PREDICTING THE OSCARS 2020
Believe it or not, it’s time for the Oscars again! For the second year in a row, it will be a hostless ceremony on ABC. But not to fret, in addition to performances by the artists of the 5 songs nominated for Best Original Songs, the Academy has also announced that artists Janelle Monae and Billie Eillish will perform. This year, there are a few movies that were filmed in New York and Boston (our favorites) so in addition to predicting who we think will win, we’ll also throw in who we’re rooting for!
Best Picture
Ford v Ferrari
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
1917
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite
Who will win: Although Parasite could potentially upset after that win for Best Ensemble at the SAG Awards, 1917 has won a lot of the precursor awards including Best Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes.
Who we’re rooting for: Joker is the only nominee that was shot entirely on location in NYC, so we can’t help root for this critically acclaimed comic book film. (Check out The Super Tour of NYC for more New York comic book movies!)
Best Director
Martin Scorsese – The Irishman
Todd Phillips – Joker
Sam Mendes – 1917
Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Bong Joon-Ho – Parasite
Who will win: Sam Mendes is expected to win his second directing Oscar for the technical achievements in 1917. He won his first for directing American Beauty in 1999.
Who we’re rooting for: Again, we’re rooting for Joker, as Todd Phillips showed his versatility as a director.
Best Actor
Antonio Banderas – Pain and Glory
Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Adam Driver – Marriage Story
Joaquin Phoenix – Joker
Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes
Who will win AND who we’re rooting for: In case you haven’t figured it out yet, we’re big fans of Joaquin Phoenix’s deservedly acclaimed performance in Joker.
Best Actress
Cynthia Erivo – Harriet
Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story
Saoirse Ronan – Little Women
Charlize Theron – Bombshell
Renée Zellweger – Judy
Who will win: After winning many of the precursor awards, Renée Zellweger seems like a lock to win her second Academy Award.
Who we’re rooting for: After four nominations at the age of only 25, we’re rooting for Saoirse Ronan to take it for her performance in Little Women, some of which was filmed right in Boston! Locations from the movie may be featured on the Boston Movie Mile tour very soon….
Best Supporting Actor
Tom Hanks – A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes
Al Pacino – The Irishman
Joe Pesci – The Irishman
Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Who will win: Although he did win an Oscar for producing 12 Years a Slave, Brad Pitt has never won an acting award, so this is his year.
Who we’re rooting for: Tom Hanks was spotted filming A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood in New York, so we’re hoping he will pull through for his performance as the iconic Mr. Rogers.
Best Supporting Actress
Kathy Bates – Richard Jewell
Laura Dern – Marriage Story
Scarlett Johansson – Jojo Rabbit
Florence Pugh – Little Women
Margot Robbie – Bombshell
Who will win: Laura Dern for Marriage Story!
Who we’re rooting for: Dern’s co-star Florence Pugh gave an incredible performance in Little Women, which featured many Boston locations.
Best Original Screenplay
Knives Out
Marriage Story
1917
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite
Who will win: The brilliant and unpredictable Parasite should win here!
Who we’re rooting for: The heartbreaking depiction of a divorce in Marriage Story was so well done, and it featured half of the story in LA and half in New York.
Best Adapted Screenplay
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
The Two Popes
Who will win: This is a tight race, but we’re thinking it will be Jojo Rabbit’s time to shine.
Who we’re rooting for: Joker.