For almost nine years, the Academy Awards have played a big role in my life as a film critic and a lover of cinema. It’s the one night of the year that most people might hear or even consider the word “cinematography” and how it relates to a film they liked. With that, it’s the one day some of the other unsung movie heroes get their long overdue, mainstream recognition: editors, sound mixers, sound editors (a big plus if you can tell me the difference between the two because I can’t), visual effects artists, costume designs, composers, etc.
In recent years, it seems many have shunned the Oscars for a variety of reasons. Whether it be the recent influx in “political” speeches given by the winners, the lack of diversity in nominations (something you cannot say this year given the host of talent from all walks of life) or the perceived smug, self-congratulatory Hollywood back-patting, people have been turned off by a lot of external elements of the award show.
I’ve always viewed the Oscars and the aura surrounding it with a sense of romance. This night is about the films and the people that make them. This is a chance for those who have yet to see the terrific and intimate “Shape of Water” to see why it’s garnered critical acclaim and then see for themselves. Here’s an opportunity to admire the talented ensemble of “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” or consider the amazing visual effects in both “Blade Runner 2049” and “War for the Planet of the Apes.” Finally, it gives those who haven’t even heard of “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” and Denzel Washington’s terrific performance an opportunity to seek out one of the best films (and performances) of the year.
It’s absolutely true the Oscars is just another award show, just like it’s true that if your favorite film of 2017 didn’t get any nominations, it means that it didn’t get any nominations and nothing more. It’s a night to praise the films and the people behind them, and seek out some of the year’s best you might’ve missed.
Below are my picks for the winners of the six major categories. Tune in to ABC on March 4 to watch the 90th Academy Awards! Beyond then, I’ll see you at the movies.
Best Picture:
“Call Me by Your Name”
“Darkest Hour”
“Dunkirk”
“Get Out”
“Lady Bird”
“Phantom Thread”
“The Post”
“The Shape of Water”
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Best Actor in a Leading Role:
Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread”
Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out”
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”
Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”
Best Actress in a Leading Role:
Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water”
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya”
Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird”
Meryl Streep, “The Post”
Best Actor in a Supporting Role:
Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project”
Woody Harrelson, “Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water”
Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World”
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role:
Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound”
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”
Lesley Manville, “Phantom Thread”
Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird”
Octavia Spencer, “The Shape of Water”
Best Director:
Paul Thomas Anderson, “Phantom Thread”
Guillermo del Toro, “The Shape of Water”
Greta Gerwig, “Lady Bird”
Christopher Nolan, “Dunkirk”
Jordan Peele, “Get Out”
View a full list of my predictions on my website: http://stevethemovieman.proboards.com
