It has been a short four months since we made our ‘very early’ 2017 Oscar predictions. A few things have happened. Donald Trump became this nation’s 45th president. Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Jeremy Renner survived a fan-led death hoax. And there were also a few movies released into theaters.
In October, we took a look at seven particular movies that projected to receive Oscar praise. Of those seven movies, all but one have received multiple nominations in a wide range of categories. During the winter movie season, what can only be called an anomaly took place. There was a certain movie that dazzled audiences nationwide. From elementary student to senior citizen and everywhere in between, a certain romantic musical stole the hearts of moviegoers. Encouraging viewers to rekindle and reimagine their lifelong dreams, this storyline creates a dream that you want to make a reality. That dream propelled La La Land to a staggering 14 Oscar nominations, tying the record set by Titanic and All About Eve.
Following closely behind, Arrival and Moonlight both earned 8 nominations a piece. Hacksaw Ridge, Lion, and Manchester by the Sea each earned 6 nominations as well. Common consensus surrounding La La Land has created a shared sentiment that the film will sweep through this year’s Oscars, winning nearly every category in which it has a nomination. Throughout Oscars history, the most wins by a single film came from Titanic, Ben-Hur, and The Lord of The Rings: Return of the King, with each film taking 11 awards. In the minds of the common viewer, La La Land is primed and ready to be the latest film to join the ranks of Oscar greats, yet it remains to be seen if the voters feel the same way.
But now it’s time to have some fun and imagine an Oscars without La La Land and predict what we think will happen versus what we think should happen. For each category, there will be a chosen movie or actor that we think will win the award and then a chosen movie or actor that we think should win the award.
Best Picture
What will win: La La Land
What should win: Fences
Best Director
Damien Chazelle – La La Land
Barry Jenkins – Moonlight
Denis Villeneuve – Arrival
Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea
Mel Gibson – Hacksaw Ridge
Who will win: Damien Chazelle
Who should win: Barry Jenkins
Best Actor
Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
Ryan Gosling, La La Land
Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington, Fences
Who will win: Casey Affleck
Who should win: Denzel Washington
Best Actress
Isabelle Huppert, Elle
Ruth Negga, Loving
Natalie Portman, Jackie
Emma Stone, La La Land
Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins
Who will win: Emma Stone
Who should win: Isabelle Huppert
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Jeff Bridges, Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea
Dev Patel, Lion
Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals
Who will win: Mahershala Ali
Who should win: Michael Shannon (see below)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Viola Davis, Fences
Naomie Harris, Moonlight
Nicole Kidman, Lion
Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea
Who will win: Viola Davis
Who should win: Viola Davis (she should never have to support anyone ever again)
Best Cinematography
Arrival
La La Land
Lion
Moonlight
Silence
What will win: La La Land
What should win: Arrival (side note: it will be a fun next few decades to see Denis Villeneuve and Damien Chazelle continue to make movies as Hollywood evolves)
Best Writing (Original Screenplay)
Hell or High Water
La La Land
The Lobster
Manchester by the Sea
20th Century Women
What will win: Hell or High Water
What should win: The Lobster
Music (Original Song)
“Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” from La La Land
“Can’t Stop The Feeling” from Trolls
“City Of Stars” from La La Land
“The Empty Chair” from Jim: The James Foley Story
“How Far I’ll Go” from Moana
What will win: “City of Stars” from La La Land
What should win: “No Dames” from Hail! Caesar
Despite all of the excitement surrounding La La Land and the Academy’s position to establish the film among a few of the all-time greats, a large portion of attention will likely be focused on the winning actors and actresses and their respective speeches. In a politically charged year such as our past one, Hollywood stands on the edge of a platform, poised to speak to certain issues and problems our country faces. La La Land sweep or widespread upset, we will be watching, waiting for our emotions to be stirred.
–Jackson Greer
Image Sources: [Featured image; La La Land; Nocturnal Animals; and Hail, Caesar!]
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