Original Screenplay
“Belfast”
“The Worst Person in the World”
And the winner is: Belfast
Runaway winner. Belfast won’t be shutout, but I do believe they are shutout in most major award areas, however screenplay is a win
Best Supporting Actress
Jessie Buckley, “The Lost Daughter”
Ariana DeBose, “West Side Story”
Judi Dench, “Belfast”
Kirsten Dunst, “The Power of the Dog”
Aunjanue Ellis, “King Richard”
And the winner is: Kirsten Dunst
The heavy favorite, and SAG winner, Ariana DeBose is expected to win best supporting actress with ease, but there is something about rewarding remakes that seemingly does not sit well with the Academy. The next best (I think the best) option is Kirsten Dunst. This, in her first nomination year would be an impressive victory, against tough competition.
Best Supporting Actor
Ciaran Hinds, “Belfast”
Troy Kotsur, “CODA”
Jesse Plemons, “The Power of the Dog”
J.K. Simmons, “Being the Ricardos”
Kodi Smit-McPhee, “The Power of the Dog”
And the winner is: Kodi Smit-McPhee
A relatively unheralded career, has exploded with his role in Power of The Dog. Kodi Smith-McPhee was wonderful in both Road and Let Me in, as a younger man, but has now turned in a brilliant performance as a man; no longer a child actor. He is not the favorite for best supporting actor, but I have a suspicion he wins.
Best Actress
Jessica Chastain, “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”
Olivia Colman, “The Lost Daughter”
Penélope Cruz, “Parallel Mothers”
Nicole Kidman, “Being the Ricardos”
Kristen Stewart, “Spencer”
And the winner is: Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain turns in an extraordinary performance as Tammy Faye. Those of us old enough to remember Tammy Faye Baker watch intently throughout, as this film brings you back. Chastain is stellar.
Best Actor
Will Smith, “King Richard”
Denzel Washington, “The Tragedy of Macbeth”
Javier Bardem, “Being the Ricardos”
Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Power of the Dog”
Andrew Garfield, “Tick, Tick … Boom!”
And the winner is: Will Smith
Many were shocked and pleasantly surprised with Will’s acting ability in the 1993 film, Six Degrees of Separation. From that moment on, Will has been considered a serious actor, and not just The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This is Will’s third nomination by The Academy. Previously he was nominated for Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness. This is the day.
Best Director
Kenneth Branagh, “Belfast”
Ryusuke Hamaguchi, “Drive My Car”
Paul Thomas Anderson, “Licorice Pizza”
Jane Campion, “The Power of the Dog”
Steven Spielberg, “West Side Story”
And the winner is: Jane Campion
As the story usually goes, and the tale is normally told. This award is often the pathway to best picture. Jane Campion has already made history, becoming the first female director to be nominated for two Academy Awards, and soon makes more history by winning twice.
Best Picture
“Belfast”
“CODA”
“Dune”
And the winner is: The Power of the Dog
A virtual masterpiece from start to finish. It would take an incredible film to beat out The Power of The Dog. And that film aint in this bunch. There are many great pictures nominated, but none of this caliber.
