This year’s Academy Awards may not be as highly anticipated, but that will not stop us from making our picks. In the spirit of the awards show that seems to be all over the place, we talk about some of the things we want to see take Oscar home.
Regina Chavez Muir
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Ariana Debose absolutely shines in her role as Anita in West Side Story. The role of Anita has already been immortalized by Rita Moreno and it’s hard to imagine anyone holding a candle to her performance, but Debose has taken that role and made it her own.
Best Directing
Steven Spielberg for West Side Story. West Side Story has never looked this amazing before. It comes to life and the direction takes you into the heart of the story.
Best Animated Feature Film
There’s a reason we can’t stop talking about Bruno. Encanto tells the story of a Colombian family with magic running in the blood. While the family is large, every character is unique and dynamic. The songs are catchy and Mirabel is just one of the many characters who is an excellent role model for children and adults alike.
Music (original score)
Germaine Franco composed the music for Encanto. The music is wonderful and drives the story. Also not going to lie, the fact she grew up in my hometown of El Paso, Texas has me rooting for her.
David Brooke
Best Picture
I entered Nightmare Alley knowing it had carnival folk, but had no idea Guillermo Del Toro was hiding a psychological drama about mental illness at its core! The acting was superb, the structure of the story great, and the magic tricks run rampant throughout (literal and figurative).
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson is the likely winner and for good reason. He’s overdue, he’s an exceptional filmmaker when it comes to pace and performance, and Licorice Pizza is in the top two best films he’s ever directed. Licorice Pizza is a masterclass in pace and character work. The framing of every shot is immediate and personal. It’s hard to look away from this romance.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Andrew Garfield won me over and then some with Tick, Tick…BOOM! from his charm, to his believability. He was likable, but also earnest and frail and it’s easy to connect with his journey of being a dreamer. He’s also running off the Spider-Man buzz putting him in the forefront of people’s minds.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Jessica Chaistain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye is practically unrecognizable. An impressive performance and she’s long overdue.
Best Cinematography
I can’t say Dune was perfect, but it sure looked pretty. Given the difficulty with practical and CGI effects intermixed with the moody atmosphere, night scenes, desert scenes, and more Greig Fraser should take this one easily. Also, given the fact that he also did the cinematography on The Batman, I think he’ll be on everyone’s minds as a great pick.
Virginia Pittman
Here is who I would like to see win at the Oscars.
Best Picture
Licorice Pizza
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of MacBeth)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
JK Simmons (Being the Ricardos)
Best Costume Design
Best Hair and Makeup
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Nathaniel Muir
Best Picture
Nightmare Alley is the only movie in the group that gave me the feels. I was riveted the whole time, and the last line gave me shivers. The acting is superb and the entire film looks fantastic. To me, the Best Picture Oscar is something that people will remember years from now. This is the only film that fits that description.
Best Animated Feature Film
The biggest problem with The Mitchells vs the Machines is it may look too good. Its mix of CGI and 2D can be overpowering, but it also comes together in a way that is unlike anything. The story is a heartwarming coming of age story filled with genuine laughs. Filled with great characters and strong voice acting, this Netflix movie is a strong addition from the team that won the same award with Into the Spider-Verse.
Best Documentary Feature
It only takes a few seconds to realize Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised) is something special. A look back on the Harlem Cultural Festival from the summer of 1969, the film looks back on an important part of Black history. Using never before seen footage, the documentary showcases the power of music. It is emotionally impactful feel good film with a message.
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