No this is not a prediction of how Oscar Isaac's career will go in 2016, (although we can only presume it will be just as flourishing as it is now) it is my list of predictions for this years Academy Awards. The beginning of the year marks the beginning of awards season which is like a Christmas of sorts for film fans everywhere, we've already had the likes of the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards but it's all leading up to this years Oscars ceremony. Now I know the Oscars usually tend to focus on what dress that person's wearing and more recently cringe-worthy Oscar selfies, but it is still hard to not get excited to see who will win big at this years ceremony. With comedian Chris Rock set to host it is looking out to be another great ceremony, but the question is who is going to win what? We all have our own predictions, so here are mine (I haven't done all the categories, only the ones which I feel I'm able to judge).
Best Cinematography
For me, this one would have to go to Sicario due to Roger Deakins' brilliant cinematography. I distinctly remember watching one scene just before the team enter the tunnel in the desert and there's this beautiful shot of the sunset and I thought to myself, that better get a cinematography nomination. Deakins has been nominated 12 times beforehand but never actually winning so hopefully this will be his year. He's almost like the DiCaprio of cinematography, just give the man an Oscar already!
Actor in a Supporting Role
I would have to go with Mark Ruffalo on this one as he gives such a powerful performance in Spotlight standing out as the young, enthusiastic journalist Mike Rezendes. Ruffalo was nominated both last year and in 2011 but again, he did not manage to get the win. Hopefully his excellent performance in Spotlight will give the diverse actor the award he deserves.
Actress in a Supporting Role
Maybe I'm being biased because I love Rooney Mara but in fairness she gives a brilliant performance in Carol alongside her co-star Cate Blanchett. Mara plays a young woman named Therese who begins a relationship with Blanchetts Carol. Her character is curious yet conflicted and Mara's performance is very strong and convincing. Nominated once before for her role in David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo remake, if Mara doesn't win this time then I don't know who will (probably Winslet).
Visual Effects
This was a tough one to call as I was torn between The Force Awakens and Mad Max for their brilliant practical effects. To be honest I can't really make a proper decision so I'm going to leave it between those two films, personally I think the practical effects have a much better chance at getting the Oscar. However I could be wrong, Ex_Machina also had some nifty effects.
Production Design
Mad Max: Fury Road certainly deserves this one, from all the vehicles to the caverns, the set really is otherworldy. It is evident that a lot of care was put into the production design and it definitely pays off, I would also say that Fury Road could be up for best costume design too.
Adapted Screenplay
As an Irishman I feel obliged to say Room, but I don't just say this because of my nationality, the film is brilliantly written and although I have not yet read the book I have heard that the film is very close to it. So I am hoping that Emma Donaghue will get her Oscar for best adapted screenplay and make us all proud here at home.
Original Screenplay
I'm going to say Ex_Machina for this one simply because it was one of the most original sci-fi films that I've seen in a long time. It was a great story that focused on the concept of realistic A.I.'s and the dark secret behind their manufacture. Plus, any film with a scene where Oscar Isaac dances deserves some sort of accolade. I would love to see Alex Garland win something for Ex_Machina.
Original Score
This one is hands down Morricone. The godfather of western soundtracks, Morricone came back to what he does best in Tarantino's The Hateful Eight and oh boy did he deliver. From that opening shot of the statue of Jesus when Morricone's sinister score begins to play I could already tell it would be one to remember and I haven't stopped listening to it ever since. Although he has been nominate five times before, the Italian composer has never actually won for best original score but by god, he deserves it.
Best Director
Although Lenny Abrahamson shined as the director of Room, I am 90% certain that Mexican director Alejandro G. Inarritú will win for the second year in a row. His directorial skills are fully on show in The Revenant with it's long, continuous takes and its smooth camerawork and like Birdman last year, his style is very noticeable. You go Alejandro.
Actress in a Leading Role
I was a bit disappointed to see no nomination for Charlize Theron for Mad Max: Fury Road but looking at the nominees I think that Brie Larson without a doubt deserves this one for her role as Ma in Room. Larson gives everything in what is one of the most powerful performances of the year, playing a woman who has been held captive in a room for several years and escapes with her young son. Her onscreen chemistry with the young Jacob Tremblay is incredibly realistic and if Jennifer Lawrence wins this instead of her there will be murder.
Actor in a Leading Role
I think this could finally be the year that Leonardo DiCaprio finally gets his well deserved Oscar for his role as Hugh Glass in The Revenant. After missing out on numerous best actor awards over the years (some of which he really deserved) I think it's about time Leo was recognised for his talent. He doesn't have a lot of dialogue in this film but his performance as the revenge seeking frontiersman fighting for survival is captivating to watch, I mean he ate raw bison for god's sake. Leo is excellent in The Revenant and I think it's high time he finally got his award.
Best Picture
Now this is a tough one, the big daddy of awards. It's a tough one to call to be honest, I would love to see Mad Max: Fury Road win as it was one of my favourite films of last year while at the same time I think Room deserves the award. However, in the same fashion as last year I think Inarritú has it in the bag again as The Revenant is a phenomenal film. From its brilliant cinematography and camerawork to its gorgeous setting and its harrowing story, it is deserving of the best picture award. That will make it another successful year for the talented Alejandro G. Inarritú and to be honest the man deserves it.
So those are a few of my predictions, I've left out certain categories mainly because I haven't seen some of the films nominated or I don't know enough about the category to make a judgement. With just over a month till the Oscars take place on February 28th it is hard not to feel excited for the awards. I won't be posting as frequently as I recently have now as I am back in college however stay tuned for some horror posts over the next week, until next time!
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