Awards Season finally comes to an end today with the 98th Academy Awards!
I hope you have enjoyed my Oscar coverage this year all throughout Oscar week at the Academy Museum. The Oscar spotlights this year were absolutely incredible and I was thrilled to be able to attend them. I am incredibly excited to see what Conan O'Brien has in store for us this year after his incredible hosting job last year. As a long time fan of Conan, he's never let me down!
This years picks felt more straightforward than usual, but still carried an air of uncertainty in several categories. In some cases, I honestly hope my prediction is wrong. Only time will tell. With that, here are my picks for this year's winners!
BEST PICTURE
One Battle After Another
I would love to see a surprise here with "Sinners" sneaking in and winning this Oscar, but all signs point to One Battle, especially after the Producers Guild win and the BAFTA win.
BEST ACTOR
Michael B. Jordan
I know this one is a toss up between Timothee Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan, but I think Chalamet has left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths this award season. And let's be honest, Michael B. Jordan played 2 roles here and we completely forgot we were watching Michael B. Jordan. That was Smoke and Stack!
BEST ACTRESS
Jesse Buckley
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sean Penn
We could still see Stellen Skarsgard sneak in here with a win, but I think Penn winning at the BAFTA's and the Actor Awards sets the stage for him to take home another Oscar here. But how rad would it be if totally out of left field we see Delroy Lindo pull the massive upset. I would love it!
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Madigan
This was the hardest category to pick by a long shot. I think the race really comes down to Amy Madigan and Wunmi Mosaku. Wunmi recently won the BAFTA, while Madigan one the Actor. Amy Madigan I think has the edge after also winning the Critics' Choice Award
BEST DIRECTOR
Paul Thomas Anderson
After PTA's win at the DGA Awards a few weeks back, and his continual wins throughout award season, I think this is all but locked for him. But never count out Ryan Coogler.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
One Battle After Another
Another category that could really be closer than it seems. Sinners could very easily sneak in with a win here. However, One Battle did win at the BAFTA and the ASC Award, and it seems hard pressed for them to win both of those and lose at the Oscars.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
KPop Demon Hunters
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Sinners
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
One Battle After Another
BEST CASTING
Sinners
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Frankenstein
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Frankenstein
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Frankenstein
BEST SCORE
Sinners
BEST SONG
"Golden" - KPop Demon Hunters
I have this song stuck in my head at least once a week. As much as I love "I Lied to You" from Sinners and really can't wait to see it performed at the show, I expect "Golden" to easily win this Oscar.
BEST SOUND
F1
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Avatar: Fire and Ash
This has been one of my favorite categories to talk about this award season as I've had people ask me how Sinners was nominated. It furthers my argument of why Michael B. Jordan should win Best Actor when I remind them that there are 2 Michael B. Jordan's in the entire film. Not to mention the other incredible work the "Sinners" team did, but James Cameron never ceases to amaze in bringing the world of Pandora to life on the screen.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
The Perfect Neighbor
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
Sentimental Value
Before anybody gets mad at me for daring to pick against The Secret Agent and the lovable Warner Mora, Sentimental Value I think is a stronger choice simply because it's more relatable.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
"Butterfly"
This has by far been my favorite of the short film categories this year. I loved every single one of these animated short films so much.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
"All the Empty Rooms"
Once again, this category absolutely broke me this year. We very clearly are not okay as a country or in the world. These films were incredibly heavy, but incredibly important.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
"Two Strangers Exchanging Saliva"
The 98th Oscars, hosted by Conan O'Brien will air on ABC and stream LIVE on Hulu, Sunday March 15th @ 4PM PST.
Enjoy!
