Undoubtedly the most important event in the filmic calendar, this year’s Oscars ceremony is due to take place on Sunday night. Without taking a look at every single category – we could be here a while otherwise – here’s who I think will win big on the night.
Animated Feature Film
Inside Out
Pixar were back on top form last year, with their fifteenth feature film Inside Out. Fusing a complex metaphysical concept with their usual brand of heartwarming humour, this is quite easily Pixar’s masterpiece; one that appeals to both children and adults.
Having been received so well critically and commercially, boasting a fantastic run at the box office, many were hoping that this would be the year where an animated film might just get recognised outside of the animated category. Whilst that hasn’t happened, Inside Out should be the clear winner on the night.
Actress in a Leading Role
Brie Larson – Room
Despite starring in over forty films, I’d be lying if I said Brie Larson was an actress who had been on my radar pre-Room. Yet, in a way, the fact that I had no real idea who she was made her performance all the more surprising. The film itself is equally challenging and rewarding, harrowing and beautiful. The two central performances from the young Jacob Tremblay – a future star who has been sadly overlooked by the academy – and Brie Larson are a big reason why the film works so well.
The chemistry between the two is believable, to the point where you genuinely think that they are mother and son. More than that, Larson gives a raw performance that is filled with honesty. She does a fantastic job of portraying the conflicting emotions of her character, as she deals with regret, anger, sadness and, ultimately, love. It’s an accomplished bit of work on her part, which deserves to be recognised with a little golden statue.
Actor in a Leading Role
Leonardo DiCaprio – The Revenant
Of all the actors in this category, DiCaprio is the one who was put through the most torture, all in the name of his craft. In order to put himself in the mindset of his character, Hugh Glass – a real life American folk hero who was left for dead after a bear mauling, only to live and exact his bloody revenge on those who abandoned him – rumours from the set of the film are that DiCaprio ate raw bison liver and slept in the carcass of a dead animal.
The truth of these stories remains unclear, but one thing that is for certain are the -25C temperatures that he was constantly working in and the icy cold rivers he had to jump in and out of. His commitment to this role is undeniable which, in itself, should be enough to earn him the award. Besides, considering he’s one of our generation’s greatest actors, one who has been nominated for an Oscar a staggering five times yet never won, I think he’s more than paid his dues. I’m sure the Academy will see it that way as well.
Directing
Alejandro González Iñárritu – The Revenant
Having taken home the directing award last year for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), it looks like Alejandro G Iñárritu could do the same this year with The Revenant. Arguably, his latest effort is far superior to his previous work in pretty much every way, so for him not to win this year would be a very big shock indeed.
With The Revenant, Iñárritu crafts an arthouse Western that is filled with spirituality, depth and bloody revenge. On the one hand it proves to be a visceral and thrilling crowd-pleaser, but on the other it’s a film rich with poetry and substance. From its tremendous technical achievements (a Native American attack on the frontiersman’s camp that seemingly takes place in one shot is a particular highlight), to the stunning cinematography from Emmanuel Lubezki, The Revenant is the ‘full package’ from a directorial point of view.
Best Picture
Spotlight
Despite the fact that all signs point toward The Revenant winning this one too, I believe that Spotlight could and should win best picture. Of the all the films up for consideration, Tom McCarthy’s account of the real-life events that led to the revelation of a child abuse epidemic within the Catholic Church may not be the most visually arresting or technically ambitious, but its ‘old-school’ sensibilities might just earn it a coveted trophy.
The fact that the film relies heavily on its storytelling as opposed to any kind of visual or narrative tricks sets it apart from the competition. Spotlight manages to tell a truly troubling and important story in a sensitive way, and at the same time makes the job of an investigative journalist, one that often revolves around desk work and telephone calls, seem genuinely exciting – something a film has struggled to do ever since the 1976 classic, All The President’s Men.
Whilst The Revenant will most likely win, Spotlight is cinema at its most riveting and feels like a modern American classic. With that in mind, I think it could just defy the odds and win best picture.
So those are my predictions, but what are yours? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comment section below.
words JOE RICHARDS