This Year’s Top Ten+ Oscar Predictions (Rhoades)

This Year’s Top Ten+ Oscar Predictions

Reviewed by Rhoades

Film Critic, Cooke Communications

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be presenting its awards on February 28th. Yes, it will be hosted by comedian Chris Rock. This year’s theme is “We All Dream in Gold,” a reference to the golden statuette that goes to winners.

Hopefully, you’ve already bought your tickets to Tropic Cinema’s gala “Oscars at the Tropic” celebration. General admission includes two drinks and hors d’oeuvres. A limited number of VIP tickets are available. These include a champagne reception, food, swag bag, and watching the Red Carpet interviews and Oscar presentations in the comfortable Carper Theater.

As a film critic, folks expect me to pick the best pictures and actors each year. But there’s often a difference between “best” and “winner.” So here’s my prediction of winners of the main categories at the 88th Academy Awards.

• Best Picture -- “Spotlight” is my favorite, but “The Revenant” has a good shot to win.
• Best Actor -- No question, this is Leonardo Dicaprio’s year. He’ll pick up an Oscar for “The Revenant.”
• Best Actress -- Brie Larson will win it for “Room.” But I have to admit Saoirse Ronan gave a great performance in “Brooklyn.”
• Best Supporting Actor -- The sentimental favorite, Sylvester Stallone will no doubt get the prize for “Creed.”
• Best Supporting Actress -- Alicia Vikander is an up-and-comer who could win for “The Danish Girl.” But many bets are on Kate Winslet for “Steve Jobs.”
• Directing -- At his advanced age, George Miller is a last-chance contender for “Mad Max: Fury Road.” But Alejandro G. Iñárritu is the likely winner with “The Revenant.”
• Animated Feature Film -- “Inside Out” has the inside track.
• Documentary Feature -- You can rest assured that “Amy” will walk away with an Oscar.
• Foreign Language Film -- Most likely, “Son Of Saul” will grab this one.
•  Best Cinematography -- I’d vote for the lush, visually stylistic “Carol,” but the gritty realism of “The Revenant” might claim it.
•  Original Score -- That old maestro Ennio Morricone definitely should win for “The Hateful Eight.” But if he doesn’t, John Williams will take it for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
•  Original Song -- Smart money is on “Earned It” from “Fifty Shades Of Grey.” But “Til It Happens To You” from “The Hunting Ground” has many fans too.
•  Visual Effects -- C’mon, you have to give this award to the futuristic “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” 
•  Adapted Screenplay -- A no brainer, “The Big Short” will win this one.
•  Original Screenplay -- “Spotlight” should win, but this is the Academy’s opportunity to lessen all that OscarsSoWhite criticism by handing it to “Straight Outta Compton.”

How well did I do? Tune in to the Oscars on Sunday night and find out.

srhoades@aol.com