We are in the thicket of award season, which means constantly being surrounded by red carpet gossip and clips replaying the best speeches. Next on the agenda is the 88th Academy Awards ,or the "Oscars" as they are more commonly known. This annual American awards ceremony is hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize greatness in the film industry, as determined by the Academy's voting membership.
This year, there has been plenty of controversy mainly for the lack of diversity in the nominations. But, if you are choosing not to boycott the award show, there are some things you should know:
In the Best Picture category.
"The Revenant" is slated to win (Leo D. gets into a scuffle with a man, and a bear, but the scenery is pretty and they only filmed using natural light). Your banker friends and those obsessed with Ryan Gosling will be pulling for "The Big Short", your grandparents will be rooting for "Bridge of Spies", and that person from Boston will be cheering for "Spotlight". If "Mad Max: Fury Road" wins it will be a huge step for women in action films, but we all know who will actually be taking home the Oscar in this category: Kanye West for "The Life of Pablo."
In the Best Actor / Actress / Supporting Role.
Leo D., most likely — he ate a bunch of raw meat and had a Luke Skywalker-inspired camping trip. Brie Larson won the Critic's Choice and the Golden Globe, so it would be cool if she completed the Triple Crown, but she's up against J. Law. We will probably be hearing another speech from Sylvester Stallone because, well... he was born for his role. Let's not talk about supporting actress — just read the room. Honestly, though, we all know who really deserves to win the best actor of all time award: Kanye West for his work in "The Life of Pablo."
Other Categories and Things to Know.
The Academy will dive into their collective subconscious when awarding Best Animated Feature Film to "Inside Out" unless they decide to throw a curve ball and select the product of 10 years of Kaufman devotion: "Anomalisa".
" Star Wars VI: The Force Awakens" is nominated for Editing, Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, and Original Score. If you're a die-hard Jedi, those are the ones you should be using the force on.
"Straight Outta Compton" is only nominated for Best Original Screenplay... I'm not sure anything more needs to be said about that.
Closing Remarks:
Regardless of who actually wins, just look mildly annoyed and talk about how Will Smith should have been nominated for "Concussion". Then ask those around you if they've listened to the new Kanye West album, "The Life of Pablo."
