This Sunday will mark the 89th Academy Awards presentation. The Academy Awards are also known as the "Oscars" because of the little gold statue that is given to each winner — the Oscar. The Oscars are the most prestigious awards given to films and actors. Here are my predictions for this year's Academy Award winners.
THE BIG SEVEN
Best Picture: La La Land
Fueled by incredible performances by the two leads and an unconventional script which will leave you begging for more, "La La Land" will take home the Best Picture Oscar this year. Nominated for a record-tying fourteen Oscars, "La La Land" is one of the most well-rounded films in years, redefining the romantic and musical genres while staying true to its vision and message. In addition to 7 other Oscars, I predict "La La Land" to take home the 89th Best Picture award as well.
Best Director: Damien Chazelle, La La Land
The runaway choice this year for best director, Chazelle was at the helm of my choice for best picture: "La La Land." An Oscar nominee for his work on "Whiplash," Chazelle pushed the cinematic envelope this time with his beautiful cinematography, whimsical musical numbers, and tense dialogue scenes. The obvious choice, Chazelle will take home his first Oscar this year.
Actor in a Leading Role: Denzel Washington, Fences
Seven-time nominee and two-time winner, Washington is no stranger to the Oscar stage. Winner of the SAG award already this year, Denzel looks to take home his third Oscar for his work on "Fences." Denzel has your emotions on edge in his gripping performance as a 1950's trash collector in Pittsburgh. He, alongside co-star Viola Davis who was also nominated for an Oscar, gives a gripping performance which will have you captivated until the very end. Casey Affleck gave an incredible performance in "Manchester by the Sea and brought home the Critic's Choice award and the BAFTA award for best actor. I believe this is the closest category of the "big seven" but Denzel will bring in the most votes.
Actress in a Leading Role: Emma Stone, La LA Land
Oscar nominee for her supporting role in "Birdman," Emma Stone will now take home the Oscar for actress in a leading role. Her loveably awkward character in "La La Land" captivated audiences and critics alike and has already garnered her the Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA award for best actress. This weekend, she will add an Oscar to her trophy case.
Actor in a Supporting Role: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Traditionally knows as a TV star, Ali's performance in "Moonlight" has landed him his first Oscar nomination and, I believe, win. Ali portrays a drug dealer who is influential in the life of the movie's protagonist, and his tearful goodbye leaves the audience begging for more. His powerful performance has left a lasting impression on all.
Actress in a Supporting Role: Viola Davis, Fences
Two-time Oscar nominee Viola Davis will finally take home the gold this year for her incredible performance in "Fences." Davis poured her heart and soul into the character of a loving mother and wife whose world is shaken by multiple unforeseen circumstances. Her raw emotion and gravitas have pulled in critics all across the spectrum amassing her the Critics' Choice, SAG, and BAFTA awards for best supporting actress already this year.
Animated Feature Film: Zootopia
A true underdog story, the heartfelt and clever "Zootopia" captivated audiences young and old with its storyline and twists. In a year without a Pixar movie, it will be a close race between "Zootopia" and "Kubo and the Two Strings," but "Zootopia" will bring home the Oscar.
