From Penalty Killing to Oscar Predictions

Ok possums, before I start going off about my excitement over the upcoming Academy Awards and begin spilling my predications, allow me to take a moment to talk about our beloved (for the most part) Vancouver Canucks.

With the risk of jinxing our rather stellar improvement as of late, I have to express my complete and utter gratitude towards our team and apologize for, again, rolling off the bandwagon. But you see possums, this is what we do, isn’t it? As Canucks fans, it’s not uncommon for us to be in love with the Sedin sisters one day, and absolutely despise them the next. That’s just how we roll in this city, we’re fickle fans. However, the moment things start looking up - as they are at the mo - I’d bet you a case of Wildcat that we are some of the most passionate fans on the planet.

Taylor Pyatt, if you are for some reason reading this blog (and I'm sure there’s a chance that you are), please know that I’m the one screaming outlandishly in your favor at every game I attend. I’M the one defending you in the stands and fighting for your honor. I’M the one that thinks, should you decide to hang up your skates one day, that underwear modeling is certainly a possibility. I’d even provide my services as your publicist.

In other news, it’s that time of year again possums! The Academy Awards are a mere 6 days away, and like many of you (I affectionately assume), I’ve been in the midst of a moviegoing frenzy. Without further aduie, may I present...

The Urban Cowgirl’s 2009 Academy Award Predictions

Best Picture - Slumdog Millionaire. Not because they’ve cleaned up at all the award shows, but because the film takes a popular western show and uses it to creatively tell the story of the awful conditions that orphans are faced with in India. It also demonstrates what a magical place India is, so I suspect there will be bhungara in the streets to the tune of 1 billion + people come Oscar night.

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Mickey Rourke. My heart says Sean Penn, but my gut tells me that Rouke has it in the bag this year. The Academy likes a comeback (as does Hollywood, ahem, Britney) and tends to shy away from controversy. Given the awards take place in a state that has recently banned gay marriage, something tells me Milk may be overlooked.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Heath Ledger. I truly believe this is not just a memorium of Heath’s life, but rather a celebration of his short yet impactful body of work. There won’t be a dry eye in the house possums...it’s sure to be a pivotal point of the evening.

Best Actress in a Leading Role - Kate Winslet. This saucy minx manages to drop her drawers for the big screen once again, but always in the right context. There is nothing this British bird can’t do cinematically. However, as much as I enjoyed her in The Reader, I’m surprised she wasn’t nominated for her heart wrenching role in Revolutionary Road. Either way Kate, we love you.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Taraji P. Henson. This one appears to be a wild card, as we have five fantastic performances on our hands, all for different reasons. However, from my perspective, Henson’s performance really stood out.

Cast your own votes possums with the NY Times and check back to see how your movie critic skills measured up!

And now, let’s bhungara...