Spoilers for some of the films discussed.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The time when movies matter. Not because many great films are premiering, but because rich, beautiful celebrities in gorgeous suits and dresses are lining up the red carpet to participate in a ceremony where around 7,000 people with similar taste decide what is the best the artform has to offer. What better way to celebrate the power of cinema than to sit in front of your TV, and watch an event that is four hours long, contains commercials, features repetitive segments, and a live audience that seems to deliver canned laughter? If that isn’t appetizing enough, the Oscars will have no host for the second straight year, truly capturing the momentous and iconic feeling this event evokes.
Obviously, I’m not a fan of the Academy. Nevertheless, I am a fan of saying I hate something, then paying attention to it (like politics). This year, I thought I would get views for my lack of self-control. I’ve ranked the nominees in each category based on personal preference, which one I feel is most deserving of victory. Following that, I provided a prediction of what film will win, an alternate prediction so I can make myself look smart if I am wrong, a snub, and any observations I had on any category. I didn’t write about the short films because I didn’t see them.
If you want to use this post to fill out your ballot, don’t. I’m often wrong. If you want to read ahead for fun or to mock me when I turn out to be wrong, enjoy!
Award
- My
- Own
- Ranking
- Of
- The Nominees
Prediction:
Alternate Prediction:
Snub:
Observation:
Visual FX
- The Rise of Skywalker
- 1917
- The Lion King
- Avengers: Endgame
- The Irishman
Prediction: 1917
Alternate: Avengers: Endgame
Snub: Alita: Battle Angel
Observations: Likely the only category in which I’d rank The Lion King and Avengers: Endgame over The Irishman. However, the de-aging effect is just too unconvincing. 1917 had many impressive effects, but at one point, the camera comes near a fly so fake it disgusted me more than any real fly could.
Film Editing
- The Irishman—Thelma Schoonmaker
- Ford v. Ferrari—Andrew Buckland and Michael McCusker
- Parasite—Yang Jin-mo
- Jojo Rabbit—Tom Eagles
- Joker—Jeff Groth
Prediction: Ford v. Ferrari
Alternate: Parasite
Snub: Apollo 11
Observations: It is laughable that Joker gained a nomination while containing this scene, in which the 180-degree line is crossed so often that the moment becomes numbing despite whatever psychological insight it intends to convey. More laughable is the nation that any of the nominees, even Thelma Schoonmaker’s immaculately crafted Irishman, is better cut than Apollo 11.
Costume Design
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
- Little Women
- The Irishman
- Joker
- Jojo Rabbit
Prediction: Little Women
Alternate: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Snub: Dolemite is My Name
Observation: Not too sure what wins here. I went with Little Women because I expect the film to walk away empty-handed otherwise and think Academy voters will feel charitable.
Makeup
- Joker
- 1917
- Judy
Didn’t See: Bombshell, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Prediction: Bombshell
Alternate: Joker
Snub: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Cinematography
- The Irishman—Rodrigo Prieto
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood—Robert Richardson
- The Lighthouse—Jarin Blaschke
- 1917—Roger Deakins
- Joker—Lawrence Sher
Prediction: 1917
Alternate: None. This is a lock.
Snub: For Sama
Observations: Roger Deakins will win this for 1917 since he completed the task of organizing his film to look like it unfolded in two long takes. However, this design might be detrimental instead of beneficial. The performances and dialogue feel stilted and lifeless as they become subservient to the camera. Worse, the film still tries to entertain, staging scenes with banter between the protagonists. These moments never mix well with Deakins’ cinematography: their intended jovialness cancels out the long takes’ intended suspense. Rodrigo Prieto and Robert Richardson’ work, while not rivalling Deakins’ in difficulty, evoke more. Both deserve the award. Cinema is an emotional medium, not Artistic Ninja Warrior.
Speaking of difficulty, Waad Al-Kateab should be nominated. She shot her evocative and striking documentary about Syria, For Sama, in the middle of a war zone. But it’s not all done in a long take, so fuck it.
Exploring Cinema 