Margaret Canonigo of Moiliili went with her gut, not her heart, to correctly pick the winners in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Oscarama contest.
The retired banker was one of only six entrants out of 1,031 to call all seven categories in the contest.
"I wanted ‘The Descendants’ to win and, of course, George Clooney. But I just had a feeling the silent movie was going to get it. It was awfully good," said Canonigo, 69.
In favoring "The Artist," she won $200 from the Star-Advertiser and, from the Hawaii International Film Festival, dinner at the Halekulani worth $200 and a HIFF premium membership valued at $150.
The winners were chosen from a drawing of the six perfect entries. Carolyn Tani took second place and also will receive a Halekulani dinner and HIFF membership.
Others who correctly picked the winners in the supporting and lead acting, directing, picture and tie-breaking cinematography categories are Donna Rice, June Kuramoto, Byron Mello, Dorothy Aach and Rachelle Tom.
Canonigo was watching the delayed Oscar telecast with a copy of her entry close at hand when she was notified she had won. She said she didn’t mind that the suspense had been spoiled.
"I’m stoked! It’s amazing. I never win anything," said Canonigo.
"I’m a big movie fan. … I’ve seen all the ones that were nominated."
Although "The Descendants" picked up only one statuette, it remains Canonigo’s favorite flick of 2011.
"I thought it was right on. I thought it depicted Hawaii and that group of people perfectly," she said.
