Oscar Picks 2023

Let me start with several observations. First, seldom have so many average films been nominated for Best Picture. Secondly, the racial discrimination permeating the Academy is disgusting. Please tell me why both Till and The Woman King were ignored?

Regardless, here are my picks.

Best documentary

Fire of Love

Best International Feature Film

All Quiet on the Western Front

Best Visual Effects

Avatar: The Way of Water

Best Animated Film

Guillermo Toro’s Pinocchio

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

I pick Elvis though Black Panther: Wakanda Forever could win.

Best Picture

I pick Avatar: The Way of Water, but it will likely be Everything Everywhere all at Once. It doesn’t deserve it, but other than All Quiet on the Western Front and Top Gun: Maverick none of the others do either.

Best Director

Todd Field for Tar. He doesn’t deserve it, but the other nominees don’t either.

Best Lead Actor

I pick Austin Butler for Elvis though Colin Farrell The Banshees of Inisherin lurks in the weeds.

Best Lead Actress

Michelle Yeoh for Everything Everywhere all at Once though the money is on either Cate Blanchett for Tar or Michelle Williams for The Fabelmans.

Best Supporting Actor

I think Judd Hirsch sneaks in for The Fabelmans though Brendan Gleeson deserves it for The Banshees of Inisherin.

Best Supporting Actress

Angela Bassett for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Maybe the Academy can swallow their prejudice and do the right thing.

Best Adapted Screenplay

I pick the challenging Women Talking by Sarah Polley.

Best Original Screenplay

The Banshees of Inisherin by Martin McDonagh. A fascinating film overcoming a dull plot.

Best Cinematography

All Quiet on the Western Front by James Friend. Elvis could sneak in.

Best Film Editing

Top Gun: Maverick. As noted, it has to win something.

Best Original Song

I pick “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever but “Hold My Hand” (Lady Gaga) from Top Gun: Maverick lurks.

Best Production Design

Avatar: The Way of Water

Best Visual Effects

Avatar: The Way of Water

Best Costume Design

Elvis

Best Original Score

All Quiet on the Western Front

Best Sound

I pick All Quiet on the Western Front even though Avatar: The Way of Water could get this.

So, there you have it. I didn’t see the Oscar nominated shorts, so you are on your own.