Sunday, March 4, 2018

Predictions for 90th Annual Academy Awards


So close. I was 9-0 last year, with Best Actor & Picture on deck. Finally, an undefeated Oscars for yours truly; but alas, it wasn't meant to be. Casey Affleck edged out Denzel Washington for the former, and Moonlight topped La La Land in the now infamous Best Picture presentation. Still, 9-2 in back-to-back years ain't half bad. This year? Your guess is literally as good as mine. The Shape of Water leads all films with 13 nominations, but how many will it win? Will Jordan Peele (Get Out) become the first African-American to capture Best Director? Will this be the year I finally get 'em all right? Tune in tonight to find out.

Best Picture: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The Shape of Water seems like the safer choice, but my money's on Billboards. P.S. If Peele wins Best Director, don't be shocked to see Get Out surge to the top.

Best Actor: Gary OldmanDarkest Hour. The only thing standing in Oldman's way is backlash from the #MeToo movement.

Best Actress: Frances McDormandThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. I prefer Margot Robbie (I, Tonya) but all signs point to a second Best Actress nod for McDormand.

Best Supporting Actor: Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. All five nominees deserve to win, but Rockwell has already won a BAFTA, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award. May as well add an Oscar to his stash.

Best Supporting Actress: Allison JanneyI, Tonya. Zero chance she loses. Zero.

Best Director: Guillermo del ToroThe Shape of Water. Everyone says del Toro, but I'm this close to choosing underdog Peele. Unfortunately, I'm a bit of a coward at Oscar time, so let's go with del Toro.

Best Animated Feature: Coco. Next year, we're swapping this out for Best Original Score or something. Who cares about cartoons?

Best Cinematography: Blade Runner 2049. This ought to be a no brainer, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Dunkirk or The Shape of Water steal another Oscar from Roger Deakins. That said, the sequel 35 years in the making is flat out gorgeous to look at.

Best Foreign Language Film: Fantastic Woman. The Square is the decidedly better movie, but never underestimate the power of political correctness.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Call Me by Your Name. It's a two-man race (with Mudbound) but our #2 film of the year deserves a major award.

Best Original Screenplay: Get Out. It's easily the most daring screenplay, and in my opinion, the best. Watch out for The Shape of Water and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.