The 2019 Oscars take place Sunday, February 24, 2019.
What kind of self-respecting entertainment curiosity would I be if I didn’t offer my thoughts on this year’s awards?
So here goes – what I think will happen, and for added seasoning, what I think should happen. Sometimes they aren’t the same thing.
BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Competition in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category is probably the hardest to predict.
The nominees are Christian Bale (Vice), Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born), William Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate), Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody), and Viggo Mortensen (Green Book).
While I enjoyed all these actors in their roles, I think the award will come down to either Christian Bale or Viggo Mortensen. I’m rooting for Mortensen. Both he and Bale changed their appearance dramatically for their roles. However, Bale has won an Oscar before; Viggo has not. Will the sympathy vote go to Viggo? Also to consider is that Green Book is a far better movie than Vice. However, I think ultimately the Academy is going to go with Bale.
Who Should Win: Viggo Mortensen
Who Will Win: Christian Bale
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
The nominees are Mahershala Ali (Green Book), Adam Driver (BlacKKKlansman), Sam Elliott (A Star is Born), Richard Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), and Sam Rockwell (Vice).
This really comes down to a three-man race between Ali, Elliott, and Rockwell. All three stood out in their respective films, but the one who captured their character absolutely perfect without error is Rockwell. However, I think in this case the sympathy vote is going to come into play and Elliott will walk home with the Oscar.
Who Should Win: Sam Rockwell
Who Will Win: Sam Elliott
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
The nominees are Yalitza Aparicio (Roma), Glenn Close (The Wife), Olivia Colman (The Favourite), Lady Gaga (A Star is Born), Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
While I don’t mind Lady Gaga’s music and tabloid exploits, I would not consider myself a huge fan. With that said, her acting debut blew me away…and I think the Academy will agree.
Who Should Win: Lady Gaga
Who Will Win: Lady Gaga
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
The nominees are Amy Adams (Vice), Marina De Tavira (Roma), Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk), Emma Stone (The Favourite), and Rachel Weisz (The Favourite)
I’ve never been a big Amy Adams fan. I’ve always found her harmless at best. But I will tell you, she shined like a big bright star in the sky in terms of her performance in Vice. Hands down the best supporting performance of the year.
Who Should Win: Amy Adams
Who Will Win: Amy Adams
BEST DIRECTOR
The nominees are Spike Lee (BlacKKKlansman), Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War), Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite), Alfonso Cuaron (Roma), and Adam McKay (Vice).
Unfortunately the actual Best Director isn’t even nominated. My vote goes to Bradley Cooper for a remarkably well-done movie in A Star is Born.
Who Should Win: Bradley Cooper
Who Will Win: Yorgos Lanthimos
BEST PICTURE
The nominees are Black Panther, BlacKKKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Favourite, Green Book, Roma, A Star is Born, and Vice.
I enjoyed Black Panther as much as any other Marvel movie, but it is in no way, shape, or form deserving of a Best Picture Oscar.
I’ve been a fan of Spike Lee since School Daze. BlacKKKlansman was interesting and well-done, but again, no Oscar material.
Bohemian Rhapsody had the most possibility of being a Best Picture, but the film ended up being rather sterilized. A good film, but not great.
Vice may have had the best hair and makeup, but it’s not a Best Picture.
It didn’t care much for either The Favourite or Roma.
That leaves Green Book and A Star is Born. In a more heated contest with stiffer competition, I doubt Green Book would win, but things being as they are, I think it will edge out A Star is Born.
Who Should Win: A Star is Born
Who Will Win: Green Book
And there you have it…the winners and should-be-winners of the 2019 Academy Awards as analyzed by the Great & Wonderful Rikki Lee.
Peace. Love. Trust.