The bright and buzzy red carpet, the fabulous (and sometimes not-so-fabulous) dresses and the little, naked, golden men statues all comprise the biggest and grandest film awards night of the year: The Oscars.

It cannot be denied that 2013 brought a plethora of inspiring and unprecedented films. Who could forget Sandra Bullock’s daring exploration and adventure throughout space in the film “Gravity” all while casually sporting a puffy, snowman-like spacesuit? Who could forget the stunning and heart-wrenching performances in “Twelve Years a Slave?” Let us not overlook the record-breaking number of f-bombs in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” or even Jennifer Lawrence’s eye-dropping cleavage in American Hustle (in which, not to anyone’s surprise, she is up for her third Oscar nomination in a row).

The above mentioned movies are just glimpses of what 2013 brought for the film industry, and on March 2, the spectacular performances and riveting cinematography will be fully recognized with “The Academy Awards,” hosted by the delightful and hilarious Ellen DeGeneres. Because this previous year was so loaded with artful works, the categories for best motion picture, best actress/actor and best supporting roles seem to be in tight competition.

Thelma Adams, an avid Oscar connoisseur, predicts that “12 Years a Slave”, “American Hustle”, “Dallas Buyers Club” and “Gravity” are all top contenders for the golden best picture prize. Personally, it looks like “12 Years a Slave” will probably reel in the win. Other nominees include “The Wolf of Wall Street”, “Philomena”, “Her”, “Nebraska” and “Captain Phillips.”

Best actress seems to be a tough call this year as well, with big-time names such as Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Judi Dench and Meryl Streep in the running. 

With so many A-list candidates, the Oscar could go to any one of the deserving women; however, I would personally like to see Amy Adams take home the big prize, since she has never won an Oscar.

Following suit are the nominees for best actor: Christian Bale, Bruce Dern, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mathew McConaughey. Clayton Davis, a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, argues that McConaughey’s scary weight loss for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” was more than enough to assure his win. However, with DiCaprio’s fourth nomination, it would seem as if his win is overdue, and he should take home the muscular golden man (possibly modeled after his attractiveness).

For the best animated film, I predict that “Frozen” will win not only because of the abnormal obsession people our age seem to have with this film intended for six-year-olds, but also due to its unprecedented popularity and success as a progressive Disney film that all the more promotes femininity and equality.

Undoubtedly, it seems like the 2014 Oscars will bring an exciting show with gorgeous people involved. 

As always, though, the show presents the biggest chance for films and filmmakers to claim the prestigious prize: not only the little man figurine, but a foothold in Hollywood’s film industry and history alike.