OSCAR PREDICTIONS; CBS and Coyote Medicine

Hello World Family,
Falcon here. We have two big entertainment issues to tackle today: The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and the CBS network karma of irony. Let's start with the latter.

There is someone in the upper eschelons of the CBS network right now that is wondering if maybe the network can get a do-over for the season. First, they cancel shows that are actually popular with heavy viewership (think 'Ghost Whisperer" and the NBC transfer "Medium"), and then the principle actor for one of their biggest cash cows "Two and a Half Men" does a meglomaniac self-implosion and they have to cancel taping for the rest of the season for 'reasons'.

This is what ya call ironic. CBS took two shows that had nearly 8 million viewers each and cancelled them with episodes still in the hopper. Why? Good question. I have a feeling someone doesn't necessarily like either show's subject matter, but you know what? Nothing speaks louder than ratings. What was Wednesday night's number three cable show in prime time? Syfy's "Ghost Hunters". Yeah, the plumbers from Rotor Rooter with an established hunt gone to television. They rock. The viewers certainly think so...so must the advertisers. I love that ghost hunting Turbo Tax commercial...hysterical.

And there lies the problem: it's about the money. CBS stayed quite vested in a sit-com that has Charlie Sheen playing....well, er.., um...himself. He's the highest paid actor on television (that's acting?). He has now tanked: addiction he believes he has conquered single handedly, a marriage eroding and Charlie's mouth on speed-spill about what he REALLY thinks about his bosses. Yikes...maybe the women centered murder shows with ghosts and psychics WERE alright after all:) Let's be honest here: when did 8 million viewers per show become a fail? 'Lost" had that many when they decided to renew for another season at ABC. Is it because they were shows were the protagonist was a woman? Now, before you dismiss that, name the other CBS shows with women at the center of the narrative plot...take your time....oh yeah, "The Good Wife". That's more ensemble, really, but you gotta love the title.

If I were an executive at CBS, and I was looking to May sweeps, I MIGHT consider bringing those "Medium" episodes out of the vault (or get them shot on the lot this late winter) and put that back in its usual slot. After all, what have you got to lose? Right now, on Fridays at 8pm, I am watching the Travel Channel...

One lesson may be learned from this: maybe a narrative program with 8 million viewers won't get cancelled again for awhile.

That's what you call karma, CBS...ain't that a b----?!
Hey, well, it's all good! You still have NCIS! Love that show!

Now, on to the Oscars! What will win, how many, and who may get passed by?
First of all, if you are nominated, you are awesome! Second, great hosts-Anne and James-how cool! So who do Falcon and Dove think will win?

Best Picture: The King's Speech
Best Director: probably Tom Hooper, but the Coen Brothers may pull off an upset for "True Grit"
Best Actress: Annette Benning, "The Kids are Alright" very tough category.
Best Actor:very, very tough category, but it's his time: Colin Firth, "The King's Speech"
Best Supporting Actress: impossible category; would love Helena, but Melissa or Amy got this.
Best Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush...Christian Bale or Mark Ruffalo would be cool, too.
Best Animated Feature: "Toy Story 3", but we would love to see a tie with "How to Train Your Dragon"
Best Foreign Language Film: "Biutiful"
Best Original Screenplay: The Fighter or The King's Speech
Best Adapted Screenplay: "127 Hours" or True Grit"
Best Documentary Feature: Well, now here's a tough one. We hope "Gasland" wins, but we know what a hard category this will be. "Waste Land" and "Exit Through the Gift Shop" may compete.
Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat, "The King's Speech"
Best Visual Effects: Go old school-"HP: DH 7" or "Inception"
Best Cinematography: "Black Swan" or "The King's Speech"
Best Sound Mixing: "Inception" magnificent job
Best Sound Editing: wow...this is tough. Pittsburgh's shot, "Unstoppable" was extremely well done. "True Grit" was incredible, and "Inception" was a masterpiece.
Best Costume Design: "The Tempest"
Best Art Direction: Can't we just give it to all of them?:)
Best Make Up: "The Wolfman" old school wins again

We didn't do every category...some are just too close to call, and some we didn't see enough films in the category to make a real assessment.

We wish all the nominees well, and are so glad there was such a strong group of films, actors, and performances in both skilled and technical areas this year.

Enjoy!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove