The Oscars are nearly upon us, and this year’s ceremony will notably be sans a host.
Nevertheless, this year’s nominees exemplify superb achievements in filmmaking and a wide array of talent. Here are my predictions for who will take home the coveted golden statuettes.
“Roma” and “The Favourite” are tied for the most nominations with 10 each. “Roma” could potentially become the first foreign movie to win Best Picture as well as the first streaming movie. “Roma” is also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. “Black Panther” could also make history, since it is the first comic book movie to be nominated for Best Picture.
The race for Best Picture is anybody’s game. Critics are calling this the most wide-open Best Picture race in years, and that certainly seems the case. “Bohemian Rhapsody” won Best Drama at the Golden Globes, and “Green Book” won Best Comedy or Musical, but both have become shrouded in controversy.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” director Bryan Singer has faced sexual assault allegations recently, and “Green Book’s” writers have also faced criticism for past behavior. In addition, “Green Book” has gotten flack for perpetuating a white savior narrative, going against the wishes of the protagonist’s family, Don Shirley, and inaccuracy. Additionally, SLU alum Viggo Mortensen got in hot water for using the N-word during an interview, though co-star Mahershala Ali defended him later.
Another high-profile film, “A Star is Born,” did well at the box office and received significant critical acclaim, but has been losing steam recently. However, the film will almost certainly win Best Original Song for “Shallow,” which climbed high on the charts and has already won a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award and two Grammys.
Despite it’s record-breaking box office success, nearly universal acclaim quality filmmaking, acting and writing, I would be surprised if “Black Panther” wins Best Picture. It is very difficult to overcome the Academy’s aversion to comic book movies. The high prize will probably go to “Roma,” which could feasibly win Best Foreign Language Film as well.
Alfonso Cuaron will probably win Best Director for “Roma.” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” will probably win Best Animated Feature. Best Actor could go to either Rami Malek for “Bohemian Rhapsody” or Christian Bale for “Vice.”
Best Actress probably will go to Glenn Close, who won a Golden Globe, but Olivia Colman could challenge her. Lady Gaga is also a formidable contender, since she tied with Glenn Close for Best Actress at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
Regina King will likely win Best Supporting Actress, and Mahershala Ali will probably win Best Supporting Actor. This would be his second award in that category- he won two years ago for “Moonlight.”
“The Favourite” will probably win in technical categories like Film Editing, Cinematography, Costume Design and Production Design. It could also crack Best Original Screenplay, but “Green Book” and “First Reformed” have precedent awards in that category, winning at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, respectively. Best Adapted Screenplay will probably go to “If Beale Street Could Talk” or “BlacKkKlansman.”
The 2019 Academy Awards will air on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. on ABC.