you might probably sum it all up in just one word: Barbenheimer.
This year is an anomaly.
But it also has turned out to be the first truly great crop of contenders since the pandemic.
Clockwise from top left: ‘The Holdovers,’ ‘American Fiction,’ ‘The Zone of Interest,’ ‘Barbie,’ ‘Oppenheimer,’ ‘Poor Things,’ ‘Poor Things,’ ‘Past Lives,’ ‘Anatomy of a Fall,’ ‘Maestro’ and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’Everett Collection
Here then are my final FINAL predictions for winners of the 96th Annual Academy Awards.
Win or not win however, all these nominees should be proud and thrilled to be there.
This has been, against all odds, an exceptional year for movies.
From left: Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers), Colman Domingo (Rustin), Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), Bradley Cooper (Maestro) and Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)Everett Collection
Best of luck in your Oscar pools.
BEST PICTURE
Oppenheimeris the one to beat here.
It also has gravitas: an important historical subject that also resonates in frightening ways for these times.
There is also the Christopher Nolan factor, which is hard to denyhes overdue.
Searchlights magic touch wont hurt here.
The two foreign language nominees here are more likely to win elsewhere on Sunday night.
This is a very impressive category.
Tough choices all around.
But momentum as voting took place was clearly Murphys.
She surprisingly wasnt even nominated at BAFTA which could indicate trouble with the international voting block.
Still, Stone won just a few years ago and is still young.
It likely will, though, sadly.
This one likely comes down to a coin toss between Gladstone and Stone.
It could be either one, and if there is a split?
Well, who knows?
THE WINNER:Emma Stone,Poor Things
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
What a lineup this one is.
Ryan Gosling was hilarious inBarbie, but comedy against highly dramatic performances often has a tougher time.
Sterling K. Brown (American Fiction) is terrific, but the nomination is the win for him.
She is the overwhelming favorite at this point pulling off a rare complete sweep at all the precursors.
But who can beat her?
America Ferreras stirringBarbiespeech got her in this game, and the nomination was a terrific endorsement of her talents.
And though his films have won crafts awards, this is his time.
Quite frankly, if he were to lose, it would be a shock.
The consensus, though, is DGA, BAFTA, Globes, and Critics Choice winner Nolan.
On the other hand, cinematography often goes to the Best Picture winner, though not always.
Still, Van HoytemasOppenheimerwas stunning and took the ASC award last weekend.
After losing on his first nomination for Nolans Dunkirk, this could be his year.
So it is a victory itself.
Still, the years No.
Its sheer ambition and risk-taking with the animation art will likely be enough to overcome sentiment for Miyazaki.
Or the stunning clothes fromNapoleonvs the authentic and meticulous recreation of vintage Osage nation inKillers of the Flower Moon?
Then theres that hat that even managed to become a popular Halloween costume thanks toOppenheimer.
This is another toss-up category with many ways to go.
This year it seems like a no-brainer for ACE Eddie and BAFTA winnerOppenheimer.
So whichBarbietune makes it?
Always bet on Eilish.
First-time movie composer Jerskin Fendrik should be congratulated for landing a nomination this quickly forPoor Things.
After all, it took Karpman a lot longer than that.
However, none of them will likely win.
For me this is one of the most difficult categories to call.
Flip a coin here.
Maybe we honor the artisans who created the look for the woman who acted it so magnificently.
Therefore I would not be surprised at all to see that one sneak in here.
I am tempted more than ever now to give it to the one nominated film thats actually about writing.
Stiff competition comes from the much-lovedThe Holdovers.
But did voters see this Netflix film in a theater where the sound work really shines?
The other candidates are just what you would expect here, big and loud.
Consensus is the stunning work in the A.I.
The movie was a hit, but did voters see it?
NoStill: A Michael J.
So is Ukraine with increasingly dire forecasts for its future.
Emotionally neither was easy to embrace due to their abstract animation.
It is original and brilliantly animated, with a great vocal performance by Tim Blake Nelson.
However best in show here is the inventive, moving, enriching, and quite wonderfulWar Is Over!
Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko.
This category could provide a real upset.
