Opinion: 2018 Oscars Predictions

Nearly ninety years have passed since Douglas Fairbanks took the stage of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to host the first Academy Awards. “Wings” won the first best picture statue in 1929, but who will take home the Oscar this year?

Best Picture:

“The Shape of Water” produced by Guillermo del Toro and J. Miles Dale

Although “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” took home the Golden Globe in this category, the academy’s selection typically differs from that of the Hollywood Foreign Press. “The Shape of Water” received 13 nominations, only one nod behind the record holders: “La La Land,” “All About Eve” and “Titanic.” Both “All About Eve” and “Titanic” won the Oscar for best picture. If nominations alone are any indication, “The Shape of Water” may be immortalized with a win.

Actor in a Leading Role:

Gary Oldman “Darkest Hour”

Oldman’s portrayal makes him the clear-cut favorite for this category. His performance as Winston Churchill earned him the awards for best actor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Golden Globes.

Actress in a Leading Role:

Frances McDormand “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

McDormand, who may want to check that blog, took best actress at both the SAG Awards and Golden Globes. Saoirse Ronan of “Lady Bird” sits at a close second. Ronan won the Golden Globe for Leading Actress in a Comedy or Musical. Meryl Streep, who just broke her own record for the most nominations (21), might win yet another award. However, McDormand still stands as the favorite. McDormand previously won the Oscar for her performance in “Fargo.”

Actor in a Supporting Role:

Willem Dafoe “The Florida Project”

Yet to win an Oscar, Dafoe’s moment is overdue. This category could be the only win of the night for “The Florida Project.” Perhaps the academy will look to reward the film with a Dafoe win.

Actress in a Supporting Role:

Winner: Allison Janney “I, Tonya”

Janney continually proves her consummate skill in her craft. She received the SAG Award and the Golden Globe for best supporting actress. With only one other nomination for “I, Tonya,” Janney may well chalk up a win for the biopic about figure skater Tonya Harding.

Best Adapted Screenplay:

“Call Me by Your Name” screenplay by James Ivory

Based on the novel of the same name by André Aciman, this independent film is projected to win because of its flawless transition to the screen. This film also won the SAG Award in the same category. Ivory is tied for the record of oldest man nominated for a competitive Academy Award at age 89.

Best Original Screenplay:

“Get Out” written by Jordan Peele

Peele is only the fourth African American man to be nominated in this category. A win for “Get Out” would make him the first black man to do so. This film revolutionized societal perception through parallels Peele created to show how little society has actually evolved.

The 90th Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will air at 8:00 p.m. this Sunday, March 4.

Featured photo: Flickr

Edited by Lexie Little