2018 Oscar predictions: Who will go home with gold?
By Matt Conway
The Oscars are almost here, which means it’s time to look at and see who will go home with the big prizes.
The Oscars, while both beloved and hated by film fans, is one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. With so many great films and individual efforts this year, many of the ceremony’s critical awards are still up in the air.
Here are my predictions for what will go home with gold on Sunday…
Best Original Screenplay
What will win : Get Out
What could win: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
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Typically Original Screenplay is the weaker of the two categories, but that changed this year with four Best Picture nominees in the category. In reality, it’s a race between Get Out and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Considering the controversy around the latter, I lean towards the former taking home the prize. Jordan Peele’s debut effort was funny, timely, and impactful, and it’s the best way to recognize what was one of 2017’s biggest movies.
Best Adapted Screenplay
What will win: Call Me By Your Name
What could win: N/A
While I appreciate just how diverse the Adapted Screenplay category is (a superhero movie sharing a category with a movie about Tommy Wiseau), this award will easily be won by Call Me By Your Name. Personally, I don’t take issue to that, as James Ivory’s screenplay does a fantastic job of depicting a realistic and poignant romance between two friends in Italy. This is also a great way to reward the movie, since it likely won’t win in a different category.
Best Supporting Actor
Who will win: Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Who could win: Willem Dafoe, The Flordia Project
Sam Rockwell’s character in Three Billboards has easily been one of the most controversial subjects in movies, but few could deny how great his performance was. The much beloved character actor truly breaks out, offering a nuanced and scene-grabbing performance as a racist cop. While Dafoe was also great, the lack of buzz for The Flordia Project likely gives Rockwell the edge.
Best Supporting Actress
Who will win: Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird
Who could win: Allison Janney, I, Tonya
This will be one of the most interesting awards of the night, because it’s really anyone’s guess who will win. While Janney has won most of the major awards, Metcalf and Phantom Thread star Lesley Manville have made a late season push. I give the oh so slight edge to Metcalf, as her realistic and complex portrait of motherhood likely leaving the biggest impact on voters. In reality though, it’s anyones game.
Best Actor
Who will win: Gary Oldman, The Darkest Hour
Who could win: Timothy Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name
If there was anyone award you would have to bet your life on, Best Actor would likely be it. It has been Gary Oldman’s award since November, with critics and award pundits wanting to reward the long-time character actor for his transformative take on Winston Churchill. While Chalamet won’t win, he is certainly a winner on is his own right from the exposure he has received for his great performance.
Best Actress
Who will win: Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri
Who could win: Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
In my opinion, this is the most well-rounded of any of the acting categories. Despite all of the talent, this is McDormand’s Oscar to lose. Her dynamic performance in Three Billboards is the heart of the movie, and I am sure everyone is excited to see her acceptance speech. Don’t be shocked however if Hawkins sneaks in for the upset.
Best Director
Who will win: Guillermo Del Toro, The Shapes of Water
Who could win: Jordan Peele, Get Out
While The Shapes of Water may have lost the best picture momentum going for it, director Guillermo Del Toro is still a shoe-in to win his first Oscar. The award is certainly deserved, as Del Toro crafted a magical romance that connected with audiences. Upstart nominees Jordan Peele and Greta Gerwig could possibly surprise.
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Best Picture:
What will win: Get Out
What could win: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri or The Shapes of Water
Rarely is the Best Picture trophy ever this unpredictable, with each of the three movies mentioned having a decent shot at the big prize. While I recognize the awards success that both Billboards and Shapes have had, I think Get Out will eventually be crowned the winner. The film has picked up considerable momentum in the coming months, and I ultimately think Billboards is too controversial to claim the top prize.
What do you think will win Best Picture? Let us know in the comments below!