As the 2015 Oscar Awards Show drew closer, 41 SDA students were asked to choose their favorite in five categories: Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Original Song, and Animated Feature Film. SDA’s students had a variety of different opinions, with all nominations supported.

Photo by Vicky van der Wagt, Brittany Serbin, Maddy Campbell

Best Picture

SDA’s Choice: American Sniper

SDA students favored this high-stakes war drama which follows Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, America’s most lethal sniper, through the challenges and effects of war. Based on the autobiography by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice, the movie depicts Kyle’s transition from bull-riding cowboy to war hero, without sparing the emotional and physical impact that’s inflicted on the family that Kyle is trying to be there for.

The Academy’s Choice: Birdman

Michael Keaton caught the Academy’s attention as Riggan Thompson, an actor struggling to regain fame by writing, directing, and starring in his Broadway debut. While trying to convince himself and his audience that he is more than just the iconic movie superhero Birdman that has defined his career, he has to deal with the expectations of his unsupportive daughter and unruly co-stars.

Photo by Vicky van der Wagt, Brittany Serbin, Maddy Campbell

Best Actress

SDA’s Choice: Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl”

Rosamund Pike earned the vote of SDA students for her depiction of Amy Dunne in the movie adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel, “Gone Girl.” Amy and her husband Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) present their happy marriage to the public until the sudden disappearance of Amy reveals that the couple wasn’t so happy after all.

Academy’s Choice: Julianne Moore, “Still Alice”

Julianne Moore took home the Oscar for her portrayal of a woman diagnosed with dementia in the movie “Still Alice,” based on the book of the same name by Lisa Genova. Throughout the film, Moore shows how dementia affects her life and the lives of her family.  

Photo by Vicky van der Wagt, Brittany Serbin, Maddy Campbell

Best Actor

SDA’s Choice: Bradley Cooper- “American Sniper”

SDA recognized the best picture as “American Sniper,” and also chose the leading role, Bradley Cooper, as leading actor. He played as the protagonist, and expressed the difficulties and struggles that soldiers deal with in war every day. Other movies he starred in include “Guardians of the Galaxy,” and “The Hangover.”

The Academy’s Choice- Eddie Redmayne- “The Theory of Everything”

Eddie Redmayne won the Oscar for his role in, “The Theory of Everything.”  He acted as Stephen Hawking, a patient battling ALS and convincingly demonstrated how different life is for people suffering from the illness. Redmayne has previously starred in the movies, “Les Miserables,” and “Jupiter Ascending.”

Photo by Vicky van der Wagt, Brittany Serbin, Maddy Campbell

Animated Feature Film:

SDA and The Academy’s Choice: Big Hero 6

SDA and The Academy both agreed on “Big Hero 6” for the Animated Feature Film category. This movie is about a boy whose brother invents a robot that is designed to heal people, but then conflicts arise.  Its colorful characters and plot appealed to various audiences.

Photo by Vicky van der Wagt, Brittany Serbin, Maddy Campbell

Music-Original Song

SDA’s Choice: Everything is Awesome- “The Lego Movie”

Over half of the students at SDA chose “Everything is Awesome,” as their choice for Best Original Song. Sung by singers Tegan and Sara, this catchy song was featured throughout the movie and its upbeat tune spread the message that, “you know what’s awesome? Everything!”

The Academy’s Choice: Glory- “Selma”

The Oscar award went to “Glory” by John Legend, which was featured in the movie “Selma.” This song promotes equality for people of all races. Also performed at the Oscars, this song’s inspiring message left many guests including Chris Pine in tears.