Oscar Picks

Read Time:2 Minute, 39 Second

By: Zak Falcone

Oscars: Flick Picks

Best Picture

Nominees:

CODA

THE POWER OF THE DOG

NIGHTMARE ALLEY

DRIVE MY CAR

BELFAST

DUNE

WEST SIDE STORY

KING RICHARD

LICORICE PIZZA

Who Should Win: WEST SIDE STORY

Who Will Win: THE POWER OF THE DOG

Who Could Win: CODA

Spielberg’s first musical was the year’s most incredible film. Though, the Academy will likely disagree. THE POWER OF THE DOG will most likely win if it keeps its steam heading into the Awards. CODA is a film gaining momentum late in the race.

Best Actor

Nominees:

Will Smith – KING RICHARD

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH – THE POWER OF THE DOG

Andrew Garfield – TICK, TICK … BOOM!

Denzel Washington – THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

Javier Bardem – BEING THE RICARDOS

Who Should Win: Denzel Washington

Who Will Win: Benedict Cumberbatch

Who Could Win: Will Smith

Denzel has given Hollywood his all, another Best Actor Oscar could serve as a lifetime achievement, but likely won’t happen. THE POWER OF THE DOG has all the momentum as of now, Benedict also has never won an Oscar after two nominations. Will Smith is picking up speed in the race after winning the SAG Award, he could easily sneak in and win his first Oscar.

Best Actress

Nominees:

Jessica Chastain – THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE

Olivia Colman – THE LOST DAUGHTER

Penelope Cruz – PARALLEL MOTHERS

Kristen Stewart – SPENCER

Nicole Kidman – BEING THE RICARDOS

Who Will Win – Jessica Chastain

Who Should Win – Jessica Chastain

Who Could Win – Kristen Stewart

Jessica Chastain has long deserved to win big at the Oscars, this should be her year. The Academy always likes to shake things up, Kristen Stewart has gained a lot of acclaim for her role as Princess Diana in SPENCER.

Best Supporting Actor

Nominees:

Ciaran Hinds – BELFAST

Kodi Smit-McPhee – THE POWER OF THE DOG

Tony Kotsur – CODA

Jesse Plemons – THE POWER OF THE DOG

JK Simmons – BEING THE RICARDOS

Who Should Win: Jesse Plemons – THE POWER OF THE DOG

Who Will Win – Ciaran Hinds – CODA

Who Could Win: Kodi Smit-McPhee – THE POWER OF THE DOG

Ciaran Hinds is fantastic in CODA, he deserves the win. This will be a way for the Academy to honor CODA in a big way as well. Smit-McPhee could sneak in and win.

Best Supporting Actress

Nominees:

Kirsten Dunst – THE POWER OF THE DOG

Ariana DeBose – WEST SIDE STORY

Aunjanue Ellis – KING RICHARD

Jessie Buckley – THE LOST DAUGHTER

Judi Dench – BELFAST

Who Should Win- Ariana DeBose

Who Will Win – Ariana DeBose

Who Could Win – Kirsten Dunst

Ariana DeBose is incredible in WEST SIDE STORY, she deserves the win. Kirsten Dunst has never won an Oscar after an impressive career, this could be her year.

Best Director

Nominees:

Jane Campion – THE POWER OF THE DOG

Kenneth Branagh – Belfast

Steven Spielberg – WEST SIDE STORY

Ryusuke Hamaguchi – DRIVE MY CAR

Paul Thomas Anderson – LICORICE PIZZA

Who Should Win: Steven Spielberg

Who Will Win: Jane Campion

Who Could Win: Kenneth Branagh

Speilberg deserves to be recognized for bringing WEST SIDE STORY back to life. But, the Academy will likely honor Campion, which is also well deserved. Kenneth Branagh could win, though that’s unlikely.