It’s that time of year again, award season, and the most anticipated of all the events is almost upon us. In a few days, the best of the best in film will don their tuxes and gowns, and endure the long process of getting as glamorous as humanly possible, in order to look their absolute best on that red carpet. A select few, however, will be getting ready for the possibility of walking up onto the stage as well. Those who have been nominated to receive an Oscar for their work will be more jittery than anyone else in the room, and rightfully so seeing as there have been so many phenomenal artists and films nominated. It’s going to be a close call, especially in the top three categories.
Best Actor
Prediction: Leonardo DiCaprio
Everyone who saw DiCaprio win Best Actor for his role in "The Revenant" at the Golden Globes agree he has it locked in for the Oscars as well. There is endless talk about how Leo deserves it more than anyone else this time because of all that he did for his role, such as eating the bison liver and sleeping in the dead animal carcass. However, audiences may be confusing him going the extra mile to immerse himself into his role with his actual acting, which may make him not stand a chance against the other nominees since he had very few lines. Whether or not this is true will be revealed Sunday night.
Biggest Rival: Eddie Redmayne
Eddie Redmayne’s performance in "The Danish Girl" was absolutely fantastic. He really brought his character to life and made his audience grow so attached and empathetic towards her. If anyone has a chance against Leo it’s Eddie. He was simply phenomenal. However, both portrayed their characters - both of which were real people - and their true stories accurately and with great quality. It will be very close.
Best Actress
Prediction: Jennifer Lawrence vs. Brie Larson
Jennifer Lawrence’s performance in "Joy" has everyone buzzing with the assumption that the Hollywood It Girl will beat out the other nominees, just as she did at the Golden Globes. Just as in Leo’s case, the Globes results do not necessarily lock her into first place. Brie Larson has also been receiving a lot of recognition for her part in "Room" and could have the potential to come out on top over her fellow nominee.
Best Motion Picture
Prediction: 'The Revenant'
The story line, setting, and camera work combined with exceptional actors made this movie one of the most outstanding films I have ever seen. It makes you feel as though you’re right there with frontiersman Hugh Glass, as he goes on his epic journey of survival and vengeance. Every intense scene has you on the edge of your seat, rooting for him the whole way.
The only other film I would have predicted to be nominated that could have won over the Revenant is "The Danish Girl," which was strangely left out of the list of nominees. Some, myself included, are disappointed at the fact that ten slots are available for nominations, and only eight were utilized for this year’s Oscars. There are a handful of films that more than deserved a shot at winning best picture, including "The Danish Girl," "Creed," "Star Wars," "Straight Outta Compton," and "Black Mass." All were magnificent films, with actors who I was shocked did not receive nominations as well, especially Johnny Depp with his flawless performance in "Black Mass" as the infamous crime boss Whitey Bulger.
Despite the disappointments this year’s Oscars has generated, there are still some fantastic artists and films going up against each other, and actors, critics, and audience members alike will anxiously await the winners.
