the hostess with the most-essELLEN DeGENERES

Get ready to get your dance on. Yep, the lady who has been bringing the boogie to television daily for eleven seasons is back to host her second outing on the big stage.

Her first gig was back in 2007 and ended up earning her a Primetime Emmy nomination. While she didn’t win, I think her 45 Daytime Emmy wins more than soften the blow.

With her comfort and effortless charm, she is sure to bring her good humor to the Dolby Theater. And since most of the people in the audience have sat across from her on her show, I’m sure the stars will be thrilled to see a welcoming face. She won’t be as edgy or cutting as Seth MacFarlane was last year, but I don’t doubt she will bring a surprise or two to the show.

Starting her career in her hometown of New Orleans as the host of a local comedy club, Ellen leveraged that into a successful career as a stand-up comic and even acting on her own show. Because of that show (with the highly original title “Ellen”) she received an Emmy and the Peabody Award for writing “Puppy Episode” where her character (and eventually she) came out as a gay woman to over 46 million viewers.

I love watching her get down and I think that she has grown more easy with her comedy in the seven years since she last graced the stage. And I can’t help but believe the more than 225 countries and territories worldwide will feel the same way.

“I am so excited to be hosting the Oscars for the second time. You know what they say - the third time’s the charm.”

As you flip through the Watchlist, keep an eye out for this bookmark. While I can’t say with certainty who will take home the prize, these are the ones I think are safe bets.

BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR & ACTRESS, SUPPORTING ACTOR & ACTRESS

AMERICANHUSTLEDirector David O. Russell knows how to set a stage - a story where “some of these events are true”. Set in the world of one of the most compelling scandals that rocked our nation, this is a delightful type of film that combines drama, comedy, and a who-done-it twist.

Sony’s official description goes like this: American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man, Irving Rosenfeld (played by the almost unrecognizable Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (amazingly portrayed by Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper, can we talk about his hair?!). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey power-brokers and mafia that’s as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, the passionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving’s unpredictable wife Rosalyn (the beautifully insane Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down.

With his beyond incredible cast, it is not surprising that almost all of the actors received acting nominations this year. Will Jennifer Lawrence score a repeat and take home the gold for the second year in a row? Tune in to see. But if you haven’t seen the movie yet you can preorder it now through iTunes or Amazon.

BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR & ACTRESS, SUPPORTING ACTOR & ACTRESS

julia roberts & meryl streep

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

Family, am I right?! Meryl continues to prove that she is a force of nature, throwing herself fully and completely into the role of matriarch Violet Weston. Harshly honest and an addict for both pills and drama, it is no wonder her daughters are less than enthusiastic about coming home. Facing her down with passion and power is her oldest daughter (played fiercely by Julia Roberts) who is fighting for normalcy while realizing there is really no such thing. Compelling and engrossing, August almost feels as though you are watching real life - it’s not always pretty, but you deal with what you’ve got. Available to preorder now on iTunes or Amazon.

BEST ACTRESS & SUPPORTING ACTRESS

BEST ACTRESS & SUPPORTING ACTRESS

The fall from grace isn’t always an easy ride. Cate Blanchett is the title character, Jasmine French, a New York socialite who has lost everything. So she heads across the country to take refuge with her sister (played by the delightful Sally Hawkins), bringing all her emotional baggage along with. From pill popping to practically bathing in booze, Woody Allen continues his study of the heartbroken and emotionally distraught. Blanchett is pretty much a lock to win, but we shall see! Get it now, to rent or own, on iTunes or Amazon.

cate blanchett & sally hawkins

BLUE JASMINE

While I haven’t had the chance to see this nail-biter, there is no denying the power of the film. With Tom Hanks as the title character, he fights for his life (and that of his crew) when his ship is boarded by Somali pirates (lead by limo-driver-turned-Supporting Actor Nominee, Barkhad Abdi). There are no skull and crossbones here, just a story based on the true-life account of the real Captain Phillips. While it doesn’t have much of a chance of taking home the big prize - I’m sure it is more than worth watching. It is now available to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

BEST PICTURE & SUPPORTING ACTOR

It might seem crazy what I’m about to saySunshine she’s here, you can take a break

