With the Academy Awards just around the corner, it’s time to break out the crystal ball and predict who will walk away with Hollywood’s highest honor – The Oscar. This year’s race is filled with surprises, dark horses, and some of the tightest competitions we’ve seen in years.
From stunning performances to masterful direction, let’s take a look at the likely winners in each category and the potential upsets that could shake things up on Oscar night.
Place your bets!
Best Picture: Anora
Sean Baker’s Anora has been a critical darling, but the surprise really came from the dramedy winning top honors at the Producers Guild Awards and The Director’s Guild Awards. The film’s emotional depth, compelling performances, and Baker’s unique directorial touch make it the frontrunner. However, Conclave could surprise as a dark horse, offering a gripping and timely narrative that may resonate strongly with Academy voters.
Best Director: Sean Baker (Anora)
Sean Baker’s ability to craft deeply human stories with authenticity has set him apart in this year’s race. His direction in Anora is intimate, powerful, and deeply moving, solidifying him as the likely winner. However, if the Academy voters embrace Conclave, its director Brady Corbett could pull an upset.
Best Actress: Demi Moore (The Substance)
Demi Moore delivers a career-defining performance in The Substance, a film that demands emotional vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Her transformation in the film is remarkable, making her a clear frontrunner. That said, Mikey Madison has generated significant buzz, and her nuanced performance could turn the tide in her favor.
Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Adrien Brody’s performance in The Brutalist is nothing short of mesmerizing. His ability to navigate the psychological depths of his character makes him the standout in this category. Though Brody seems to have the edge, don’t count out Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknwon), who just won aqt the BAFTA’s and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain is both poignant and darkly humorous, making him a favorite for this category. His recent win at the SAG Awards and other major ceremonies further cements his standing. However, Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice) remains a strong contender with an equally moving performance.
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez)
Saldaña’s stunning turn in Emilia Pérez has been widely praised, and she delivers an emotionally resonant performance that could earn her the Oscar.
Best Original Screenplay: A Real Pain
With its sharp wit, layered storytelling, and deeply personal themes, A Real Pain is the kind of film that resonates with the Academy. If there’s an upset, Anora could sneak in and claim victory, given its brilliant narrative structure.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave
Conclave has been praised for its masterful adaptation of the novel, balancing political intrigue with emotional depth. Wins at Golden Globes, Critics Choice, BAFTA, and the USC Scripters are more than enough to assure that this is a safe bet.
Best Animated Film: Flow
Flow has dazzled audiences with its stunning visuals and emotional storytelling. However, The Wild Robot has also received widespread acclaim and could pose a real threat.
Best International Feature Film: Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez has been the dominant force in this category, captivating audiences with its bold storytelling. While I’m Still Here has been a strong contender throughout awards season, Emilia Pérez seems poised for victory.
Best Cinematography: The Brutalist
The Brutalist features breathtaking cinematography that enhances its striking narrative. The film’s rich visual palette and dynamic composition make it a strong contender, though Dune: Part 2 could also take home this award.
Best Documentary Feature: Porcelain War
This gripping documentary has captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and stunning visuals.
Best Production Design: Wicked
The vibrant and fantastical world of Wicked is brought to life through its exceptional production design. The film’s ability to create an immersive and enchanting environment has garnered widespread acclaim, making it a strong contender in this category.
Best Costume Design: Wicked
Wicked showcases intricate and imaginative costumes that not only reflect the characters’ personalities but also enhance the film’s magical setting. The costume design’s creativity and attention to detail make it a favorite for this award.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: The Substance
Demi Moore’s transformation in The Substance is a testament to the film’s outstanding makeup and hairstyling. The team’s ability to depict the physical changes of the character in a convincingly has been praised, positioning them as frontrunners in this category.
Best Film Editing: Conclave
Conclave maintains a gripping narrative pace, thanks to its precise and effective editing. The seamless transitions and tension-building cuts contribute significantly to the film’s storytelling, making it a strong Oscar contender for Best Film Editing.
Best Original Score: The Brutalist
The haunting and atmospheric score of The Brutalist complements its visual style, enhancing the overall mood of the film. Composer Daniel Blumberg’s work has been recognized for its originality and emotional resonance, making it a top choice for this award.
Best Original Song: El Mal from Emilia Pérez
El Mal stands out as a powerful and emotive song that captures the essence of Emilia Pérez. Its lyrical depth and musical composition have resonated with audiences and critics alike, positioning it as an Oscar favorite for Best Original Song.
Best Sound: A Complete Unknown
A Complete Unknown stands out for its exceptional sound design, seamlessly weaving ambient noise, dialogue, and music to transport audiences into its evocative world. The film’s auditory landscape isn’t just immersive—it’s integral to the storytelling, reflecting the shifting moods and emotions of Bob Dylan’s journey. From the crisp resonance of intimate acoustic performances to the layered complexity of bustling cityscapes, every sound is deliberately placed to enhance the film’s authenticity.
The meticulous mixing and nuanced use of silence and distortion add further depth, making A Complete Unknown a frontrunner in this category. With its recent CAS win and the legendary Dylan influence, this film’s sound team has crafted something truly remarkable that could carry the night.
Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two
The visual effects in Dune: Part Two are groundbreaking, bringing the complex and otherworldly elements of the story to life. The seamless integration of CGI with practical effects has set a new standard in the industry, making it a likely Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects.
Best Animated Short Film: Yuck!
Yuck! has captivated audiences with its unique animation style and compelling storytelling. Its ability to convey profound themes in a short format showcases the filmmakers’ talent, making it a strong contender in this category.
Best Documentary Short Film: Incident
Incident offers a poignant exploration of its subject matter, delivering a powerful narrative that resonates with viewers. Its impactful storytelling and cinematic approach make it a favorite for Best Documentary Short Film.
Best Live Action Short Film: The Last Ranger
The Last Ranger captivates audiences with its gripping narrative and striking visual style. The film’s storytelling is both poignant and suspenseful, drawing viewers into the harrowing journey of its protagonist. Strong performances and meticulous direction elevate the short to a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Its combination of emotional weight and technical excellence makes it a standout contender, likely to claim victory in this competitive category. And then there is Thandi the White Rhino.
Find out who will bring home the Oscar this Sunday. The Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, airs this Sunday on ABC and Hulu at 8 PM EST/7 PM CT/ 5 PM PST..
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
REELated:
A Complete Unknown, Wicked, Sing Sing are Music Supervisors Award winners
