Oscars 2013: Analysis & Prediction (Part 3 of 7)

This is the third of seven parts devoted to my analysis and prediction of each category for the Academy Awards 2013 celebrating films from 2012. This section will cover three categories: Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing.

(Part 1 of 7: Best Foreign Language Film, Best Animated Film, and Best Documentary)
(Part 2 of 7: Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score, Best Original Song)

BEST FILM EDITING
Argo (William Goldenberg)
Life of Pi (Tim Squyres)
Lincoln (Michael Kahn)
Silver Linings Playbook (Jay Cassidy & Crispin Struthers)
Zero Dark Thirty (William Goldenberg & Dylan Tichenor)

Will Win: Argo
Dark Horse: Zero Dark Thirty
Should Win: Argo






I haven't seen Lincoln at this point in time. So I can't judge how good the editing work in Spielberg's film is. However, veteran Michael Kahn has previously won three Oscars, and is considered one of the medium's most accomplished editors. Like composer John Williams, he is likely to be by-passed by the Academy, regardless of the quality of his work on Lincoln. Life of Pi and Silver Linings Playbook are unlikely to win this category too. Lee Ang's film is unconventional and interesting, but not particularly well-paced, losing momentum towards the end. David O. Russell's film might have a shout, but appears to be down in the pecking order after Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, and possibly Lincoln. What's left is a two-way fight between the two of the most tense CIA thrillers in recent years, both edited to create maximum suspense for the audience. For me, Argo triumphs Zero Dark Thirty because it has a tighter cut and is considerably less long-winded.









BEST SOUND MIXING
Argo
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Lincoln
Skyfall

Will Win: Life of Pi
Dark Horse: Skyfall
Should Win: Life of Pi

BEST SOUND EDITING
Argo
Django Unchained
Life of Pi
Skyfall
Zero Dark Thirty

Will Win: Life of Pi
Dark Horse: Skyfall
Should Win: Life of Pi






For the last three years, both sound categories had been won by the same film. By that logic, Les Miserables, Django Unchained, and Zero Dark Thirty are probably not going to score in their respective categories. Still, I'd like to see some surprises in store for us. My bet is on Life of Pi for both categories because the use of sound is especially crucial in creating the mood and aural landscape that is befitting of a journey into the natural and spiritual unknown. For dark horse, it is really a toss between Argo and Skyfall for both categories. Even though Argo might be more likely than Skyfall to win these categories because of its potential awards momentum, I shall be daring and root for Skyfall, which I feel is arguably the most visually and aurally arresting action film in years. 















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