By John Arnold and Griffin Harris
Best Picture
Who Will Win
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water is a uniquely dazzling film that balances between science fiction and romance. With strong performances, especially from Sally Hawkins, the movie checks all the boxes needed to be victorious.
Who Should Win
The Post. It’s just as good as Steven Spielberg directing Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks should be. The fact that it’s so predictably good makes it seem unworthy, but it’s the best film in the group.
Best Director
Who Will Win
As a first-year nominee, Christopher Nolan will bring home an Oscar for Dunkirk. Set during World War II, Nolan masterfully wrote and directed the film. Suspenseful, moving, and intricate, the movie — and Nolan — is well-deserving of the award.
Who Should Win
Jordan Peele’s Get Out was a revolutionary movie–a thriller, a comedy, and a social criticism. Its timely and powerful message was delivered effectively.
Best Actor
Who Will and Should Win
Similarly to Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln, Gary Oldman fully immerses himself as Winston Churchill during World War II. A performance that is head-and-shoulders above his peers, it is arguably better than his showing in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Best Actress
Who Will and Should Win
Frances McDormand. She carried a movie that was overly ambitious and at times chaotic in one of the most moving and believable roles in recent memory. Among many great roles, McDormand’s is exceptional.
Best Supporting Actor
Who Will Win
Woody Harrelson. Harrelson’s character, a small town police chief, challenges the movie’s audience while delivering a relevant political message. And it’s played expertly.
Who Should Win
Sam Rockwell. The actor who’s gone too unnoticed for years shines in his role as the racist, abusive cop who–as the most complex character in the film–challenges himself and the audience by transforming to a friend and accomplice of the protagonist.
Best Supporting Actress
Who Will Win
In Lady Bird, Laurie Metcalf gave a wonderful and authentic performance as a mother of a teenager. Strong-minded and incredibly caring, the mother was a difficult character to play, but Metcalf nailed every facet of her role.
Who Should Win
Cast as Tonya Harding’s harsh mother in I, Tonya, Allison Janney is a must see in every one of her scenes. One her best performances, Janney commands the viewer’s attention throughout the film and is deserving of the accolade.