Best Picture:
Black Panther
BlacKkKlansman
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Favourite
Green Book
Roma
A Star Is Born
Vice
BR: This category is actually a really tough one because almost all these movies are loved and have been recognized for each of their own ways. “Black Panther” came out topping the box office. This show movie showed diversity and feminism. The special effects were stunning. “Roma” was released with a limited theater release but once it was on Netflix, it received acclaim everywhere. This movie has been known as being a masterpiece and stunning. “A Star Is Born” has been taking the nation once the trailer of Lady Gaga singing “Shallow” has been released and has many other awards. Although all of the other movies are amazing, these three dominate. I predict “Roma” will win.
MW: I would like for “Green Book” to win because the film was heartwarming. Based on a true story, it had humor, history, and love. However, “A Star is Born” or “Black Panther” will probably win because those two films have been dominating the awards this season. I recognize that “A Star Is Born” is a beautiful piece of art, but I would still choose “Black Panther” between the two of them. The story was unique, and the special effects were fantastic. “Black Panther” definitely deserves an Oscar.
Actor in a Leading Role:
Christian Bale, Vice
Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born
Willem Dafoe, At Eternity’s Gate
Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody
Viggo Mortensen, Green Book
BR: Right away, I just need to say Bradley Cooper did an amazing performance in “A Star Is Born,” but I believe if this was for Best Director, he deserved the award. Between Christian Bale and Rami Malek, it’s a toss-up. Christian Bale is an award-worthy actor. He turns into the character he is portraying. In “Vice,” he transformed into Dick Cheney, making viewers forget he’s the actor Christian Bale. Rami Malek another amazing actor convinces the world he is Freddy Mercury in the band Queen. He brings Freddy Mercury back to life making viewers believe he is performing on stage for everyone one more time. I predict the winner will be Rami Malek.
MW: Rami Malek should win because his performance was identical to that of Freddy Mercury. He brought the story to life for a new generation, and he did justice to it. In interviews, Malek comes off very humble. He was honored to play the role, and you can tell that, in the film, he is wholly dedicated to the part. I did feel like Viggo Mortenson did a great job of playing a tough Italian family man who develops a soft side in “Green Book,” but his performance still does not hold a candle to Rami Malek.
Actress in a Leading Role:
Yalitza Aparicio, Roma
Glenn Close, The Wife
Olivia Colman, The Favourite
Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born
Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
BR: I already predict that the Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio will be winning this award. The beauty and grace she brings into her role in “Roma” are stunning especially for a first major role and no training in acting. Words cannot explain the exceptional performance she put on for this film, and you will just have to watch the movie for yourself. Congratulations to her for being the first Indigenous woman and second Mexican actress to ever be nominated for the Leading Actress nomination.
MW: Lady Gaga is likely to win for “A Star Is Born.” A lot of people might say that it would just be a gimme due to the success of the film, but I feel that Gaga truly deserves it. It’s clear that she is a true artist who dedicates herself completely to her art, and this film shows her versatility.
Animated Feature Film:
Incredibles 2
Isle of Dogs
Mirai
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
BR: I might be unbiased, but I truly did not enjoy “Incredibles 2,” and it will never live up to the first movie. I did not like it, but others did, making it a huge success in the box office and it has a rating of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. As an animated film, the detail and graphics are breathtaking, where you can see why it took so long for the movie to be created. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was popular and loved by viewers and critics. The movie has a great plot, characters, and animation that will just blow your mind. If you aren’t a huge fan of superhero movies, this is a must watch because it brings action and comedy with a great storyline. I predict “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” will be the winner.
MW: “Incredibles 2” was my favorite, but I predict that “Isle of Dogs” will win. “Isle of Dogs” is held in high esteem by critics, although I personally did not enjoy it. “Incredibles 2” was an experience that really pulled me in and made me laugh. It’s hard to create a sequel to an animated film so many years later that adults and kids can connect to, but I think they did a great job. Other movies that have tried many later sequels, such as “Mary Poppins,” have flopped, so I think “Incredibles 2” deserves some credit for that.
Visual Effects:
Avengers: Infinity War
Christopher Robin
First Man
Ready Player One
Hans Solo: A Star Wars Story
BR: All of these movies are great in their own way but between “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Ready Player One” this is a tough decision. “Ready Player One” takes viewers on a journey inside a video game. Watching the movie, it makes you feel like you stepped into a virtual reality ready to play a game. The design and graphics for this movie are insane and makes you wish you were in the movie. “Avengers: Infinity War” is another movie that’s filled with action-packed visual effects that will leave everyone off their seats. Between the fight scenes and Wakanda, this will make the movie a winner.
MW: “Christopher Robin” was really beautifully done in my opinion. I would love to see it win an Oscar. Although the movie was a little slow to some, it was worth every minute of nostalgia and heartwarming fun to watch Christopher Robin as an adult reconnects with Pooh and the gang. A lot of the other nominees are action movies, but I think that effects can be done fantastically without being flashy.