United Nations Oscar picks, then and now

Laura Brenner, Hello! Magazine

The historic General Assembly of 1947 on the issues of the establishment of a Jewish state and the independence of India gave their predictions for the Oscars over 50 years ago.

The assembly was divided, with the vast majority of the opinion that “Miracle on 34th Street” would win, and outsiders Iran for “Great Expectations” and the USSR for “A Gentleman’s Agreement.”

Well, the USSR got it right then, with the correct and singular prediction that “A Gentleman’s Agreement” would take home the prize.

But what country can predict the 2011 winner?

We repeated this experiment with the 2011 Oscar nominees for Best Picture, wondering which country would show their foresight and unprecedented knowledge of world culture and predict the winner.

The delegate from Haiti predicts “True Grit,” while the Canadian is of the firm belief that the “King’s Speech” will win. However, “Inception” seems to be the overall favourite of the committee.

We also asked celebrities from the nominated films their opinion on the current topics under debate in the UN.

Jeff Bridges was of the opinion that the General Assembly’s recent resolution on a cap of interest rates was “totally radical, man!” while Natalie Portman reveals she is willing to shave her head in support of the cause.

Leonardo DiCaprio has stated his intent to star in a film in which a heroic US aid worker is sent into Israel and single handedly takes down a terrorist organization intent on releasing Small Pox in Tel Aviv.

Check back on February 27th to see how the General Assembly fairs.