The 97th annual Academy Awards are approaching, and this year’s nominees have proven to be a hot topic for discussion — from the usage of artificial intelligence to the resurfacing of offensive posts.
Regardless of these controversies, The Daily Illini Arts & Entertainment staff has predicted who will take home six of the most esteemed prominent titles at this year’s Academy Awards, as well as personal preferences for what should win.
Official winners will be announced during the award show on Sunday, March 2.
Best Picture
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Gibson —
What should win: “The Brutalist”
The kind of Old Hollywood micro-epic that seems almost built for an Oscar, a win for Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” would reflect well on the Academy. The title would mean not only a win for a strong directorial vision but also a win for the lower-budget character work we deserve more of.
What will win: “Anora”
Following a strong showing at this year’s PGA awards, Palme d’Or winner “Anora” seems poised to take home the night’s most prestigious award, not to mention its robust chances of success in a number of other categories. “Anora’s” mixture of screwball comedy and intimate character study lent itself to the aforementioned PGA sweep, and that same recipe will surely resonate with Academy voters.
Nick —
What should win: “The Substance”
It’s already extremely rare for horror films to receive recognition at the Academy Awards — for “The Substance” to receive a Best Picture nomination is truly a long time coming. More importantly, it earns the nomination with an important message about the addiction that comes with self-image and how often people will disfigure themselves due to outside opinions.
What will win: “The Brutalist”
Despite the surprise that came from the use of AI in “The Brutalist,” there’s no denying that the message at the heart of the film is one for the ages. It’s a film that is as grand as the landscapes it presents.
Best Director
Thomas —
Who should win: RaMell Ross, “Nickel Boys”
“Nickel Boys” is a film that boldly charts its own course with its first-person perspective and jumps through time. Ross’s vision is fully realized, and the effort he took to achieve it is certainly award-worthy.
Who will win: Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”
There’s no denying that Cobert is a master of his craft, with every shot of “The Brutalist” being packed with detail and care. The film is the product of immense talent and effort and details a powerful story about immigration and finding your place in an unfamiliar world.
Park —
Who should win: Sean Baker, “Anora”
A love story, a slapstick comedy and a heartbreaking drama all wrapped into one cohesive project is why Baker should be the clear winner. Baker’s commitment to shooting location is also commendable, as many filmmakers have gone overseas; Baker shot “Anora” on location in New York and Las Vegas.
Who will win: Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”
In “The Brutalist,” Corbet is able to create stunning visuals with the different environments and sets the movie takes place in. Whether it’s Laizo’s library, the Van Buren Institute or the mines of Carrera, Cobert makes the background come to life. If the whole three-and-a-half-hour run time was spent with just shots of the locations, it would still be a good film.
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Gibson —
Who should win: Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”
While this isn’t Domingo’s first Best Actor nod, his performance in “Sing Sing” is a masterclass unlike anything in its category, with John “Divine G” Whitfield being one of the most realized and lived-in characters we’ve met this year.
Who will win: unclear!
A winner can be projected for almost all of this year’s Oscars, but the Best Actor race is neck-and-neck between Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet. Already an Oscar winner, Brody has received the Golden Globe for his work in “The Brutalist,” but Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” has been the subject of near-universal acclaim. While a win for Chalamet would make him the youngest Best Actor winner in Academy history, the campaign behind Brody is strong, and it’s truly hard to say which way the voters will lean.
Park —
Who should win: Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
For someone on the precipice of being the youngest best actor winner ever, Chalamet already feels due in some way for this award. The 29-year-old delivers a great performance as Bob Dylan and lifts up an otherwise okay music biopic.
Who will win: Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
The impact of a great Oscar campaign cannot be understated, and Chalamet clearly understands this. Whether it’s SNL, Dylan-inspired red carpet outfits or College GameDay, he has put his foothold in nearly every cultural zeitgeist. With Hollywood yearning for their next superstar, this award feels like the perfect moment to put Chalamet center stage.
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Gibson —
Who should win: Mikey Madison, “Anora”
The hyper-specific and transformative performance from Madison is the make-or-break core of “Anora,” and it’s hard to imagine anybody else delivering as completely as she did. Working in lockstep with Baker’s script and the film’s supporting cast, Madison’s titular role is more than worth celebrating.
Who will win: Demi Moore, “The Substance”
Having taken home just about every variation of Best Actress across the awards circuit, Moore’s Elisabeth Sparkle has taken Hollywood by storm, mirroring Moore’s long-awaited career comeback. An Oscar win would be the feather in her cap, and a feather is all but certain at that.
Nick —
Who should win: Demi Moore, “The Substance”
Playing one character is hard enough as it is, but portraying someone bound to multiple personalities is truly insane. Moore’s performance in “The Substance” is beyond stunning, depicting a woman slowly losing her sanity and remaining beauty to satiate her self-image needs.
Who will win: Demi Moore, “The Substance”
Moore brought a lot to the table with her performance, and the Academy would be mistaken to overlook her role. She truly made this film the standout piece it is today.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Gibson
Who should win: Yura Borisov, “Anora”
Borisov’s role as stoic henchman Igor is the grounding force against Madison’s titular character. His understated performance allows the film to reach the slower and more intimate points it aims for. While Borisov might not be the standout of “Anora,” it wouldn’t be the same without him, and he deserves this recognition.
Who will win: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
Culkin’s powerhouse performance as Benji in Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain” is the clear standout of the film, with the neurotic and quietly tragic cousin acting as the centerpiece of its story. With Culkin coming off a recent Emmy win for “Succession,” his momentum is undeniable, and an Oscar win is the logical next step.
Park —
Who should win: Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”
Pearce feels like a star left behind by Hollywood. His presence on the screen is demanding, and this being his first nomination feels criminal. His conversation as Harrison Van Buren with László Tóth (Adrien Brody) in the beginning of the film deserves the award by itself.
Who will win: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
Culkin plays himself, which is a very difficult thing to do. Though the performance may feel eerily similar to most things he’s done, that doesn’t make it any less great.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Thomas —
Who should win: Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
Jones is easily one of the strongest parts of “The Brutalist,” playing counter to Brody and delivering an incredibly emotional and physical performance as a woman finding her way in a strange new world.
Who will win: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”
Despite the controversies surrounding it, the Academy seems intent on giving “Emilia Pérez” a seat at the winner’s table. With the lead spot out of the running, it seems as if the Academy’s favor has fallen on Saldaña to take home a win for “Emilia Pérez.”
Nick —
Who should win: Isabella Rosselini, “Conclave”
A supporting actor or actress helps move the narrative forward while often bringing new ideas to light. Rosselini brings this essence to life with her role in “Conclave” as she hams up every scene she’s in.
Who will win: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”
It’s a shame that “Emilia Pérez” is getting the recognition that it’s getting, considering there were several stories that covered a similar topic. The ill intent that went into the production of the movie makes this film more unwatchable than it already is. Saldaña’s possible win is the Academy’s way of making sure “Emilia Pérez” goes home with some recognition.
