The British are coming, the British are coming! With two brilliant films which include The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game, the British have potential. The love story between Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde Hawking as Stephen battles ALS is told brilliantly by Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. Redmayne and Jones are able to replicate the love between Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde well and also the troubles that they faced as Stephen Hawking’s disease worsened. Redmayne also performs at a top notch level when he is able to capture the horrible side effects of ALS, even Stephen Hawking said, “at times, I thought he was me.” Both strong performances by the leading actors, they might be able to lead the way for the film.

Recognized as the best British Film at the BAFTAs, it could be a very silent surprise to take home a couple Oscars. It was nominated for 10 BAFTAs and is now nominated for five Oscars.

Reasons it could win:

• The only film of the 8 nominated to have a best actor and best actress nominee.
• It won the BAFTA for best British film

Reasons it could lose:

• Eddie lost out to Michael Keaton for best actor at the golden globes
• Felicity Jones has gone winless at all major award shows

The Theory of Everything would have to win both acting awards, even though it has one of the front runners for best actor, for it to even be in talks for best picture.

Best case scenario:

It takes home the Oscar for Original Score (which pulled off a slight upset at the Golden Globes, and is the best forecast for the eventual Score winner) and the Best Actor Oscar.

Worst case scenario:

It doesn’t win either of those Oscars and might go home with maybe one Oscar in a smaller category.

Read an exclusive review of Birdman or catch the review of American Sniper early on Patrick’s blog: Rated R for Reviewed.