Oscar Predictions - Part Three

   The days are dwindling as the world moves towards Sunday night. The predictions today bring some heavier awards, and while everyone gets the same trophy, these seem (and are) more prestigious than those that have come before (Part One & Two). With a couple Best Features to hand out and recognizing the backbone of any great film, the writing, Part Three ramps up for the final heavy hitters.

Best Documentary Feature

What I Want to Win:

OJ: Made in America

Prediction:

OJ: Made in America

            It’s been awhile since the Documentary category has been this strong. And unfortunately, despite having three films that could win in any given year, only one can take home the Oscar. While 13^th and I Am Not Your Negro tackle really important ideas about race, OJ: Made in America may just be the best documentary I’ve ever seen. I advise anyone to invest time into all three, or a lot of time for the eventual winner, OJ: Made in America, clocking in at 7 hours, 47 minutes long and worthy of every minute.

Best Foreign Language Film

What I Want to Win:

Elle or Toni Erdmann

Prediction:

The Salesman

            I’m kind of cheating here as the film I wanted to win this award not only wasn’t nominated but also didn’t make the final cut before nominations. Despite being one of the better films of 2016, the dark and twisted Elle didn’t get the nomination here and I think the Academy missed the mark on that. Of course the rest of the nominees are great too and all else being equal I don’t see how the Academy doesn’t give the award to The Salesman. With it’s place in politics and the message it could send, don’t be shocked to see it win here and be one of the more important moments of the night.

Best Animated Feature Film

What I Want to Win:

Kubo and the Two Strings

Prediction:

Zootopia

            The love I have for Kubo and the Two Strings has been well stated both here and throughout the later part of 2016. The technical feat and beautiful film is mesmerizing and a joy to watch but ultimately will come up short. Zootopia looks like about as close to a lock as you can be for an award and it’s completely deserved. Disney created a film with deep themes and completely relevant topics all within a children’s movie and I think the Academy will recognize just how hard that is. 

Best Adapted Screenplay

What I Want to Win:

Moonlight

Prediction:

Moonlight

            Perhaps the most beautiful and emotional films of 2016, Moonlight finds itself on the outside looking in for most of the categories this year with La La Land bringing in so many awards. This is one category though that feels like a safe bet for the voters to recognize the brilliant work of Barry Jenkins. The only potential upset bids here that could happen if it did, and that's a big if, would be Hidden Figures or Lion, though I doubt it.

Best Original Screenplay

What I Want to Win:

Manchester by the Sea

Prediction:

Manchester by the Sea

            In a very similar case to Moonlight, Manchester by the Sea has completely fallen victim to the La La Land wrecking ball. With very few categories open for it to win, the voters will recognize it here for the tremendous filmmaking of Kenneth Lonergan. That is if the La La Land sweep doesn’t happen, which is always a possibility. It's also great to see films like The Lobster and 20th Century Women to get nods here and recognized in some capacity. 

   Three days down, one to go, and what a last day it is. The biggest awards of the ceremony are coming up and who will be the big winners? La La Land didn't get any today but some other great films picked up the slack, but will it bring home the biggest prize of them all? Subscribe, share, comment below, and as always return to I Am Sam for weekly reviews and insight. Be on the lookout for Part Four tomorrow and a review of Jordan Peele's new horror film, Get Out.