Sister’s advice helps retiree perfect his set of predictions

Even though Burt Furuta of Pauoa Valley didn’t see any of this year’s nominated movies, the retired computer consultant still managed to pick a perfect slate of Academy Award winners to claim first prize in the Honolulu Star- Advertiser’s Oscarama contest.

He will receive $200 cash from the newspaper, a $200 gift certificate for the Japanese restaurant Hatsuhana Hawaii and two Consolidated Theatres movie passes.

Furuta, 68, credited his movie- buff sister, Alison Treanor, with helping him with his picks.

Despite talk of a tight race for best picture, there were 37 correct entries in the contest, even when factoring in the cinematography tie-breaker. The top three winners were chosen in a random drawing.

Punahou School teacher Lara Cowell of Palolo will receive the second-place prize of $100, a $100 gift certificate for Fresco Italian Restaurant and two movie passes, while the third-place prize of $50 and four movie passes will go to Waipahu High School teacher Katrina Karl, who lives in the University area.

Although 72 entrants correctly picked winners in the top six categories, about half were eliminated by the tie-breaker.

A new Oscarama rule required entries to ace the best picture category in order to be considered for prizes. A total of 206 entries put a check mark next to “Water,” but the always intriguing race for best supporting actor tripped up many Oscar pickers.

“Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri” received 248 nods as best picture.

At total of 668 entries were received.