While normal filmgoers don’t know the difference between sound mixing and sound editing, those of us who work this trade know all about the differences. The Cinema Audio Society focuses on sound mixing, the blending of all sound elements, dialogue, sound effects, music and so forth. This overall aural composition forms the soundscape for the film. The winner here will have an opportunity to push towards the Oscar.

CINEMA AUDIO SOCIETY AWARDS

Best Sound Mixing – Live Action

American Sniper (Wesley, Peter, Thomas)
Birdman (RU:Thomas)
Guardians of the Galaxy
Interstellar (RU:Wesley)
Unbroken (RU:Peter)

Wesley Lovell: There are a few types of films that have advantage in this category: musicals, war films and sci-fi/fantasy action films are the most prominent. There are no musicals this year, but there are two war films and two sci-fi/fantasy films. This could be a boon for Birdman, the odd one out. It could benefit from confusion over which of the others to select. You can also drop Unbroken, because it’s one of two war films and the other is far more prominent. Guardians of the Galaxy has lots of music and could be a threat, but it’s a big summer blockbuster and those don’t tend to do well with the Academy. Interstellar is too, but it’s a “prestige film” with a director who has a history with this category. American Sniper is probably the most likely victor thanks to its modern warfare setting and its huge box office tally. In the end, I think it’s a battle between Clint Eastwood and Christopher Nolan with Eastwood’s film winning out.
Peter J. Patrick: The sounds of war should triumph here, only question is which war.
Thomas LaTourette: While Interstellar has done well getting nominations, I am not sure it will have the support necessary to win. I think the most recent release, American Sniper, will win, but it will have strong competition from Birdman.

Best Sound Mixing – Animated

Big Hero 6 (RU:Thomas)
The Boxtrolls (RU:Peter)
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (RU:Wesley)
The Lego Movie (Wesley, Peter, Thomas)
Penguins of Madagascar

Wesley Lovell: There aren’t any real rules to this category, so I went with the film that blended a lot of action, music and sound effects together. Of cuorse, all of them have and I wouldn’t be surprised to see any of them win. Except maybe Penguins of Madagacar. I would be shocked if that won.
Peter J. Patrick: Just a hunch.
Thomas LaTourette: I am guessing that one of the films with big fight scenes will win.