With plenty of time to the Oscar ceremony, we can now begin the game of guessing.
This year’s nominations were dominated by “The Shape Of Water”. I suspect that it will be the biggest loser of the night though. “Dunkirk” looks as a strong contender to win big, along with “Three Billboards…”. “Call Me By Your Name” and “Lady Bird” might claw their ways into one or two important categories. However, there is no fierce competition as it happened last year between “Moonlight” and “La La Land”.
Let’s get down to work – the buzz-generating categories with Cultural Hater’s predictions.
Original Score
Prediction: Dunkirk
Might Surprise: The Shape Of Water
Zimmer’s soundtrack composed to “Dunkirk” is by far the strongest competitor in this category. However, I can also see Desplat taking the crown. His work on “The Shape Of Water” is splendid. A huge snub is Daniel Pemberton and his score composed to Ridley Scott’s average “All The Money In The World”.
Every other win would be a misunderstanding.
Best Foreign Film
Prediction: The Square
Might Surprise: Loveless
Zvyagintsev had his moment of glory few years back, when “Leviathan” was nominated. He lost to the Polish “Ida”, but all of the nominated films were phenomenal artworks. This year, the composition in the category is much less diverse. His “Loveless” is a strong contender, but “The Square” still looks like a best bet here.
Cinematography
Prediction: Dunkirk
Might Surprise: Blade Runner 2049
Let’s state the obvious again – Roger Deakins still hasn’t won an Oscar. Let that sink in.
Although I would definitely point out Hoyte Van Hoytema from “Dunkirk” as the frontrunner, I wouldn’t mind either “Blade Runner 2049” or “Mudbound” to win. All of these are spectacular in their cinematography.
Original Screenplay
Prediction: Lady Bird
Might Surprise: The Shape Of Water
The hype for “Lady Bird” is strong. And since the only real chances for Greta Gerwig’s film are screenplay and leading female role, I’d say the Academy will vote in favor. If not, I highly doubt any crazy course of actions – like “Get Out” winning. Hence, the 2nd choice would be “The Shape OF Water”.
Adapted Screenplay
Prediction: Call Me By Your Name
Might Surprise: The Disaster Artist
James Franco was left overboard, so “The Disaster Artist” only shot might actually result in a win. Still, Luca Guadagnino’s film seems like the biggest frontrunner.
Animated Feature
Prediction: Coco
Might Surprise: Loving Vincent
Coco has been such a refreshing effort from Pixar that I can’t imagine it losing. “Loving Vincent” was a gem, but it stands no chances against “Coco”. The others – unfortunately – have zero chances.
Director
Prediction: Dunkirk
Might Surprise: The Shape Of Water
Nolan deserves this award. His film is a masterpiece. The only one who could really stand on his way is Guillermo Del Toro. I can hardly see Gerwig, Anderson or Peele winning.
Supporting Actress
Prediction: Mary J. Blige in Mudbound
Might Surprise: Octavia Spencer in The Shape Of Water
Blige’s subtle yet strong performance was by far the most diverse among other in the competition. However, I could see this category to turn out completely different. Actually, it might be the most unpredictable one this year.
Supporting Actor
Prediction: Sam Rockwell in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Might Surprise: Willem Defoe in The Florida Project
Sam Rockwell and Willem Defoe both deserve to win. I still would like the latter to win though. Defoe has been snubbed for many years and his role is one of the strongest features of Sean Baker’s anti-idyllic drama.
Leading Actress
Prediction: Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird
Might Surprise: Frances McDormand in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Ronan is the most redeeming part of “Lady Bird”. She deserves to win, but the competition seems to be rather fierce. There’s a strong vote for McDormand, although I’d say her role was far from spectacular. What I do hope is that the Academy will not be self-pretentious and give the Oscar to Meryl Streep.
Leading Actor
Prediction: Gary Oldman in The Darkest Hour
Might Surprise: Timothee Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name
Gary Oldman’s power resonated in “The Darkest Hour”. His work was meticulous and fruitful. He is the frontrunner, but critics and audiences expressed love for young Timothee Chalamet as well. And remember that whenever Daniel Day-Lewis is in the game, he possess a grave danger.
Best Film
Prediction: Dunkirk
Might Surprise: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
I am an ardent fan of “Dunkirk”. It’s a fabulous cinematic experience, innovative in storytelling and approach to the genre. Still, there’s two films that could jeopardize Nolan’s win. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” looks strong, as well as “Call Me By Your Name”. Other than that, I really don’t believe that Del Toro should be considered in the game, just like Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” and the biggest surprise of them all – “Get Out”.