I’m a hot air balloon that could go to spaceWith the air, like I don’t care baby by the way

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happyClap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Here come bad news talking this and that, yeah,Well, give me all you got, and don’t hold back, yeah,

Well, I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine, yeah,No offense to you, don’t waste your time

Here’s why

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happyClap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Hey, come on

(happy)Bring me down

Can’t nothing bring me downMy level’s too high

Bring me downCan’t nothing bring me down

I said (let me tell you now)Bring me down

Can’t nothing bring me downMy level’s too high

Bring me downCan’t nothing bring me down

I said

music & lyrics by pharrell williams

HAPPY, DESPICABLE ME 2

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE & ORIGINAL SONG

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happyClap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happyClap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Hey, come on

(happy)Bring me down… can’t nothing…

Bring me down… my level’s too high…Bring me down… can’t nothing…

Bring me down, I said (let me tell you now)

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happyClap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I’m happyClap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I’m happyClap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Come on

If you haven’t seen the movie, it is available now to rent and own on iTunes or Amazon. You can also download “Happy” on both Amazon and iTunes now.

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

BEST PICTURE, ACTOR & SUPPORTING ACTOR

Based in 1985 Dallas, this is the raw and astoundingly honest story of a real-life electrician/rodeo bull rider/party boy, Ron Woodroof (the remarkable Matthew McConaughey), who, due to his wild ways ends up contracting HIV. Woodroof works through his denial of having a “faggot” disease and lives beyond his thirty-day death sentence to establish a buyers’ club to provide drugs (more than the traditional AZT treatment) for others with AIDS. While McConaughey’s performance is truly impressive, it is his co-star Jared Leto’s Rayon that is the heart (and sadness) of the film. I’d be surprised if they don’t both take home the gold. It is available now to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.

music & lyrics by kristen anderson-lopez & robert lopez

LET IT GO, FROZEN

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight,not a footprint to be seen .

A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I’m the queen .The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside.

Couldn’t keep it in , Heaven knows I tried.Don’t let them in, don’t let them see.

Be the good girl you always have to be.Conceal , don’t feel , don’t let them know.

Well , now they know!

Let it go, let it go!Can’t hold it back any more.

Let it go, let it go!Turn away and slam the door.

I don’t care what they’re going to say.Let the storm rage on .

The cold never bothered me anyway.

It’s funny how some distance,makes everything seem small .

And the fears that once controlled me, can’t get to me at allIt’s time to see what I can do,

to test the limits and break through.No right, no wrong, no rules for me.

I’m free!

Let it go, let it go.I am one with the wind and sky.

Let it go, let it go.You’ll never see me cry.

Here I’ll stand, and here I’ll stay.Let the storm rage on .

My power flurries through the air into the ground.My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around

And one thought crystallizes like an icy blastI’m never going back; the past is in the past!

Let it go, let it go.And I’ll rise like the break of dawn.

Let it go, let it goThat perfect girl is gone

Here I stand, in the light of day.

Let the storm rage on!The cold never bothered me anyway...

If you haven’t seen the movie, it is available now to rent on iTunes or preorder on Amazon. You can download “Let It Go” on both Amazon and iTunes now.

performed by idina menzel

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE & ORIGINAL SONG

Let it go, let it go.I am one with the wind and sky.

Let it go, let it go.You’ll never see me cry.

Here I’ll stand, and here I’ll stay.Let the storm rage on .

My power flurries through the air into the ground.My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around

And one thought crystallizes like an icy blastI’m never going back; the past is in the past!

Let it go, let it go.And I’ll rise like the break of dawn.

Let it go, let it goThat perfect girl is gone

Here I stand, in the light of day.

Let the storm rage on!The cold never bothered me anyway...

If you haven’t seen the movie, it is available now to rent on iTunes or preorder on Amazon. You can download “Let It Go” on both Amazon and iTunes now.

GRAVITYWhoa. Now, I know that I’m biased because of my life-long love and devotion to the one and only Sandra Bullock, but walking out of the 3D IMAX theater I felt like I had just touched down to earth with her. The visual effect are nothing short of life-like and the story is as thrilling and dramatic as any I’ve seen in recent memory. Beginning to end, I found myself at the edge of my seat, jumping at explosions and crying along with Bullock’s lost-in-space Dr. Ryan Stone. This is a thriller in the true sense of the word and is now available to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.

BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR & ACTRESS

A quiet movie that practically yells. In a not-too-distant future version of LA, Joaquin Phoenix plays a lonely Theodore who spends his days writing beautiful letters for people he doesn’t know. One day, he upgrades his operating system to the new “smart” version... and ends up falling in love with constant-ly evolving Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). His best friend Amy (the magically natural Amy Adams) is there to support him along the way in this unconventional love story that is so human and on the verge of being imaginable. Original and compelling, this is one of those films I felt like I experienced as much as watched. If you missed it in theatres, you can preorder it on iTunes or Amazon now. (You can also download the nominated “The Moon Song” on both Amazon and iTunes.)

BEST PICTURE, ORIGINAL SONG & SCREENPLAY

HERI’m lying on

the moon

My dear, I’ll be there soon

It’s a quiet starry place

Time’s we’re swallowed up

In space we’re here a million miles away

There’s things I wish I

knew

There’s no thing I keep

from you

It’s a dark and shi

ny place

But with you my dear

I’m safe and we’re a million miles away

We’re lying on the moon

It’s a perfect afte

rnoon

Your shadow follows me all day

Making sure that I’m

okay and

We’re a million miles away

music by karen o., lyrics by karen o & spike jonze

THE MOON SONG

The sea wants to kiss the golden shoreThe sunlight warms your skinAll the beauty that’s been lost beforeWants to find us again

I can’t fight you anymoreIt’s you I’m fighting forThe sea throws rock togetherBut time leaves us polished stones

We can’t fall any furtherIf we can’t feel ordinary loveWe cannot reach any higherIf we can’t deal with ordinary love

Birds fly high in the summer skyAnd rest on the breezeThe same wind will take care of you andI will build our house in the trees

Your heart is on my sleeveDid you put there with a magic markerFor years I would believeThat the world couldn’t wash it away

‘Cause we can’t fall any furtherIf we can’t feel ordinary loveWe cannot reach any higherIf we can’t deal with ordinary love

Are we tough enoughFor ordinary love

We can’t fall any furtherIf we can’t feel ordinary loveWe cannot reach any higherIf we can’t deal with ordinary love

We can’t fall any furtherIf we can’t feel ordinary loveWe cannot reach any higherIf we can’t deal with ordinary love

performed by U2

music by paul hewson, dave evans, adam clayton and larry mullen with lyrics by paul hewson, performed by U2

ORDINARY LOVE MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

performed by U2

The film is available for preorder on iTunes and Amazon. You can also download “Ordinary Love” on both Amazon and iTunes.

NEBRASKASome trips need to be shared. Woody Grant (brought to life by Bruce Dern) is a gruff and rough alcoholic who believes that he has won a million-dollar sweepstakes, but in order to claim his prize he must travel from Montana to Nebraska. He turns to his estranged son (Will Forte) while also dealing with his brutally honest wife (the revelation known as June Squibb) as they go on a modern odyssey into age and relationships.

While I don’t think they are going to win the big prizes, you never know what might happen with director Alexander Payne. Known for bringing the human condition to film, this is no different. It is available now to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.

BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR & SUPPORTING ACTRESS

PHILOMENA

BEST PICTURE & ACTRESS

In the end I could say just two words and be done - Judi. Dench. Period. How she continues to not only improve but transcend beyond her body of work is more than I can comprehend. This film is based on a true story of Philomena Lee’s quest to locate the son who was taken from her while placed at a Catholic convent. Steve Coogan (who also co-wrote the screenplay) plays Martin Sixsmith, a disgraced journalist who is reticent to tackle a human-interest story, offers a perfect foil for Dench. He is difficult to like, but the magic of Philomena’s outlook proves to be transformative for them both. It is available to preorder now on iTunes or Amazon.

12 YEARS A SLAVEDamn. While the film is not easy to watch, it is an important part of our nation’s history. The acting is beyond impressive and this true story is one of perseverance and strength. Chiwetel Ejiofor is Soloman Northup, a free man from upstate New York who is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing the kindness of some and the harshness of most, it is no small miracle that Northup’s spirit remained intact. Smart and determined, his story gets added depth with the supporting cast of Micheal Fassbender’s vicious slave owner and the revelation who is Lupita Nyong’o. It is available now to rent or own on iTunes or Amazon.

BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR, SUPPORTING ACTOR & ACTRESS

BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR & SUPPORTING ACTOR

THE WOLF OF WALL STREETI needed a shower (or two) after taking a dive into depravity with Martin Scorsese’s latest partnership with Leonardo DiCaprio. Leo is more than a little vile as he portrays Jordan Belfort, a real man with few-to-no scruples who believed in living hard and partying even harder. Jonah Hill is an obscene caricature as Belfort’s right-hand man, but he continues to prove his acting chops. Just be prepared, if you’re looking for a low-key, family-friendly drama this is decidedly not it. Available now to rent or buy on iTunes or Amazon.

BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR & SUPPORTING ACTOR

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

michael wilkinsonAMERICAN HUSTLE

william chang suk pingTHE GRANDMASTER

patricia norris12 YEARS A SLAVE

michael wilkinsonAMERICAN HUSTLE

william chang suk pingTHE GRANDMASTER

patricia norris12 YEARS A SLAVE

catherine martinTHE GREAT GATSBY

michael o’connorTHE INVISIBLE WOMAN

BEST PICTURE

ACTOR Christian Bale AMERICAN HUSTLEBruce Dern NEBRASKALeonardo DiCaprio

THE WOLF OF WALL STREETChiwetel Ejiofor 12 YEARS A SLAVEMatthew McConaughey

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

ACTRESS Amy Adams AMERICAN HUSTLECate Blanchett BLUE JASMINESandra Bullock GRAVITYJudi Dench PHILOMENAMeryl Streep AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

SUPPORTING ACTOR Barkhad Abdi CAPTAIN PHILLIPSBradley Cooper AMERICAN HUSTLEMichael Fassbender 12 YEARS A SLAVEJonah Hill THE WOLF OF WALL STREETJared Leto DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

SUPPORTING ACTRESS Sally Hawkins BLUE JASMINEJennifer Lawrence AMERICAN HUSTLELupita Nyong’o 12 YEARS A SLAVEJulia Roberts AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTYJune Squibb NEBRASKA

DIRECTORAmerican Hustle DAVID O. RUSSELLGravity ALFONSO CUARÓNNebraska ALEXANDER PAYNE12 Years a Slave STEVE MCQUEENThe Wolf of Wall Street

MARTIN SCORSESE

CINEMATOGRAPHYThe Grandmaster PHILIPPE LE SOURDGravity EMMANUEL LUBEZKIInside Llewyn Davis

BRUNO DELBONNELNebraska PHEDON PAPAMICHAELPrisoners ROGER A. DEAKINS

FILM EDITINGAmerican Hustle JAY CASSIDY, CRISPIN

STRUTHERS, ALAN BAUMGARTENCaptain Phillips CHRISTOPHER ROUSEDallas Buyers Club

JOHN MAC MCMURPHY, MARTIN PENSAGravity ALFONSO CUARÓN, MARK SANGER12 Years a Slave JOE WALKER

ADAPTED SCREENPLAYBefore Midnight RICHARD LINKLATER,

JULIE DELPY, ETHAN HAWKECaptain Phillips BILLY RAYPhilomena STEVE COOGAN, JEFF POPE12 Years a Slave JOHN RIDLEYThe Wolf of Wall Street

