Academy Award Predictions

Tamron Stovall, Contributor

The 89th Academy Awards are upon us, which means it’s time for plenty of speculation and drama over which actors, directors, and producers will be taking home awards. As expected, there is plenty of competition in the most anticipated categories, such as Actor in a Leading Role, Actress in a Leading Role, and the coveted Best Picture. Here are my predictions for who will win big on February 26th.

Best Picture: Although La La Land, Moonlight, and Fences all received high critical acclaim, I predict Hidden Figures will win the Oscar. Its strong reception combined with its feel good story make it a strong contender.

Best Actress: It seems that the best actress race hasn’t been this competitive in a while. Natalie Portman’s performance in Jackie landed her the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG nominations, as well as overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, which makes her my favorite to lift the trophy.

Best Actor: Casey Affleck and Denzel Washington are the overwhelming favorites for this category, however Ryan Gosling’s performance in La La Land also makes him a contender. Denzel Washington’s role in Fences is still my prediction for this category.

Best Director: Moonlight’s Barry Jenkins along with Manchester by the Sea’s Kenneth Lonergan are the leaders of this category, but La La Land’s Damien Chazelle is the favorite to win the award for his romantic drama set in Los Angeles.

Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis is undeniably the favorite in this category for her role in Fences. Naomie Harris and Nicole Kidman also received positive reviews for their roles, but Viola Davis is still the frontrunner in this category.

Best Supporting Actor: Moonlight’s Mahershala Ali and Hell or High Water’s Jeff Bridges are all prominent nominees in this category, however Dev Patel is my prediction for Best Supporting Actor. His role in Lion, an adopted child in Australia seeking his biological family in India, received high praise from critics.

Best Animated Feature: Finding Dory is one notable exclusion from the list of nominees. Moana’s overwhelming popularity, catchy songs and feel good story won over the hearts of many, which hopefully includes the Academy.

Whatever happens, be there on February 26th at 6 PM to witness it all live.