Oscar Pics 2021

Well, it’s time that I make a fool of myself by swallowing what’s left of my pride and make my Oscar picks. Once again, I met with my friend Dr. Paul Peterson to make our selections and he will again probably win our battle despite the fact that he has seen few of the nominees. He is one smart dentist!

1.     Best Picture – “Nomadland“

We both think it will win over “Promising Young Woman” and “Mank.”

2.     Directing – Emerald Fennel, “Promising Young Woman“

Dr. P. picks Chloe Zhao for “Nomadland“, but either way a woman sneaks in this year of academy diversity.

3.     Actor in a Leading Role – Chadwich Boseman, “Ms. Rainey’s Black Bottom“

This is a certainty. A noble way to say goodbye.

4.     Actress in a Leading Role – Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman” Dr. P.’s choice is Frances McDormand for “Nomadland“.  She is again deserving, but Ms. Mulligan is sensationally original.

 5.     Actor in a Support Role – Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah“

We both think that Leslie Odom, Jr. would be a good choice, but Kaluuya will win if the film’s co-nominee in this category, Lakeith Stanfield, doesn’t split the vote.

6.     Actress in a Supporting Role – Yuh-Jung Youn, “Minari” She is hysterically unforgettable.  The first female South Korean to win.

 7.     Original Screenplay – “The Trial of The Chicago 7“

A brilliant historical film that we both feel should get this Oscar.

8.     Adapted Screenplay – “Nomadland“

 “One Night in Miami” is a close rival, but this remains the dominant film of 2020.

 9.     Animated Feature – “Soul“

 This is a lock.

 10.  Documentary Features – “Crip Camp“

While Dr. P. Selects “Time” and I feel that “My Octopus Teacher” is more deserving, “Crip Camp” functions as a seminar on our country’s disability revolution.  Besides, the executive producers are the Obamas.

11.  International Feature Film – “Another Round“

 While I’d love to see “Quo Vadis, Aida?” win, this movie has an edge with its Director, Thomas Vinterberg, also being nominated.

 12.  Original Score – “News of the World“

 Dr. P may be right by picking “Soul“, but I strongly feel that “News” deserves recognition.

 13.  Original Song – “Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami“

 It should win, through “Husadik” from “Eurovision Song Contest” was unforgettable.

 14.  Sound – “Sound of Metal“

 “Mank” and “Soul” are dancing close, but we both think that this film must be recognized at some level.

 5.  Makeup and Hairstyling – “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom“

An easy pick though “Mank” is again dancing in the Oscar weeds.

16.  Costume Design – “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom“

 Dr. P picks “Emma” though I think “Mulan” will challenge.

 17.  Cinematography – “Nomadland“

 This served as a glorious depiction of the Old West.

 18.  Production Design – “Mank“

 A small Oscar for a wonderful film.

 19.  Film Editing — “Nomadland“

All nominees are deserving, but this is “Nomadland’s” year.

20.  Visual Effects – “The Midnight Sky“

While Dr. P’s choice is “Tenet“, the visual’s made “Midnight Sky” a memorable, inspiration heart breaker.

21.  Animated Short Film – “If Anything Happens I Love You“

May have been more powerful than any of the 8 films nominated for best picture.

22.  Documentary Short – ??

 Neither of us saw these films, though Dr. P uses his instincts to select “A Love Song for Latasha.“

 23.  Live Action Short Film — ??

Again, we didn’t see these films, though that didn’t stop Dr. P from picking “Two Distant Strangers.”          

So there you have it. Enjoy, the Oscars Sunday, April 25, though they started boring me several years ago. They need to find a way to bring Bob Hope back from the grave to reclaim his role as a host with charm.