The nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards were just announced. Generally speaking, when the nominations are announced, there always seems to be snubs. However, after reviewing the nominations, there were very little snubs. Almost all the nominations were unsurprising. For the first time in a long time, I am almost satisfied with the nominations. But enough of the snubs, so here are my predictions for the major Oscars categories.
BEST PICTURE
“The Father”
“Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Mank”
“Minari”
“Nomadland”
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7″
Predicted winner: “Nomadland”. I am only predicting “Nomadland” as the winner because it won the Golden Globe and the Critic Choices Awards. While the film is certainly the front runner this year, the tide could still turn. Last year, “1917” was the front runner, until “Parasite” won the SAG, BAFTA, and ultimately the Oscar. I would keep an eye out for the upcoming guild awards.
Should win: “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. The film is one that is not only intriguing by also exciting. The cast is phenomenal, the writing is engaging, the story is memorizing, what else is there more to say about this film?
BEST DIRECTOR
Thomas Vinterberg, “Another Round”
David Fincher, “Mank”
Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”
Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”
Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”
Predicted winner: “Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”. Once again, I am only predicting this win due to the precedent made with the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. I appreciate what Zhao did with the film and somehow made the film work considering there was very little story in the film. However, I think someone else is more deserving of the award, David Fincher.
Should win: David Fincher, “Mank”. Fincher is a director who is long overdue for an Oscar. He has made countless amazing films such as “The Social Network” and “Zodiac”. If Fincher does somehow wins on Oscars night, it won’t be for his work on “Mank”, but for his work for his previous works, akin to a lifetime achievement award.
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”
Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Anthony Hopkins, “The Father”
Gary Oldman, “Mank”
Steven Yeun, “Minari”
Should win and predicted winner: Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. This past year, the movie world was shocked to hear the sudden death of Chadwick Boseman. While a recognizable actor due to his work in the Marvel films, his star was rising. He was only branching out to other film genres such as action and drama. Then we learned about his illness and death. “Ms Rainey’s Black Bottom” is not only Boseman’s finest role, but also his last. Expect the Oscars to award Boseman because this is the only opportunity they have to do so.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”
Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman”
Frances McDormand, “Nomadland”
Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”
Predicted winner: Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”. I’m only predicting this winner based off the Golden Globes. While Day may be the front runner, she is only the front runner by a hair. She’s not nominated for a SAG or a BAFTA, which is a bad sign. Additionally, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” is not a film that is getting praised like other films are. I’m comfortable saying Day is the predicted winner as of today but I could foresee myself changing my opinion the day of the Oscars.
Should win: Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. In hindsight, Davis’ role is a supporting role, only because Chadwick Boseman stole the show. However, Davis is almost unrecognizable in this film. She certainly transforms herself into the legendary Ma Rainey.
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Miami”
Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”
Lakeith Stanfield, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Predicted winner: “Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”. This is a tough category because everyone here is fantastic. I’m surprised Lakeith Stanfield received a nomination in this category. I was ecstatic when Paul Raci was announced as a nominee. But Daniel Kaluuya may win this one. He’s been winning all the awards, so this is his to lose.
Should win: Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”. In my review of “Sound of Metal”, I stated Paul Raci gave a genuine performance. Raci makes his performance and acting look like easy work while A list veteran actors make it look like a chore. I personally think he was the best part of the film and he should get every recognition he can get.
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy”
Olivia Colman, “The Father”
Amanda Seyfried, “Mank”
Youn Yuh-jung, “Minari”
Should win and predicted winner: Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”. Again, this is a tough category because it is so unpredictable and a bit of a weak field. Jodie Foster, who won the Golden Globe, is not nominated here. I would love to see Maria Bakalova win this category because it is a bit of a long shot. Who would have ever thought a Borat film would win an Oscar? And she may win the award. There is a lot of momentum going towards her, I think this may be the upset of the evening.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
“Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Minari”
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Should win and predicted winner: “The Trial of the Chicago 7”. Aaron Sorkin is a darling in Hollywood. Everything he touches, it becomes gold. “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is no exception. In a film filled with an all star cast, Sorkin balances the roles out. He doesn’t have an actor have too much screen time or no too little. Expect Sorkin to win in this category.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“Borat Subsequent MovieFilm”
“The Father”
“Nomadland”
“One Night in Miami”
“The White Tiger”
Predicted winner: “Nomadland”. Since “Nomadland” may take home Best Picture and Best Director, it may as well win this award as well. I’m not too confident “Nomadland” would win this one since there is a lack of a story. “The Father” and “One Night in Miami” may win as well because it those films are adapted from a play.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
“Onward”
“Over the Moon”
“A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon”
“Soul”
“Wolfwalkers”
Should win and predicted winner: “Soul”. “Soul” was not only the best film of 2020, but one of the best films I’ve seen in a long time. And I’m sure I’m not alone in this sentiment. Also, it’s Pixar. Never bet against them.
Source of full nominations: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/15/entertainment/oscar-nominations-2021/index.html
Edward's Film Reviews 