Oscar Predictions 2020

Oscar Predictions 2020

So every year I try to predict the Oscars.  I do this from the understanding that the Oscars do not always pick the “best” picture, rather the one that reflects the politics of Hollywood during that year.  I also realize that my opinion is just that: my opinion.  

With that in mind, in addition to my prediction of how Hollywood will choose, I’m going to add who I think should win (complete with acknowledging all my biases) and who (as objectively as I can ) should actually win.  Subtle differences to be sure, but they are there.  So here goes: 

Leading Actor:

Antonio Banderas in PAIN AND GLORY

Leonardo DiCaprio in ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Adam Driver in MARRIAGE STORY

Joaquin Phoenix in JOKER

Jonathan Pryce in THE TWO POPES

Prediction:  Joaquin Phoenix: Tour de force acting job that has everyone buzzing

I Think:         Joaquin Phoenix

Should Win: Antonio Banderas:  A subtle and powerful performance that no one saw. Long past his pretty boy stage, Banderas has developed into a master craftsman of his art.  Greatness does not always come in a blockbuster film.

Supporting Actor

Tom Hanks in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Anthony Hopkins in THE TWO POPES

Al Pacino in THE IRISHMAN

Joe Pesci in THE IRISHMAN

Brad Pitt in ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Prediction:  Brad Pitt:  Hollywood loves this movie and Brad.  Hanks already has too many Oscars.

I Think:         Brad Pitt

Should Win: Brad Pitt

Leading Actress:

Cynthia Erivo in HARRIET

Scarlett Johansson in MARRIAGE STORY

Saoirse Ronan in LITTLE WOMEN

Charlize Theron in BOMBSHELL

Renée Zellweger in JUDY

Prediction:  Renee Zellweger:  Oscar darling

I Think:         Scarlett Johansen:  Didn’t like the movie, but she struck a perfect balance with this character.  

Should Win: Renee Zellweger:  Not my cup of tea, but no denying the talent in this

Supporting Actress:

Kathy Bates in RICHARD JEWELL

Laura Dern in MARRIAGE STORY

Scarlett Johansson in JOJO RABBIT

Florence Pugh in LITTLE WOMEN

Margot Robbie in BOMBSHELL

Prediction:  Laura Dern: Don't get the obsession with her or this role.  Personally think she is way over hyped as an actress.

I think:         Scarlett Johansson:  A great and powerful performance. Drama in the middle of a dark comedy

Should Win: Scarlett Johansson

Best Film

FORD V FERRARI

THE IRISHMAN

JOJO RABBIT

JOKER

LITTLE WOMEN

MARRIAGE STORY

1917

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

PARASITE

Prediction:  Joker:  No other movie had the well-deserved buzz this had.

I Think:         Parasite:  Korean filmmakers are producing some of the highest film art out there.  Shows you the power of this film as it wasn’t only relegated to the Foreign Language category

Should Win: 1917:  Film making at it’s finest and Sam Mendes’ finest work

Best Director

THE IRISHMAN

Martin Scorsese

JOKER

Todd Phillips

1917

Sam Mendes

ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD

Quentin Tarantino

PARASITE

Bong Joon Ho

Prediction:  Sam Mendes:  Career high director offering

I Think:         Sam Mendes:  Well deserved

Should Win: Bong Joon Ho:  Korean directors are not getting the level of respect that they deserve.  Fantastic movie worthy of an Oscar

So, these are my predictions with unasked for commentary.  I wish myself luck