If it's Oscar spoilers you want, the internet abounds -- but why rely on rumor and hearsay, when you can go directly to the Psychic Source for your 2010 Academy Awards predictions? An e-mail from the friendly, telepathic tarot readers at "the nation's most respected psychic service" arrived in the Movieline inbox today, and its longshot picks raised more than a few eyebrows around HQ. Among them: Morgan Freeman for Best Actor, Woody Harrelson for Best Supporting Actor, and Harvey Weinstein's best Purim-hijacking efforts would be richly rewarded, as Inglourious Basterds was pegged to take the top trophy. We were intrigued, and immediately arranged for a consultation with Maxine, their resident Oscars expert. Come now as we gaze into her crystal ball and the near, Shankman-colored future comes into focus.
How has your track record been in predicting past Oscar winners?
Well, pretty good, actually. Pretty good over the years. My biggest disappointment was when Laurence Fishburne didn't win for Ike Turner, although it wasn't his best performance.
I was sent a list of predictions. Are these yours?
Yeah.
You seem to go against the conventional wisdom with a lot of these.
I know! Isn't that fun?
It is! So how do you sense the winners? Is there a ritual you go through?
Well, looking at the performances, the actors, the films, and getting a vibration about it. It's really not a formula. It's just what I feel. And I've been reading for a very long time, and have a good accuracy rate.
How much of your visions might be colored by the fact that you actually like these performances and movies?
It's all psychic vibrations. I went by what I felt. Because let's face it -- just to get a nod in the Academy is a phenomenal thing.
So let's start with the big one. You call Inglourious Basterds for Best Picture. Have you seen Inglourious Basterds?
Can we take the recording off for a minute?
Sure.
Off the record, I haven't seen any of the movies. So I think that makes them all the more psychic. I wait for everything to come on Home Box and Showtime. I feel terrible.
I can't put that in the interview? I kind of like that.
You know, you can use whatever you want.
I think it enhances the psychic element.
Thank you, I think so too. So I haven't seen any of the movies, but these are my picks!
Do you get any vibrations off Harvey Weinstein? He's the producer.
I don't feel he's going to get anything for producing it. I think it will just be the movie. For some reason I have a very strong attraction to it.
And in the Best Actor race, everyone thinks Jeff Bridges is going to win, but you foresee Morgan Freeman in an upset.
I don't think it's that big of an upset. He's such a respected, rounded actor. He's so about it. I don't think Jeff is going to win for Crazy Heart. So that's the big prediction. I know -- I just think Morgan's due. You know, he doesn't want to be 90 when he gets that second Oscar, so he needs that balance.
And we're in the Year of the Tiger in Chinese astrology, which is all about rebellious energy. So there's going to be quite a few upsets.
A night of upsets!
I believe so, yes. I think it will be surprises. People sitting there without an acceptance speech are going to be jumping up and coming up and saying, "Oh my gosh! I didn't expect this."
Do you think anyone will be in the bathroom, or not in the theater at all when their name is called?
Like the Daytime Emmys? [Laughs] I don't think they got lost in the bathroom for the Oscars.
Aside from the winners, do you foresee any huge surprises, or disasters, on Oscar night?
Good question. I think the red carpet is going to be kind of stellar. There will be one standout person to dish, that just isn't going to make the A-list for their red carpet look. And I think we'll see some high energy new fashion which will be very interesting. And the music is going to be phenomenal, and of course the two that are hosting will be a blast. We're going to have a lot of fun with that.
You sense good chemistry between Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.
Absolutely.
You brought up fashion mistakes. So who will make the worst dressed list, do you foresee?
Mm. Gosh. That's good. I have to really look. You know, I have a feeling that Sandra Bullock isn't going to look her best.
Oh wow.
Yeah.
Hm.
I don't know. I get a very frumpy feel. That she's just not going to be shining. Although I certainly think she's a fabulous actress, but fashion faux pas go to her.
Do you get a reading off her hair at all?
Still dark. And long.
Big? Or close to the body.
Covering her body. No, haha. Probably...up.
And who is going to suffer the Oscar Curse? In other words, win an Oscar, then see their career tank?
Oh geez. Gloom and doom, huh? I think what you're heading towards is the girl that played Precious. That was the part of a lifetime, but it was very typecast. And I would say that if she wins, which is my prediction, that her career will not continue as brightly as it started. If she really wants to get serious in acting, it's going to be parts that are sad parts. Could you see her in Juno or something like that?
Well, it would be a different movie. That's everything I need! Thanks so much, Maxine!
Thank you! And let's hope for a good night. It will be fabulous. ♦
Maxine's full list of predictions are on the next page.
Best Picture
"Inglorious Bastards" will blind side current favorites "The Blind Side" as well as "Avatar".
Best Actor
Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"
Although the buzz this year is all around Jeff Bridges adding to his Oscar collection for his role in "Crazy Heart," Psychic Source predicts Freeman housing a pair of the "golden gods" on his mantle after the 2010 ceremonies.
Best Actress
Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious"
In one of the most monumental upsets of the evening, Sidibe will take home the coveted statuette.
Best Supporting Actor
Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"
In another upset, the one who started as Cheers backward Indiana farm boy, will "plow" over the favored Christoph Waltz ("Inglorious Bastards").
Best Supporting Actress
Mo'Nique, "Precious"
Get out the tissues... there will not be a dry eye in the house as our winner commemorates the beautiful, real-life mother-daughter connection captured in this film.
Best Director
Quentin Tarantino, "Inglorious Bastards"
Another upset that will rock the house... sorry, ladies, you'll have to wait at least one more year to finally take this category.
Best Original Screenplay
Quentin Tarantino, "Inglorious Bastards"
Yes, another for Q.T., who will be riding as high--if not higher--as the rebellious non-conformist energy sweeping society these days.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Geoffrey Fletcher, "Precious"
Music, Best Original Score
James Horner, "Avatar"
No surprises here!
Music, Best Original Song
Take It All, from the movie "Nine" (Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston)
And, Best Host
No, this is not a new category, but Psychic Source is certain 2010 Oscar Hosts, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will clean up with the Academy, and the comedic duo will be asked to do it again next year.
About Psychic Source:
Founded in 1989, Psychic Source is the nation's oldest and most respected psychic service. Psychic Source's advisors are experts in astrology horoscopes, numerology, tarot cards, clairvoyant readings, and many other psychic disciplines. Psychic Source believes in its community of authentic Psychics and stands behind the authentic psychic readings they deliver to clients. Visit them online at www.psychicsource.com.