IF I VOTED FOR THE OSCARS
The 2020 Oscar nominations were released recently with many surprising results. I think many big names were snubbed of nominations, while, at the same time, there are many movies I am simply not interested in or did not watch. Of course, this comes to personal taste, so the following article is completely subjective. If I were to vote for the Oscars, these are who I will award. This will include three different categories: who I personally think should win if I voted for the Oscars, who I predict will win come Oscar night, and who I think should have at least been nominated (if there are people left out). This will not include documentary and short film categories as I have not seen most of the nominated works.
Picture
My Pick: 1917
Will Win: 1917
Should have nominated: Avengers Endgame
1917 is not my personal favorite movie of the year, but in terms of filmmaking, nothing comes close to the craft and effort put into this film. The fact that it is shot and edited like one continuous take means that no scenes can be cut out and everything must be made to perfection. This is filmmaking at its finest. However, I think the highest grossing movie of all time, Avengers Endgame should at least get a nomination. It is a culmination of the ten years of MCU. If Black Panther can get nominated, why can’t Endgame?
Director
My Pick: Sam Mendes (1917)
Will Win: Sam Mendes (1917)
Should have nominated: Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit)
1917 is a masterclass of direction by Sam Mendes. Everything must be coordinated and directed perfectly in order for this film to work. The blocking, pacing, and acting all must come together fluidly to keep the tension and ensure the audience does not get bored during a two hour sequence. With that being said, I think Taika Waititi deserves credit for his creativity and direction in Jojo Rabbit, arguably the most original film in this year’s nominations.
Actor
My Pick: Adam Driver (Marriage Story)
Will Win: Joaquin Phoenix (Joker)
Should have nominated: Taron Egerton (Rocketman) & Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit)
Marriage Story is the most well acted movie of the year, and especially by Adam Driver. His argument scene with Scarlett Johansson was the most heartbreaking moment I witnessed on screen. However, his brilliant acting cannot stop Joaquin Phoenix from winning his first and long overdue Oscar. Other standout performances include Taron Egerton’s portrayal of Elton John. If Rami Malek won for Bohemian Rhapsody, Taron Egerton deserves a nomination for, in my opinion, a better performance. Roman Griffin Davis never acted before, and to deliver such a perfect and heartfelt performance in Jojo Rabbit should have also landed him a nomination. But he is still young and his time will come.
Actress
My Pick: Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story)
Will Win: Renée Zellweger (Judy)
Should have nominated: Florence Pugh (Midsommar) & Awkwafina (The Farewell)
Scarlett Johansson has been a Hollywood A-lister for a while now, but Marriage Story is her career best performance. But following the trend of award season, Renee Zellweger will probably win instead. It somehow feels like the best actress category this year mirrors that of last year. Renee Zellweger is like the Glen Close of 2019, starring in a remarkable performance in a movie nobody watched. But in the end, thankfully, Glen Close lost to Olivia Coleman. Maybe the same will happen this year. The Best Actress category this year is really confusing to me with, especially without the presence of Florence Pugh and Awkwafina.
Supporting Actor
My Pick: Joe Pesci (The Irishman)
Will Win: Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood)
Should have nominated: Song Kang-ho (Parasite)
I was not a fan of The Irishman, but Joe Pesci’s performance was a huge stand out. He was by far the best part of the movie. But Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt also pulled off a terrific performance in none other than, Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood. It is his Oscar to lose. However, many are forgetting the incredible performance by Song Kang-ho in Parasite. His facial expressions alone tell an entire story, and deserves more recognition.
Supporting Actress
My Pick: Margot Robbie (Bombshell)
Will Win: Laura Dern (Marriage Story)
Should have nominated: Ana de Armas (Knives Out)
Just like the Best Actress category, the Supporting Actress category is confusing. Laura Dern will probably win an Oscar for Marriage Story, even though she was the third best actor in that movie. Margot Robbie however, was brilliant in Bombshell, and one of her best performances. A name left out of the race is Ana de Armas for Knives Out. Even though she is arguably the protagonist in the movie, Knives Out is really about a group of people. Her performance was exceptional and I think she is a name to watch in the future.
Original Screenplay
My Pick: Parasite
Will Win: Parasite
This award can only go to Parasite. Even though every subtitle translation is different, in whatever version, the dialogue is cleverly crafted into a thrilling and unpredictable story. However, the movie is not completely dialogue driven like many of the nominations in this category. The screenplay is there to serve the action.
Adapted Screenplay
My Pick: Jojo Rabbit
Will Win: Jojo Rabbit
Nobody can write Jojo Rabbit except Taika Waititi. It takes some type of genius to make a comedy about Nazi Germany while still keeping heart and soul. Even though some may see this movie was crossing the line, I think the message hold its place. Since Waititi did not get a nomination for director, he must at least win for screenplay.
Animated Feature
My Pick: How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World
Will Win: Toy Story 4
Should have nominated: Weathering With You
How to Train Your Dragon 3 was the perfect conclusion to the brilliant trilogy, which unfortunately did not win any Oscars. The conclusion is by far my favorite out of the nominated works. But going along The Academy’s love for Pixar, Toy Story 4 will probably win. However, the most beautiful animation i’ve seen all year is Weathering With You. Shinkai’s masterpiece Your Name did not get nominated at all, which is truly a crime. Again, The Academy is missing out on some incredible international animations.
Cinematography
My Pick: 1917
Will Win: 1917
Should have nominated: Midsommar
Film Editing
My Pick: Ford V Ferrari
Will Win: Ford V Ferrari
Should have nominated: 1917
Sound Editing
My Pick: Ford V Ferrari
Will Win: 1917
Sound Mixing
My Pick: 1917
Will Win: 1917
Production Design
My Pick: Parasite
Will Win: Parasite
Should have nominated: Aladdin
MakeUP and HairStyling
My Pick: Joker
Will Win: Bombshell
Should have nominated: Avengers Endgame
Costume Design
My Pick: Little Women
Will Win: Little Women
Should have nominated: Rocketman
Best Visual Effects
My Pick: The Lion King
Will Win: 1917
original Score
My Pick: Joker
Will Win: Joker
Should have nominated: Avengers Endgame & Weathering With You
ORIGINAL Song
My Pick: (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again – Rocketman
Will Win: (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again – Rocketman
Should have nominated: Show Yourself (Frozen 2) & Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do (Weathering With You)
