Oscars 2017: Predictions

Well, it’s that time of the year again… The carpet is laid, the speeches are prepared, the gowns are on. It’s time for the 89th Academy Awards a.k.a. Oscars 2017. And all bets are on.
​
How many awards out of the 14 nominations will La La land grab? How many times will Trump be mentioned or implied on an acceptance speech (that will be a cool drinking game)? Will Casey Affleck’s win be jeopardized by his very controversial past? How will Jimmy Kimmel do on his first time presenting? How many kids from Stranger Things will make a “surprise” appearance?

All these questions will be answered tomorrow night.Until then, here are my traditional Oscar Projections:

Best Picture
La La land
#SorryNotSorry but this film really captured mine and everybody’s hearts. Sure, the characters don’t have to deal with loss, growing up with an addict parent, racism, poverty, war;it’s a cheesy film about life and love, but is portrayed in a such a beautiful, old-Hollywood-way, that it makes it simply a small masterpiece.

Directing
Damien Chazelle for La La land
The film’s charm is not only the amazing chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, but the effortless, yet crafty direction of Damien Chazelle. Hands down best director this year and did I mention he is only 32?

Actor in a Leading Role
Well, I am between Casey Affleck for Manchester by The Sea and Denzel Washington for Fences… This will be a tough one, as I am sure that if it wasn’t for the Affleck’s reputation, this will be a sure win, but now… all bets are on. I have a feeling that Denzel’s going to win this one though…
Although I would like the Academy to be more creative and award Viggo Mortensen for Captain Fantastic!
 
Actress in a Leading Role
Emma Stone for La La land
I know that Isabelle Huppert and Meryl Streep are more established actresses, but Emma Stone’s performance in La La land, was so intimate and touching that makes her worthy of this award.

Actor in a Supporting Role
Mahershala Ali for Moonlight
If it weren’t any other year, Moonlight would be a far stronger competitor, but this year’s competition makes this perhaps the one certain award for Moonlight

Actress in a Supporting Role
Viola Davis for Fences
Although we might see a surprise or two (Naomie Harris or Michelle Williams), Davis sure is the more likely to win. Anyone who can stand next to Denzel Washington and manage not only not to get overshadowed but to steal the show, deserves this award.
 
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Moonlightby Barry Jenkins; Story by Tarell Alvin McCraney
Moonlight seems to be the frontrunner here, especially since Best Picture is out of the question…

Writing (Original Screenplay)
La La landby Damien Chazelle
La La land seems a sure winner, but if you ask me my heart is with The Lobster by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou. Honestly, you don’t get more original screenplay than that!
 
For the full list of the nominations, visit https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2017
Happy 2017 Oscars!