TERENCE WINTER

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAYAmerican Hustle

ERIC WARREN SINGER, DAVID O. RUSSELLBlue Jasmine WOODY ALLENDallas Buyers Club

CRAIG BORTEN, MELISA WALLACKHer SPIKE JONZENebraska BOB NELSON

PRODUCTION DESIGNAmerican Hustle

JUDY BECKER, HEATHER LOEFFLERGravity ANDY NICHOLSON, ROSIE GOODWIN,

JOANNE WOOLLARDThe Great Gatsby

CATHERINE MARTIN, BEVERLEY DUNNHer K.K. BARRETT, GENE SERDENA12 Years a Slave

ADAM STOCKHAUSEN, ALICE BAKER

VISUAL EFFECTSGravity TIM WEBBER, CHRIS LAWRENCE, DAVE SHIRK, NEIL CORBOULDThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug JOE LETTERI, ERIC SAINDON, DAVID CLAYTON, ERIC REYNOLDSIron Man 3 CHRISTOPHER TOWNSEND, GUY WILLIAMS, ERIK NASH, DAN SUDICKThe Lone Ranger TIM ALEXANDER, GARY BROZENICH, EDSON WILLIAMS, JOHN FRAZIERStar Trek Into Darkness ROGER GUYETT, PATRICK TUBACH, BEN GROSSMANN, BURT DALTON

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Dallas Buyers Club ADRUITHA LEE, ROBIN MATHEWS

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa STEPHEN PROUTY

The Lone Ranger JOEL HARLOW, GLORIA PASQUA-CASNY

COSTUME DESIGNAmerican Hustle MICHAEL WILKINSONThe Grandmaster

WILLIAM CHANG SUK PINGThe Great Gatsby CATHERINE MARTINThe Invisible Woman

MICHAEL O'CONNOR12 Years a Slave PATRICIA NORRIS

American Hustle Captain Phillips Dallas Buyers Club Gravity Her

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

The Broken Circle Breakdown BELGIUM

The Great Beauty ITALYThe Hunt DENMARKThe Missing Picture CAMBODIAOmar PALESTINE

LIVE ACTION SHORTAquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me)

ESTEBAN CRESPOAvant Que De Tout Perdre (Just

Before Losing Everything) XAVIER LEGRAND, ALEXANDRE GAVRAS

Helium ANDERS WALTER, KIM MAGNUSSONPitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)

SELMA VILHUNEN, KIRSIKKA SAARIThe Voorman Problem

MARK GILL, BALDWIN LI

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

The Act of KillingCutie and the BoxerDirty Wars The Square20 Feet from Stardom

DOCUMENTARY SHORTCaveDiggerFacing FearKarama Has No WallsThe Lady in Number 6: Music

Saved My LifePris on Terminal: The Last Days of

Private Jack Hall

ANIMATED SHORTFeral DANIEL SOUSA, DAN GOLDENGet a Horse!

LAUREN MACMULLAN, DOROTHY MCKIMMr. Hublot

LAURENT WITZ, ALEXANDRE ESPIGARESPossessions SHUHEI MORITARoom on the Broom

MAX LANG, JAN LACHAUER

ANIMATED FEATUREThe CroodsDespicable Me 2Ernest & CelestineFrozenThe Wind Rises

ORIGINAL SONG"Happy" music and lyrics by Pharrell Williams DESPICABLE ME 2"Let It Go" music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez FROZEN"The Moon Song" music by Karen O. with lyrics by Karen O. and Spike Jonze HER"Ordinary Love" music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, with lyrics by Paul Hewson MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

SOUND MIXINGCaptain Phillips CHRIS BURDON, MARK TAYLOR, MIKE PRESTWOOD SMITH, CHRIS MUNROGravity SKIP LIEVSAY, NIV ADIRI, CHRISTO-PHER BENSTEAD, CHRIS MUNROThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug CHRISTOPHER BOYES, MICHAEL HEDGES, MICHAEL SEMANICK, TONY JOHNSONInside Llewyn Davis SKIP LIEVSAY, GREG ORLOFF, PETER F. KURLANDLone Survivor ANDY KOYAMA, BEAU BORDERS, DAVID BROWNLOW

SOUND EDITINGAll Is Lost

STEVE BOEDDEKER, RICHARD HYMNSCaptain Phillips OLIVER TARNEYGravity GLENN FREEMANTLEThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

BRENT BURGE, CHRIS WARDLone Survivor WYLIE STATEMAN

ORIGINAL SCOREThe Book Thief JOHN WILLIAMSGravity STEVEN PRICEHer WILLIAM BUTLER, OWEN PALLETTPhilomena ALEXANDRE DESPLATSaving Mr. Banks THOMAS NEWMAN

Her Nebraska Philomena 12 Years a SlaveThe Wolf of Wall Street

WHAT ARE YOUR PICKS?

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...