo winning best picture and the possibility of winning 2 more awards at best (editing and screenplay). What about score? Although not a memorable score, they'll have a chance of rewarding Desplat, who at this stage is already due for a win.