Olivier Awards 2012 - predictions

Photograph: Johan Persson

As everyone in the world of theatre knows, the 2012 Olivier Awards take place this Sunday at the Royal Opera House with coverage being shown via the BBC's red button for the second year running (my fingers are crossed for it to much better than last year's cringe-worthy coverage). Aside from the fact I do not necessarily agree with all of the nominations and the awards ceremony as a whole, I will be taking you through the people I believe deserve to win on the night (except for the musical awards as I haven't been to see any of the nominated musicals).
To begin, we have Best Revival which should hands down go to Anna Christie which was a beautifully calculated revival of an under performed play and indeed, an under performed playwright. Next we have Best New Play which will undoubtedly go to this years smash hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors. I'm not sure how I feel about any of the nominations in this category as there really hasn't been any stand out new plays produced this year. Best Actress is a category packed full of brilliant talent but two performances really stood out for me this year, them being Ruth Wilson and Lesley Manville for Anna Christie and Grief, respectively. Lesley Manville's performance was a pitch perfect portrait of a hauntingly frail woman who has little left in her world - each word piercing the air of the Cottosloe, whilst Wilson's performance was strong, gutsy and highly captivating. I really couldn't choose between the two.

Photograph: Tristram Kenton

The Best Actor category at this year's awards contains a nomination for the most truly thrilling performances of the year - through the use of a plural you have probably guessed I am talking about the joint nomination for Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller. I was beyond relieved that they received a joint nomination as they both complimented each other brilliantly and the show would not have been the same without both of them in the lead roles. The award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role will most likely give Sheridan Smith her second Olivier Award, and deservedly so as the other nominations in this category weren't really up to much (especially Johnny Flynn who I am sure is there just to give Jerusalem one last nod). I never really agree with the nominations for Best Director at the Olivier Awards, and I really do not agree with them this year. When it comes to this category, it always feels like people are nominated in regards to how many other nominations the show they have directed has (which would make sense), but I feel directors should be rewarded purely on artistry - an example would be Katie Mitchell whose shows are never recognised at the awards, but whose directorial stamp is present on all of her work. Mitchell, and many others, push boundaries. How many times can we have Nicholas Hytner or other 'play it safe' directors nominated? It seems every year.
The rest of my predictions:
Best Lighting Design - Bruno Poet should really get this award for his atmospheric and engaging lighting for Frankenstein.            
Best Set Design - Michael Taylor's set for The Ladykillers was original and highly creative - he thoroughly deserves to win this award.
Best Sound Designer - Underworld and Ed Clarke for Frankenstein.
Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre - Salt, Root and Roe at Trafalgar Studios 2.
Best New Dance Production - The Metamorphosis
Outstanding Achievement in Dance - Edward Watson