93rd Academy Awards Rundown By An Oscar Tragic

The 93rd annual Academy Award presentation may be later than normal this year and full of movies many may not have seen or even heard of, but tradition remains as the big show moves into a new era.

In a time when cinemas were closed around the world, films delayed or put on hold and streaming services quadrupling content, this Oscars may be unique, but quality ‘mostly’ undeniable.

Inclusion of nominees Borat and Hillbilly Elegy, questionable, whilst favourite Nomadland, is a cure for insomniacs.

No host for a third year, limited audiences in attendance which masks will play an important role, I’m sure.
Bunkers are set up for potential global acceptance speeches.

Another difference is splitting main ceremony presentations between the traditional Los Angeles base and a first time New York location.

Won’t matter, it will still be best day of the year in the movie obsessed world that I reside in, here are my tips below.

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
The Father
Nomadland
One Night in Miami
The White Tiger

The Father, a flawless endevour beginning with scintillating script layout. Borat is a combination of screen writing and improvisation as is Nomadland, a mix of non-actors mumbling dialogue around one terrific lead. Reverberated duo, Miami and Tiger, good but no.
MY PICK – THE FATHER

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Judas and the Black Messiah
Minari
Promising Young Woman
Sound of Metal
Trial of Chicago 7

Sincere courtroom arguments by top notch cast, Chicago 7, a front runner. Cutting deep, Promising Young Woman, creates triumphant impact, as does incessant Sound of Metal, both very hard to shake off. Minari, is an emotional journey you take along with it’s story. Viewers are swept away by the powerful monologues in, Judas.
MY PICK – PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Maria Bakalova – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Glenn Close – Hillbilly Elegy
Olivia Colman – The Father
Amanda Seyfried – Mank
Yuh-Jung Youn – Minari

A strong supporter of Mank, Seyfried is at career best. Eight time nominee Close makes history here as both best and worst in the same role (she is a Razzie contender, alternate worst film awards). Glorious unpredictability from Bakalova may see an upset. Colman and Youn, simply brilliant.
MY PICK – YUH-JUNG YOUN

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sacha Baron Cohen – Trial of Chicago 7
Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Messiah
Lesley Odon jr – One Night in Miami
Paul Raci – Sound of Metal
Lakeith Stanfield – Judas and the Black Messiah

Chameleon Cohen shines in dramatic poise. Odon jr, definitely a honourable chance. Kaluuya and Raci are unbeatable. It’s down to the delivery of monologues by the former, Raci, easily as riveting.
MY PICK – DANIEL KALUUYA

BEST ACTRESS
Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Andra Day – United States vs. Billie Holiday
Vanessa Kirby – Pieces of a Woman
Frances McDormand – Nomadland
Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman

Incredible masterclass by all five. Day is flawless, Unforgettable Davis, also unrecognisably astonishing. Mulligan, the heartbeat of entire film. Legend McDormand, loved by all. Kirby, potential win for opening scene alone.
MY PICK – ANDRA DAY

BEST ACTOR
Riz Ahmed – Sound of Metal
Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Anthony Hopkins – The Father
Gary Oldman – Mank
Steven Yuen – Minari

Team Mank all the way, Oldman, on fire. Yuen, perennial longshot. Late, great Boseman, already a winner of previous lead up awards, cannot lose. Any other year, Ahmed, swoops in as winner.
Sir Anthony, extraordinary.
MY PICK – CHADWICK BOSEMAN

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Judas and the Black Messiah
Mank
News of the World
Nomadland
Trial of Chicago 7

Boring Nomadland, has dazzling cinematography. News of the World, a western enhanced by visual landscapes. Mank, black and white brilliance. Judas & Chicago, multiple flashy vignettes.
MY PICK – NOMADLAND

COSTUMES
Emma
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Mank
Mulan
Pinocchio

Indicating it as a strong contender, the Academy took notice of reimagined classic Pinocchio Ma Rainey’s, all draping flamboyant brilliance, with Mank and Mulan, equally as era detailed.
MY PICK – MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM

MAKE UP AND HAIRSTYLING
Emma
Hillbilly Elegy
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Mank
Pinocchio

In a perfect quintet of nominations, see above category regarding, Pinocchio. Amazingly recreated Jane Austen era is perfected in Emma and Ma Rainey’s looks to be a work of dedicated artists.
MY PICK – EMMA

SOUND
Greyhound
Mank
News of the World
Soul
Sound of Metal

Tom Hanks during a war occupied ocean inside a Greyhound submarine has some of the greatest sound effects I have ever heard. Entirety of Sound of Metal, has sound at the core. Mank and Soul, truly encompass ear heaven. News of the World, also vibrant.
MY PICK – GREYHOUND

DIRECTOR
Tomas Vinterberg – Another Round (Druk)
David Fincher – Mank
Lee Isaac Chung – Minari
Chloe Zhao – Nomadland
Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Woman

Two female director nods is a first. Zhao, should prepare the acceptance speech immediately having won all previous awards in lead up. Personal favourite Fincher for Mank, the closest competitor. Well-loved by the industry, Fennell, could easily spring a deserved upset. Chung, a sentimental favourite for his unique film. Dane auteur Vinterberg, few have yet to see his alcohol epic.
MY PICK – CHLOE ZHAO

BEST PICTURE
The Father
Judas and the Black Messiah
Mank
Minari
Nomadland
Promising Young Woman
Sound of Metal
Trial of Chicago 7

Stacked bunch of potential winners has elongated sleep inducing, Nomadland, unfortunately a clear favourite. A film about old school Hollywood is a subject The Academy admires, Mank, is all that and more. Sound of Metal, could easily pick up extra ballot votes due to impact of inspiring story. The Father, simply flawless alongside Promising Young Woman, remains part of continuous award conversation. As beautiful as Minari is, only a slim chance of success here. Judas, dauntingly memorable but a win would shock.
MY PICK – TRIAL OF CHICAGO 7 (but Team Mank until the end)

My other category pick –
VISUAL EFFECTS – TENET. genius unique action, breathtaking stunts
SHORT FILM – TWO DISTANT STRANGERS – man and dog reunited
ANIMATED FEATURE – SOUL. state of the art Pixar musical ode
ANIMATED SHORT – IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I LOVE YOU superior
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE – COLLECTIVE health care fraud inside out
DOCUMENTARY SHORT – HUNGER WARD fight against starvation
SCORE – MANK – excellent composed period music enhancing film
ORIGINAL SONG – HUSAVIK Eurovision Song Contest story of Fire Saga – beautiful sad, inspiring ballad, guest vocals by, Will Ferrell

Roll out the red carpet
chill the champagne,
press the tuxedo, enjoy my favourite day of the year.
@Movie_Analyst
Shane A. Bassett