The 87th Academy Awards Predictions.

So I decided to run my personal winners/predictions for the categories I know the most about, and also care about the most; Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Writing (Original Screenplay), Directing, Cinematography, Animated Feature Film, Actress in a Supporting Role, Actor in a Supporting Role, Actress in a Leading Role, Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Picture.

Writing Adaptation:

Personal: Whiplash.

Whiplash offered the best writing of the nominees, giving the spotlight to J.K Simmons and Miles Teller, and write the two in such a complex way that seeing them on screen is a real treat. The story itself is pretty compelling, and the dialogue for these two is well worth the price of admission.

Prediction: The Imitation Game.

The Academy loves biopics, so seeing this real life adaptation of Alan Turing could easily take home Oscar gold.

Writing Original:

Personal/Prediction: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).

Birdman offered up the most complex characters of the year, with very relatable dialogue. Each of the major characters in the movie is funny, heartfelt, and overall enjoyable.

Directing:

Personal: Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman).

The way that this movie was shot, written, acted, as well as other things make this directing outing by Mr. Alejandro his best.

Prediction: Richard Linklater (Boyhood)

An impressively ambitious decision to shoot this movie over 12 years with the same actors will certainly make the Academy pick it.

Cinematography:

Personal/Prediction: Birdman.

Had this been any other normal year, The Grand Budapest Hotel would run away with this for it's style. But the way Mr. Iñárritu tricked the audience into thinking this movie was shot without any cuts, mirroring the play in the movie, as well as just having almost every shot be impressive in it's own right.

Animated Feature Film:

Personal: The Lego Movie.

Not nominated, but this animated movie had the best animation, writing, characters, and was the most heartfelt out of any in it's category. Truly a snub. Call me stubborn, but this is my pick. If you want a pick for a movie that is actually nominated, it's in my prediction.

Prediction: How to Train Your Dragon 2.

I haven't seen this, but my knowledge on the other nominees leads me to believe that Dreamworks will triumph over Disney for Oscar gold.

Actress in a Supporting Role:

Personal: Emma Stone.

Her personality and energy with the other actors in Birdman was my favorite performance in the category. She bounces off the others well, and absolutely steals a scene opposite Michael Keaton.

Prediction: Keira Knightly.

Her electrifying personality and dialogue in The Imitation Game was a close second for me, but I feel the circumstances her character was will make the Academy think differently.

Actor in a Supporting Role:

Personal/Prediction: J.K. Simmons.

My absolute favorite performance all year goes to the craziest band director ever. His twisted methods for a seemingly justified goal make him very complex and varied in his performance, showing great range.

Actress in a Leading Role:

Personal/Prediction: Julianne Moore.

I actually haven't seen any of the movies in this category, so I did some research. Due to personal experience, and the clips I've seen, Julianne Moore's portrayal of someone suffering from Alzheimer's is worthy of Oscar gold.

Actor in a Leading Role:

Personal: Michael Keaton.

Don't call it a comeback, but Keaton's return to the spotlight is one for the ages. Seemingly cast specifically because of his life after Batman, Keaton playing a man trying to find his relevance in the entertainment business after playing a popular superhero was basically perfect, and Keaton knocks it out of the park.

Prediction: Benedict Cumberbatch.

Portraying the real life Alan Turing, Cumberbatch brings great complexity to his character, likely giving him Oscar gold.

Best Picture:

Personal: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

Not only the best made movie of 2014, but by far the most entertaining. The best performances and writing combine for the most entertaining movie I've seen this year, and might sneak it's way into my favorite movies of all-time.

Prediction: Boyhood.

The 12 year planned production time along with a relatable script will likely take home the highest honor this year.