Oscars 2017: Predictions

PICTURE
Who Will Win

This is arguably the biggest Oscar award of the night but this year it feels very anticlimactic seeing as La La Land will win by a landslide. La La Land has taken home awards all season long including the coveted Critics’ Choice and Golden Globes awards. One could argue Moonlight and Fences are just as good or better but unfortunately, they are not riding the same momentum La La Land is enjoying.

DIRECTING
Arrival
Hacksaw Ridge
La La Land
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight
Who Will Win

It’s been 21 years since Mel Gibson’s last Oscar win for Braveheart and while he’s trying to make a comeback with Hacksaw Ridge, it’s not going to get him Oscar glory. It’s no real surprise La La Land’s director, Damien Chazelle is going to be the clear winner for the Oscar for best director.  He swept up most of the prizes during awards season, and it’s not going to change on Oscar night. This is Chazelle’s first nomination for director but not his first Oscar nomination. In 2015, he was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for the hit movie Whiplash which he also directed. Just a warning the name La La Land is going to win a lot of Oscar awards.

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Arrival
La La Land
Lion
Moonlight
Silence
Who Will Win

It’s going to be another win for La La Land for Best Cinematography. The camera work, lighting and overall look and film are exceptional. The only movie that could play spoiler in this category would be Arrival, but at this point, it’s too late. Moonlight is a fan favorite for cinematography group. Its amazing tight camera work heightens the emotions that were skillfully frayed by intense acting. The beautiful scenery is also noteworthy, but again, La La Land is the whole package.