Adnan Virk

Adnan Virk, a Canadian-born sports reporter and host, joined ESPN in May 2010 as an anchor for ESPNEWS, the 24-hour all-sports news network.

Virk gained eight years of experience in Canada, starting out with TSN in 1998, where he was an associate producer for Sportscentre. From there, Virk worked for Omni Television serving from September 2002 – December 2003 as a co-host for Omniculture and Bollywood. In April of 2002, he began working for a 24-hour Canadian sports television network, The Score, where he hosted several programs until his departure in 2009. His most recent job before joining ESPN was as a reporter and host from 2010 – April 2011 for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment‘s Raptors NBA TV, Leafs TV and Gol TV.

Virk has been recognized multiple times for his reporting. In 2008, he was named Sportscaster of the Year by Anokhi Vibe Magazine, and Favorite Media Personality by the Masala, Mehndi, Masti Organization.

Virk, whose parents immigrated to Canada from Pakistan, attended Ryerson University in Toronto, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in radio and television in 2000.

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posted by on February 22, 2013 8:00 AM

The envelopes, please: SportsCenter’s Adnan Virk reveals his Oscar picks

ESPN's Adnan Virk (Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images)

ESPN’s Adnan Virk (Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images)

Editor’s note: In January, when the nominations for the 2013 Academy Awards were announced, SportsCenter anchor and film buff Adnan Virk weighed in with his thoughts about the Top 11 Oscar Snubs. Below, he shares with Front Row his picks in the various Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences categories. The Academy Awards air Sunday on ABC, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

I love Oscar Night. While I recognize the massive self-absorption and narcissism of the entire affair, I love motion pictures. I celebrate the celebration of them.

I’ve seen every movie nominated for best picture, director, actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, original screenplay and adapted screenplay.

I try to do so every year. I have to neglect my family but did it again!

Since I don’t have the ability to attend the Academy Awards ceremonies, I’ll be watching on my couch, dressed up in a tux. In honor of Lincoln, I’ll be wearing a top hat and speaking to my wife and kids in a high, reedy voice.

Best Picture
Will win: Argo. Ben Affleck’s snub for best director could be the best thing to happen to the film. Now on a tidal wave of outrage and sympathy, the film has won the Producers Guild award, Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild awards. The last film to win the PGA, WGA and SAG and not win the Academy Award for Best Picture was Apollo 13. But Driving Miss Daisy won Best Picture in 1989 without a Best Director nomination and so Argo doesn’t have to entirely set precedent.

I’d like to see win: A toss up between Lincoln and Argo. I loved both films and would be happy if either was recognized.

“I'll be watching on my couch, in a tux and in honor of Lincoln wearing a top hat and speaking to my wife and kids in a high, reedy voice.”

“I’ll be watching on my couch, in a tux and in honor of Lincoln wearing a top hat. . .”

Best Actor
Will win: Daniel Day-Lewis [Lincoln] in the slam dunk of the century. He’s won every major award and is the best actor of his generation, despite [ESPNRadio host] Colin Cowherd’s disdain for him.

I’d like to see win: DDL. If it was up to me, he’d be on the verge of his fourth Best Actor Oscar win, since I think he should’ve won for Gangs of New York. In any event, he’ll make history as the first actor ever to win three Best Actor Academy Awards.

Best actress
Will win: Jennifer Lawrence [Silver Linings Playbook]. The entire cast was nominated and the young star will cap off a strong year with the box office grosses of The Hunger Games as well. She was previously nominated for Winter’s Bone.

I’d like to see: Naomi Watts win for The Impossible. A harrowing portrayal of a true life tale, a mother desperate to stay alive and find her family after a devastating tsunami tears them apart. Heartbreaking work.

Best supporting actor continue reading…

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