I know I've been a bit MIA as of late, dear readers, but you know I'd NEVER leave you high and dry without my Oscar predictions! I'm pretty startled by the notable snubs (Bradley Cooper for Best Director; Timothee Chalamet for "Beautiful Boy"; "Crazy Rich Asians" and "If Beale Street Could Talk" for Best Picture; I could go on and on) but alas, it's my favorite night of the year. I hope you enjoy your viewing party with the guests, snacks and libations you hold dearest to your heart!
Best Picture
BlacKkKlansman
Black Panther
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Favourite
Green Book
Roma
A Star Is Born
Vice
Should Win: A Star is Born or Vice. These were easily my two favorite films of the year, and while I'm biased towards anything Lady Gaga does, "Star" was a beautifully made film. I also loved "Vice" and the casting, editing and production design choices made. I would be thrilled if either of these two deserving films pulled out a win.
Will Win: Roma. I just have a sneaking feeling that this will win both Best Foreign Language Film AND Best Picture. I'm not sure how it was eligible to be nominated for both, but the Academy adores Cuarón and frankly, it was an absolutely beautiful film.
Best Actor
Christian "the best" Bale (Vice)
Bradley "snubbed" Cooper (A Star Is Born)
Willem Dafoe (At Eternity's Gate)
Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody)
Viggo Mortensen (Green Book)
Should Win: Bradley Cooper or Christian Bale. I know, I know, I'm very torn this year. But seriously, Bradley Cooper - the man took voice lessons to lower his voice an entire octave. He totally embodied this character and this is the best I've ever seen him. I was totally mesmerized by his hypnotizing and heartbreaking performance, and who knew he had musical chops to boot? I have loved Christian Bale since he was Laurie in "Little Women", and there's no denying he is one of the greatest actors of our generation. He was unrecognizable in his on-point portrayal of Dick Cheney. He threw himself into this role, like usual. I couldn't take my eyes off him.
Will Win: Rami Malek. Yes, he stunned us with his portrayal of Freddie Mercury, but I felt it was a bit silly and like a caricature. I really couldn't get past the exaggerated teeth, but if you can, his musical numbers are pretty great. I just had a stronger reaction to Cooper and Bale's performances this year.
Best Actress
Yalitza Aparicio (Roma)
Glenn "she's due" Close (The Wife)
Olivia Colman (The Favourite)
Lady "queen" Gaga (A Star Is Born)
Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
Should Win: Glenn Close. In my heart of hearts, I am pulling for Lady Gaga, but I am partial to her in this film because I am such a fan of her music. It was easy for me to buy into Gaga portraying a performer, so I found her incredible and believable. However, Glenn Close was excellent in "The Wife". I loved that film. I don't always agree with the Academy's stance on rewarding a body of work after a notable amount of time without a win, but I would make an exception here. While this isn't the best I've seen Glenn Close, she's delivered decades of consistent work, so cheers, Glenn. It's your year.
Will Win: Glenn Close.
Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali (Green Book)
Adam Driver (BlacKkKlansman)
Sam "'stache" Elliott (A Star Is Born)
Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
Sam Rockwell (Vice)
Should Win: Sam Elliott. Not only is he a veteran actor that is highly deserving of this nomination, he's one of those quintessential supporting actors that steals scenes. I perked up every time he appeared on screen, and I was so impressed with the raw emotions he conveyed.
Will Win: Mahershala Ali. His chemistry with co-star Viggo Mortensen was palpable, and his heartfelt performance had us smiling, crying and looking up Dr. Don Shirley on Spotify. Hersh is a phenomenal actor, but he was better in "Moonlight" (for which he won). And he should have been nominated for Best Actor anyway - he's in practically every scene!
Best Supporting Actress
Amy "always the bridesmaid" Adams (Vice)
Marina de Tavira (Roma)
Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk)
Emma Stone (The Favourite)
Rachel Weisz (The Favourite)
Should Win: Amy Adams. Sorry, Regina fans, but Amy continues to impress us with any role she takes on, and she's fearless in her portrayal as Lynne Cheney. Amy is one of those actors who, with 6 nominations now, is easily deserving of an Oscar, and arguably for this role more than any other.
Will Win: Regina King. While her body of work is insane (seriously, just look at her IMDB) and she is super deserving of an Oscar, I don't know that it should be for this role. I thought the lead actors (KiKi Layne and Stephan James) ran circles around her in their performances, and they're not even nominated! Regina had beautiful and heartfelt moments in this film, but in all honesty, I have seen her better.
Best Director
Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)
Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite)
Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman)
Adam McKay (Vice)
Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War)
Should Win: Bradley Cooper, OH WAIT, he's not even nominated. This is as infuriating as the Academy's snub of Ben Affleck for Best Director for "Argo"a few years back. From this list though, I am pulling for Spike Lee and Adam McKay. Their films were both fantastic and they're both major talents.
Will Win: Alfonso Cuarón. The momentum is behind him. He did create a masterpiece with "Roma". He really can do no wrong when it comes to filmmaking.