Sweatpants & TV|2016 Oscar Predictions

By Shandle BlahaTonight is Hollywood’s biggest night: The Oscars!(image source)Here’s a list of my predictions for the winners.BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: The Big ShortBridge of SpiesBrooklynMad Max: Fury RoadThe MartianThe RevenantRoomSpotlightMy Prediction: I think Mad Max and The Revenant are going to be top contenders tonight with The Revenant coming out on top. It was so beautifully shot, acted, and written, I can’t find flaw with it.ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLEBryan Cranston, TrumboMatt Damon, The MartianLeonardo DiCaprio, The RevenantMichael Fassbender, Steve JobsEddie Redmayne, The Danish GirlMy Prediction: This year is Leo’s year. FINALLY. I can feel it. I may be biased; I have loved him since he was Luke on Growing Pains. After he lost to Tommy Lee Jones in 1994, I have been waiting for redemption. I just hope Heisenberg doesn’t come knocking.ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLECate Blanchett, CarolBrie Larson, RoomJennifer Lawrence, JoyCharlotte Rampling, 45 YearsSaoirse Ronan, BrooklynMy Prediction: Brie Larson’s performance as Ma was outstanding. She brought so much heart into that role it will stick with you forever. We all have a Room inside all of us and Brie reminds us that is possible to break free.ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLEChristian Bale, The Big ShortTom Hardy, The RevenantMark Ruffalo, SpotlightMark Rylance, Bridge of SpiesSylvester Stallone, CreedMy Prediction: Sly is going to take this one home. He brought Rocky full circle with Creed and brought us all to tears rooting for him, once again fighting his toughest battle yet.ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLEJennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful EightRooney Mara, CarolRachel McAdams, SpotlightAlicia Vikander, The Danish GirlKate Winslet, Steve JobsMy Prediction: While it pains me not to say Kate here, I think the Academy is going to shock us all and give it to the deserving Rooney Mara. I’ll never let go, Kate.ANIMATED FEATURE FILMAnomalisaBoy and the WorldInside OutShaun the Sheep MovieWhen Marnie Was ThereMy Prediction: Inside Out, hands down. I’m sorry for the competition up against this brilliant animated film. It portrays complicated emotions in a way that kids can understand and even gives adults new insight.CINEMATOGRAPHYCarolThe Hateful EightMad Max: Fury RoadThe RevenantSicarioMy Prediction: The Revenant. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s shooting in only natural light brought so much tension and emotion to every scene.DIRECTINGThe Big ShortMad Max: Fury RoadThe RevenantRoomSpotlightMy Prediction: Part of The Revenant sweep; Iñárritu’s pushed his cast and crew to the limit in the harsh conditions to make this film, and it shows on screen.WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)The Big ShortBrooklynCarolThe MartianRoomMy Prediction: This is a toss-up for me between Room and The Martian; vastly different stories but both beautifully adapted from the page to the screen.WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)Bridge of SpiesEx MachinaInside OutSpotlightStraight Outta ComptonMy Prediction: I hope this is the category that will show Straight Outta Compton the love it deserves. I was disappointed the film and its actors weren’t nominated. I think the film being snubbed is part of a larger issue of whitewashing in Hollywood.Where to watch: Live on ABC at 8pmEST/4pmPST or Online http://oscar.go.com/live(image source)