I wanted to split up the nominations so that it wasn’t one long post! In this one I’ll be discussing this year’s big eight categories: including Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director, and Adapted/Original Screenplay. It’s always a lot more fun when the races are more unpredictable and that’s just what we’ve got for a couple of this year’s categories so I won’t keep you waiting any longer!
Best Actor in a Lead Role
My Prediction: Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
My Pick: Anthony Hopkins – The Father
Upset: Anthony Hopkins – The Father
I could’ve called Chadwick’s nomination way back when I first watched Ma Rainey but I couldn’t have imagined the critical love and acclaim he’s been given. With his wins at almost every major awards show and guild Boseman is a shoe-in. But I can’t help but notice that with a win at BAFTAs and the recent love for The Father might have Hopkins squeaking out a win. I wouldn’t can’t out Hopkins but I’m betting for Boseman.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
My Prediction: Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Messiah
My Pick: Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Messiah
Upset: Sacha Baron Cohen – The Trial of the Chicago 7
Kaluuya is going to complete his awards season sweep tomorrow night and earning his first Oscar award! (Should be his second but we won’t talk about that.)
Actress in a Lead Role
My Prediction: Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman
My Pick: Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman
Upset: Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Frances McDormand – Nomadland
CHAOS. This category has to be one of the most unpredictable in years. The statistics are crazy. Andra Day started off the season with a win at the Golden Globes – which was surprising to say the least. Then, Viola Davis triumphed at the Screen Actor Guild Awards making that her 6th SAG Award. No shocker there. Her colleagues worship the ground she walks on.. as they should. But then BAFTAS awarded Frances McDormand’s performance in Nomadland. I can’t say for certain who’s going to win but I’m going with my gut here and going with Carey Mulligan. She is one of today’s most talented actors and her performance in PYW is incredible. Poor Vanessa Kirby. I would love to see her win here but I don’t think it’s going to happen. This is the one category and one year where I’d be happy with either of the five outcomes. They’re all deserving.
Actress in a Supporting Role
My Prediction: Yuh-Jung Youn – Minari
My Pick: Yuh-Jung Youn – Minari
Upset: N/A
I think the Academy is going to be making history tomorrow in so many ways including the only second Asian actress to win an Oscar after Miyoshi Umeki won in 1957. At first it felt like this category was just as wide open as Lead Actress but it’s quickly been narrowed down. Youn won both the SAG and BAFTA – giving some pretty memorable speeches, at that – so I think she’s a lock.
Best Adapted Screenplay
My Prediction: Screenplay by Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller – The Father
My Pick: Screenplay by Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller – The Father
Upset: Written for the screen by Chloé Zhao – Nomadland
This feels like one of the only awards that The Father might win tomorrow night but what better award? It won at BAFTAS so I’m that’s where I’m putting my money. An upset from Zhao is possible if the Academy loves Nomadland as much as I think it does though.
Best Original Screenplay
My Prediction: Written by Aaron Sorkin – The Trial of the Chicago OR Written by Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Woman
My Pick: Written by Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Woman
Upset: Written by Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Woman
It pains me to predict Sorkin here because Fennell is so deserving but the Academy loves Sorkin. I want to equally predict Fennell and Sorkin here. Keeping my fingers crossed for that upset and a win for Emerald Fennell!
Best Director
My Prediction: Chloe Zhao – Nomadland
My Pick: Chloe Zhao – Nomadland
Upset: N/A
This is Zhao’s award to lose. She made history as the most-awarded filmmaker in a single awards season and I don’t see her stopping that here. All hail, Chloe Zhao.
Best Picture
My Prediction: Nomadland
My Pick: The Father
Upset: Promising Young Woman OR The Trial of the Chicago 7
I’m not going to be mad at Nomadland or Promising Young Woman winning Best Picture! But I have a strong feeling the Academy might be gunning for The Trial of the Chicago 7. I’m not sure what will win here but I’m sticking with my gut and saying Nomadland.
There you have it! All of my predictions! As with any season not all of these will come to fruition and I know that all of the nominees are worthy of their recognition after watching everything (yes, all 56) and I can’t wait for tomorrow’s ceremony! Here’s to the next awards season! May it be as exciting but not as lengthy as this year’s!
Again, here’s the link to all of the nominations: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2021