Tim's 94th Oscar Picks

 It's that time of year again! The red carpet is rolled out and the Oscars are here! Which can only mean one thing, it's time for my annual Oscar Picks!

For the first time in three years we have hosts for the awards once again, welcoming in Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer! I'm excited to see what they have in store for us. 

This year's nominees are one of a kind and I had pleasure as always speaking with a number of them. This year I feel like the short film categories were honestly the hardest of all to pick. It was such an incredibly strong group of films. I absolutely loved them! There are so many nominees that have been waiting for this moment for so long and I think tonight is finally going to be their night! Without further adieu, here's my picks for the 94th Oscars. 

Best Picture

CODA

The Power of the Dog is nipping at Coda's heals, but I think Coda has this locked, especially after winning the Producers Guild last week. 

Best Actor

Will Smith

The Fresh Prince will finally take home is long awaited statue tonight!

Best Actress

Jessica Chastain

A tough category between Chastain and Penelope Cruz, but with Cruz already an Oscar winner, and this being Chastain's third nomination, I think it's her time. Especially after the SAG award win. 

Best Supporting Actor

Troy Kotsur

Honestly the Oscar I'm most excited for tonight is Troy Kotsur's win! 

Best Supporting Actress

Ariana Debose

Best Director

Jane Campion

Best Adapted Screenplay

Sian Heder - CODA

Best Original Screenplay

Paul Thomas Anderson - Licorice Pizza

This was the pick I have struggled the most with. It's between Licorice Pizza or Belfast. They have both split their awards all season. Belfast seems to have lost its steam going into Oscar voting, but I won't be the least bit surprised for Belfast to win this. 

Best Animated Feature

Encanto

Again, picking for what I think will win. Mitchell's VS. The Machines was honestly my favorite here.

 

Best Documentary Feature

Summer of Soul

At Sundance 2021 I said that Questlove would not only be an Oscar nominee, but that he would become an Oscar winner with this film. I can't wait to see that happen tonight. 

Best International Feature

Drive My Car

Best Production Design

Dune

Best Cinematography

Dune

Best Editing

Dune

I am so torn between  Dune and tick, tick... BOOM, but I think Dune should take it given that they also should win for sound. 

Best Visual Effects

Dune

Best Costume Design

Cruella

Best Makeup & Hairstyling

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

 

Best Original Score

Dune

Best Original Song

No Time To Die - Billie Eilish & Finneas

The moment I head this song in early 2020 I knew it would be nominated. I know Encanto's Dos Oruguitas is a tough contender, and there's a huge chance it's going to win. But James Bond songs are on a hot streak and Billie and Finneas are as well. I think they will pull this off. 

Best Sound

Dune

Best Animated Short

Robin, Robin

This film is just too damn sweet and cute that in a category Pixar usually runs away with, I fully expect this to win. I would LOVE to see Bestia sneak in and win here, but if history tells us anything, Acadmy voters LOVE the cutesy, animated short. 

Best Live Action Short

The Long Goodbye

Another insanely difficult category to pick. The Long Goodbye is wonderful and Riz Ahmed and Aneil Karia absolutely deserve this win. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Please Hold sneak in and win. I want a feature version of Please Hold. I could also see On My Mind even win here. On My Mind broke me in the best way possible. I absolutely loved that film. 

Best Documentary Short

Audible 

I think Audible will take this, but don't be surprised if The Queen of Basketball pulls out the win.  

The Oscars air TONIGHT on ABC at 5PM PST/8PM EST

Hosted by Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer!

Enjoy!