habit bartel: 'Harry Potter' At The MTV Movie Awards: Experts Weigh In

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

'Harry Potter' At The MTV Movie Awards: Experts Weigh In

'I'm a little nervous for 'Harry Potter,' ' says one analyst, noting that 'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' is up against 'Hunger Games' and latest 'Twilight.'
By Josh Wigler

Daniel Radcliffe in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2""
Photo: Warner Bros.

Eight films. Seven books. And now, at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards, the magic number is six for "Harry Potter" fans: That's the amount of nominations earned by the final film in the epic fantasy series, "Deathly Hallows, Part 2." As the grand "Potter" finale, "Deathly Hallows" represents the last opportunity for wizards and witches alike to band together and win the elusive Movie of the Year award, among other statuettes — but the battle won't be easy for fans, according to the experts.

"I'm a little nervous for 'Harry Potter' [at the Movie Awards]," Hypable.com's Andrew Sims told MTV News about the nominations. "This is the only year that 'The Hunger Games,' 'Twilight' and 'Harry Potter' are all competing, in some cases head-to-head."

Indeed, those three massive franchises are going up against each other — all three are nominated for Movie of the Year and Best Kiss — though many believe the real showdown will be between "Hunger Games" and "Potter," particularly in the Best Female Performance race. That category includes both Jennifer Lawrence as girl-on-fire Katniss Everdeen and Emma Watson as brilliant witch Hermione Granger, and it's bound to be an epic showdown.

"It's going to be tough because Katniss is such a strong female lead, and people are obsessed with her strength and her character," said Julia Hodges of DanRadcliffe.com and RupertGrint.net. "But we have a history with Hermione. Maybe people will really acknowledge her for all of the amazing work."

Daniel Radcliffe's footing in the Best Male Performance race is a bit more certain according to "Potter" fans who refuse to believe the Boy Who Lived won't be rewarded for eight excellent movies.

"I think Daniel Radcliffe has this one locked up. When you look at that list, they're all fabulous," said LeakyNews.com's Melissa Anelli of Radcliffe's competition, which includes "Hunger Games" star Josh Hutcherson. "I especially love ['Drive' star] — I think he does fantastic work there. But I do think it's a clear win for Radcliffe."

"His acting in these 'Harry Potter' films just got better and better over time," Sims agreed. "And of course in this final film, where Harry has to sacrifice himself, it was such a huge moment in the series, and every fan connected with Harry in that moment."

Even if Radcliffe and Watson don't pull out individual wins, the "Potter" experts we spoke with said they'd be stunned if "Deathly Hallows" doesn't take home the Best Cast award.

"This is definitely the award I feel most confident about for 'Potter,' " Hodges said. "We have not only Harry, Ron and Hermione — Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson — but also Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and all of these lead stars who really bring together the entire cast. It's more than just the trio. It's the entire whole."

"When I look at this list, I think 'Harry Potter' really does have this one," Anelli added. "The cast is so large and layered and talented. It was like the end of a symphony with this film."

But even as it approaches its last shot at Golden Popcorn glory, "Potter" can't count on nostalgia alone, especially when "there's a new 'Twilight' film and a new 'Hunger Games' film on the horizon, whereas there are [no more movies] for 'Harry Potter,' " Sims said.

"I think it still has a good shot because it's huge and always will be," he added. "But there are other fandoms knocking — very vibrant fandoms, who are definitely going to give it some tough competition."

Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to vote for your favorite flicks now! The 21st annual MTV Movie Awards air live Sunday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.

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