2017 was a great year for film. It gave us a story about a black man whose nightmare becomes reality when he meets his girlfriend's family for the first time, the beautiful journey of a young boy following his dream of becoming a musician in the afterlife, a girl trying to survive Catholic high school and discover who she is in a west coast town, and much more.
Predicting the Oscars isn't an easy task for anyone. Even if you watch every film on the nomination list, track trends from previous years, and read every article you can find making a case for why one pick should win over another, the voting process is complex and the voting body continues to evolve each year as more people join the Academy.
Regardless, it's always an exciting moment when something you really love and want recognized takes the most prestigious prize in Hollywood. And let's be honest, the anticipation and drama is part of the fun. So, even though I never feel 100% confident about anything when I make my predictions, I'm throwing my hat in the ring.
Here's who I think will win and wish would win at the Academy Awards this year...
Writing (Original Screenplay)
Will win
Get Out
Should win
Get Out
Why?
Get Out is a genre-bending deeply personal story that took years to develop. It's relevant, fresh, and clever with excellent character arcs and a well-paced, intriguing plot.
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Will win
James Ivory, Call Me By Your Name
Should win
Virgil Williams and Dee Rees, Mudbound
Why?
Mudbound tells a poignant story about racism. It's set in post-WWII and narrated from 6 different perspectives. You'd think the multiple voiceovers would make it feel too busy, but instead Virgil Williams and director Dee Rees were able to deliver an excellent adaptation from a book with every character fairly represented - weaving together a beautiful narrative that inspires empathy.
Visual Effects
Will win
War for the Planet of the Apes
Should win
War for the Planet of the Apes
Why?
Andy Serkis and his collaborators have been pioneering motion capture that has revolutionized the world of visual effects for more than a decade. The film is stunning and the technology continues to improve. It doesn't make sense for anything else to take the award.
Music (Original Song)
Will win
Remember Me from Coco, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Should win
Mystery of Love from Call Me by Your Name, Sufjan Stevens
Why?
While the song Remember Me is in some ways the heartbeat of Coco that propels forward plot and themes, Mystery of Love is a unique piece from an artist who sings from his soul. It's a striped down, simple song, but it would be a welcome change of pace from what normally wins.
Music (Original Score)
Will win
Alexandre Desplat, The Shape of Water
Should Win
Hans Zimmer, Dunkirk
Why?
There was some beautiful music that elevated the stories at the movies last year, but none helped to build suspense like Hans Zimmer's work on Dunkirk. The score genuinely enhanced my experience of the film.
Makeup and Hairstyling
Will win
Darkest Hour
Should win
Darkest Hour
Why?
Gary Oldman is utterly transformed by the expert prosthetics that took several hours to apply on each day of shooting. I can't see anyone else taking the award, nor should they.
Best Film Editing
Will win
Dunkirk
Should win
Dunkirk
Why?
The non-traditional storytelling and multiple timelines in Dunkirk makes it a master class in film editing. I don't think there's much debate around how groundbreaking the editing is in this film.
Best Documentary
Will win
Icarus
Should win
Icarus
Why?
Especially in an olympic year, this film is as important as ever. It's revelatory and takes some twist and turns that proves that truth really is stranger than fiction.
Best Directing
Will win
Guillermo Del Toro, The Shape of Water
Should win
Guillermo Del Toro, The Shape of Water
Why?
Guillermo Del Toro was able to package some incredibly poignant themes in beautiful imagery and still stayed true to his quirky ways. All of his previous work points to this great achievement from a filmmaker who is deeply invested in his fairytales.
Costume Design
Will win
Mark Bridges, Phantom Thread
Should win
Mark Bridges, Phantom Thread
Why?
It seems appropriate that the award for best costume design should go to a film that centers around high fashion. But besides the subject matter, the handmade dresses are stunning and an excellent nod to the era.
Cinematography
Will win
Blade Runner 2049
Should win
Blade Runner 2049
Why?
It's a known fact that Roger Deakins is overdue for this award. From Fargo to Skyfall, this film really is his crowning achievement.
Animated Feature Film
Will win
Coco
Should win
Coco
Why?
Coco was a visual achievement with its incredible animation, but it's also a landmark film in representing the Mexican culture in a way that is accurate and honors the traditions of a rich history that doesn't typically get much screen time.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Will win
Allison Janney, I, Tonya
Should win
Lesley Manville, Phantom Thread
Why?
Lesley Manville's subdued performance in Phantom Thread embodies exactly what a supporting role should add to a film. I don't see her winning the award, but it would be a nice surprise.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Will win
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri
Should win
Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project
Why?
As with Lesley Manville's performance in Phantom Thread, Dafoe's understated and compassionate performance in Sean Baker's film graces the story. His character doesn't covet the screen time or attention, but the film wouldn't be the same without him.
Actress in a Leading Role
Will win
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri
Should win
Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
Why?
Frances McDormand is an amazing actress, there's no question, but Sally Hawkins is able to deliver an amazing performance with no speaking lines. The emotion in her expressions, her body language, and her demeanor make more of an impact that any performance I've seen in a long time.
Actor in a Leading Role
Will win
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
Should win
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
Why?
Gary Oldman embodies the best and the worst that Winston Churchill was. Oldman carries the film and portrays the power and vulnerability of a man who is the stuff of legend.
Best Picture
Will win
The Shape of Water
Should win
Get Out
Why?
2017 was a year when the entertainment industry was able to make great strides in empowering underrepresented voices to have a voice, and unconventional stories to be told. What better way to celebrate that than by recognizing Jordan Peele's groundbreaking film?
I'm excited to see how things shake out tomorrow. Happy watching!
No comments :
Post a Comment