With the Golden Globes all but a memory, it’s time once again for the Academy Awards. Held this year on February 28 and hosted by Chris Rock, the winners are going to be tough call. Here are (some) of the nominations, followed by predictions.![Screen Shot 2016-01-15 at 12.20.04 AM]()
Best Picture
- The Big Short
- Bridge of Spies
- Brooklyn
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- The Martian
- The Revenant
- Room
- Spotlight
Predicted Winner: The Big Short
The Long Shot: Room
The Omission: The Hateful Eight
Best Director
- Adam McKay, The Big Short
- George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
- Alejandro G. Inarritu, The Revenant
- Lenny Abrahamson, Room
- Tom McCarthy, Spotlight
Predicted Winner: Alejandro G. Inarritu
The Long Shot: Adam McKay
The Omission: Quinten Tarantino (The Hateful Eight)
The Reason: Okay, I know I just said that Inarritu is doubtful for winning best picture two years in a row, but I can definitely see him taking home back-to-back trophies in this category. His work on The Revenant is unmatched and deserves the recognition. Still, would be nice to see Miller nab this one.
Best Actor
- Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
- Matt Damon, The Martian
- Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revanant
- Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
- Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
Predicted Winner: Leonardo DeCaprio
The Long Shot: Matt Damon
The Omission: Tom Hanks (Bridge of Spies)
The Reason: Some say he’s cursed, but this is DiCaprio’s year. No doubt. While there have been some truly great performances, none have had the talk or the impact that DiCaprio has had with The Revenant. Sure, Academy voters don’t much like him, but come people. Just give it to him already.
Best Actress
- Cate Blanchett, Carol
- Brie Larson, Room
- Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
- Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
- Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
Predicted Winner: Brie Larson
The Long Shot: Saoirse Ronan
The Omission:Emily Blunt (Sicario)
The Reason: Some good performances this year, especially by Blanchett and Rampling (who deserves a win), but it’s going to Larson all the way. End of story.
Best Supporting Actor
- Christian Bale, The Big Short
- Tom Hardy, The Revenant
- Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight
- Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
- Sylvester Stallone, Creed
Predicted Winner: Mark Rylance
The Long Shot: Mark Ruffalo
The Omission: Jason Mitchell (Straight Outta Compton)
The Reason: While the money might be on Stallone, who delivered big in Creed (Review), and certainly deserves this nomination, it is Rylance who steals the show. His work in Bridge of Spies is astonishing. But honestly Academy? No love for Jason Mitchell? Shameful.
Best Supporting Actress
- Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight
- Rooney Mara, Carol
- Rachel McAdams, Spotlight
- Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
- Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
Predicted Winner: Rachel McAdams
The Long Shot: Jennifer Jason Leigh
The Omission: Ana Mulvoy Ten (The Girl in the Book)
The Reason: It’s a tough call between Winslet, Mara and McAdams, but this will be Spotlight‘s only win, I think. Jason Leigh was fantastic in The Hateful Eight, but Tarantino is getting shut out the whole way through. And you’ll just have to forgive my affection for Mulvoy Ten, who I thought was simply sensational in The Girl in the Book (Review, interview). I’m biased.
Best Visual Effects
- Ex Machina
- Mad Max: Fury Road
- The Martian
- The Revenant
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Predicted Winner: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Long Shot: The Martian
The Omission: Jurassic World
The Reason: Yes, I want George Miller and Mad Max: Fury Road to win this. Of course I do. There was a real working fire-breathing electric car mounted on a car. It simply has to win, but I doubt it’s going to take it away from the behemoth that is Star Wars. J. J. Abrams did a fantastic job kickstarting the Star Wars franchise to life, and it’s going to take home the statue, but it shouldn’t.
So those are the big ones. Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below.