---

Editor’s Note: The Views expressed in this article are those of the author.

---

The Super Bowl for cinema has finally arrived. No matter your stance on award shows, every cinephile harbors a sliver of interest in the Oscars. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing a beloved film receive the recognition it deserves or the collective outrage of a baffling snub (looking at you, Jamie Lee Curtis), there’s something for everybody during the Oscars.

Technical Awards

Best Original Score

Prediction: “Conclave”

Conclave is the type of score that will win nine times out of ten. It’s tense, it’s moody, and elevates the film’s religious thriller atmosphere.

Best Cinematography

Prediction: “The Brutalist”

This shouldn’t even be a discussion. 60 percent of what makes this work as a film is how beautifully it’s filmed. The Brutalist is shot in Vistavision,  the precursor to IMAX, which Corbet made the express decision to use to match the era the film depicts. It’s incredibly easy for a three and a half hour movie to be completely disengaging, but it  is so incredibly well-shot with many awe generating visuals throughout. Ironically, this film revolves around an architect as this is perfectly designed to stand apart artistically from its contemporaries.

Feature Awards

Best Animated Feature

Prediction: “The Wild Robot”

This is the greatest year ever for animated movies. The race for Best Animated Feature is most likely between Flow and The Wild Robot. Flow may have won the Golden Globe, but The Wild Robot will win this one. It won just about everything at the Annie awards, and was even nominated in non-animated categories, indicating a lot of Academy love. It balances emotional depth with stunning visuals, making it a strong favorite.

Best Documentary Feature

Prediction: “No Other Land”

Usually, there are some solid documentaries mixed with one masterpiece that becomes my easy pick. This year, there’s two ways this could go. There’s a possibility that Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat wins this one. It’s edited in a way that documentaries just are not done.

The movie puts you in the West Bank of Palestine as you follow four Palestinian-Israeli activists. It’s one thing to hear about the tragedies committed against the Palestinians. It’s another to see it. Nothing has broken my heart like viewing this for the first time. It absolutely deserves Best Documentary and this should be required viewing for everyone commenting on the conflict.

Best International Feature

Prediction: “I’m Still Here”

If this was a month ago, Emilia Perez would win. However, after some very well deserved controversy surrounding that movie, the Brazilian film, “I’m Still Here,” is the next best pick. It’s an emotionally gripping drama about political resistance and family. Its themes of silencing dissent feel more relevant than ever, making it an important and deserving winner.

Screenplay Awards

Best Adapted Screenplay

Prediction: “Conclave”

For those wondering about the difference between Screenplay and Picture, screenplay is limited to the writing of the movie rather than the overall film. 

The likely winner under those conditions is Conclave. It’s a very dialogue-driven movie that adequately fleshes out all of those contending to be the Pope. The twists and turns this movie takes keep you on your toes and adds an unpredictability that positively affects it.

Best Original Screenplay

Prediction: “The Substance”

Apparently this is a bold take, but The Substance will absolutely win for Screenplay. Yes, it has not been winning at the other awards shows, but it won at Cannes and Critics Choice, which is enough to put it in the conversation. Also, the Oscars always have at least one shocker per year, so it would be no surprise if this was the category that happens in.

Acting Awards

Best Supporting Actress

Prediction: Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana has been cleaning up at the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes, SAG, etc. Should she be in the Supporting Actress category? Absolutely not. She’s in more of the film than co-star Karla Sofia Gascon. While “Emilia Perez” may not be a fan favorite, Saldana gives an incredible performance and works with what she’s got.

Best Supporting Actor

Prediction: Kieran Culkin

The battle of the men from Succession. Kieran Culkin gives an incredible performance in “A Real Pain.” He basically plays himself and who couldn’t love Kieran Culkin, man, he’s a great guy. His character felt true to life as a grown man who peaked in high school. He perfectly balances humor and melancholy. It’s the kind of role that resonates with voters because it feels real, and Culkin plays it effortlessly.

Best Actress

Prediction: Demi Moore

Demi Moore has always been seen as a popcorn flick actor and never gave a performance that was rattling and unforgettable – until she did “The Substance.” That scene where she scrubs all the makeup off her face is when she had a shot to win it. Her win would not only be beneficial for her career but also could open the door for actors in horror movies during awards season.

Best Actor

Prediction: Timothee Chalamet

What a year for Timothee Chalamet. The modern actor most closely associated with the term “movie star” keeps getting closer and closer to that status. 

He opened the year with “Dune: Part Two” as his blockbuster movie. Then closes the year with his performance as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown”. The bar is set pretty high for Bob Dylan performances as he has been played a million times over the years (yet somehow Cate Blanchett is still the best). 

Bob Dylan is also a challenging role in that he starts as a humble kid from Duluth, Minnesota and ends up being an arrogant and pompous icon. Chalamet disappears into Dylan, embodying his mannerisms, voice, and enigmatic persona. The Academy also loves when actors play real-life figures, especially musicians. Chalamet even did his own singing, which gives him the edge. What an incredible performance from one of the best actors at the top of his game.

Top Awards

Best Director

Prediction: Sean Baker

Sean Baker is currently one of the best working directors. His consistency from project to project is incredible and his ability to constantly evolve while maintaining his own unique style is legendary stuff. 

“Anora” pace-wise is more similar to a Safdie Brothers film than one of his own films. Yet, it never loses that unique humanity and overall economic commentary that Baker excels at providing. The film is fantastic and Baker is most of the reason it even works at that level.

Best Picture

Prediction: “Anora”

There has been a lot of discussion about what will win Best Picture. At points, it was looking like “The Brutalist” would win. Then some controversy about its use of AI to correct vocals caused it to tumble out of contention. 

Then there was Emilia Perez, and the public backlash was so immense that it’s likely not even in consideration. Which leads back to what was considered the front runner at the Cannes 2024 film festival, “Anora”. 

Anora is a fantastic film with a moral that is especially biting today considering our conversations around billionaires’ power over lower class individuals. It’s a special type of film that does not get made and shows that Sean Baker is able to deliver once again.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Oscars is shaping up to be one of the wildest ones yet. While some wins feel inevitable (“Dune: Part Two” dominating technical categories), others remain wide open. Whether the Academy leans toward blockbuster dramas, indie darlings, or crowd-pleasers, one thing is certain—this year’s films prove that cinema is still thriving in new and exhilarating ways.