Despite the insane year the film industry has had, the Academy Awards are upon us. Whether you think that the Oscars are a celebration of cinema that puts true art into the mainstream, or if you think they are an overrated hoax made so that Hollywood executives can pat themselves on the back, there is one thing that everyone can agree on: it’s fun to bet on the Oscars. But you know what’s even more fun than entering an Oscar pool? Winning your Oscar pool.
But with such a strange year for movies, this year seems harder than ever to predict the winners. Luckily for you, the team here at Moviehouse has done the work for you. Our crew of collegiate movie nerds has put in the hours of research so you don’t have to. Without further adieu, here are the Moviehouse predictions for the 93rd Academy Awards
Best Picture: Nomadland
“Nomadland” is without a doubt the safe choice here. It’s swept award season, winning at the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes, and the PGAs. While it’s worth mentioning that there have been many years where a movie has swept these categories and still missed the Oscar, those years were always a close race. Take last year, when “1917” swept award season but “Parasite” won, or when “La La Land” was the favorite in 2017 but lost to “Moonlight”. In both situations, it was a close race between one or the other. This year, however, there isn’t another contender that can really go toe to toe with “Nomadland.” Because of the preferential ballot, this gives “Nomadland” an edge that those other upsets just didn’t have.
Directing: Nomadland
After winning the DGA, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for best director, Chloé Zhao’s Oscar win seems like a given.
Actor in a Leading Role: Chadwick Boseman
The passing of Chadwick Boseman this past year was felt deeply by the film community. His final performance in “Ma Rainey’s” was just one of many outstanding performances in a career that ended too soon. After winning the SAG and the Golden Globe, it is hard to imagine this Oscar not going to him, deservedly so. Rest in power, Chadwick Boseman.
Actress in a Leading Role: Carey Mulligan
Actress in a Leading Role is certainly the hardest pick to make this year. The case could truly be made for any of the nominees. Viola Davis gave us another incredible performance in “Ma Rainey’s,” and while we’d love to see her get it, it’s hard to picture the best actor and best actress coming from a movie that doesn’t get a Best Picture nomination. Frances McDormand’s last win feels too recent for her to get it again. While a case could certainly be made for Andra Day, Carey Mulligan’s bold performance that drives “Promising Young Woman” seems more likely.
Actor in a Supporting Role: Daniel Kaluuya
Another actor that has swept in this category during award season so far. Kaluuya better have space for this Oscar next to that Golden Globe and that SAG award.
Actress in a Supporting Role: Youn Yuh-Jung
Youn Yuh-Jung might be the best part of “Minari,” which is really saying something. While there are plenty of great nominees, it is hard to see them giving this award to anyone else.
Cinematography: Nomadland
Film Editing: The Trial of the Chicago 7
In recent years, the Oscars have preferred films with more obvious and more stylistic editing choices. “Chicago 7” intercuts two different people giving accounts of the same scene, as well as shots from the scene from different perspectives, all while telling the story in a non-chronological order, and still manages to make sense. This is a movie with a lot of editing, and it does it well. If “Chicago 7” has any chance at bringing home an Oscar, it will be in this category.
Adapted Screenplay: The Father
Original Screenplay: Promising Young Woman
With recent winners of this award including “Parasite” and “Get Out,” it seems that the Academy not only looks for which original screenplay is the best, but which original screenplay is the most original. The revenge thriller about rape culture seems to meet both of these categories comfortably, which is why we think it is going to take home the gold trophy.
Animated Feature Film: Soul
While “Wolfwalkers” certainly has a chance, it is really hard to beat a Pixar movie, and even harder to beat an original Pixar movie. If Pixar had dished out another half-assed sequel then this would probably go to “Wolfwalkers,” but “Soul” is far from Pixar nostalgia bait. The film feels like Pixar is back at their A-game, and it doesn’t seem like “Wolfwalkers” can really compete with that.
Sound: Sound of Metal
Duh.
International Feature Film: Another Round
As the only international film with a nomination for directing, “Another Round” is the easy choice. Not to mention, did you see Mads Mikkelsen’s dance scene in this movie? That part alone should win an Oscar.
Original Score: Soul
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