**Awards Season Predictions: A Mix of Certainties and Surprises**
Awards season often follows a predictable pattern. Last year, our forecasts for the Oscars were spot on, with “Oppenheimer” dominating every ceremony, leading to a sense of déjà vu. While some Oscar categories this year seem like sure bets, others—especially the major ones—are filled with uncertainty, which adds to the excitement.
Here’s the insight from our entertainment team, who have conducted a semi-secret ballot on the potential winners and their personal favorites.
**BEST FILM**
**Nominees:** Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Perez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, Wicked
**Predicted Winner:** Conclave; Anora
**Should Win:** The Brutalist; Anora
– “For me, the best picture category is a clash between intellect and emotion. While ‘Conclave’ is impressive, ‘Anora’ brings a fresh and unexpected perspective as a nominee, and I would love to see it win, though I doubt it can outshine the scheming priests.” – Claire Gregory
– “Conclave is a solid and classy film with a fantastic ensemble. However, the Academy might have mixed feelings about a three-and-a-half-hour runtime, even if ‘The Brutalist’ is a cinematic triumph. Personally, I believe ‘The Brutalist’ deserves the win for its masterful storytelling.” – Katie Spencer
– “‘Anora’ is a unique indie tale with a twist, deserving of its accolades. I believe it will win and should win, thanks to its stellar cast, skilled direction, engaging plot, and humor. Even the lengthy Take That segment couldn’t dull its brilliance.” – Bethany Minelle
– “In the past, ‘Conclave,’ a thriller about electing a new pope, would have been a clear favorite over the unconventional ‘Anora,’ which tells the story of a young sex worker marrying a Russian oligarch’s son. However, after the Academy’s embrace of the quirky ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ last year, and with ‘Anora’s’ growing momentum, voters might be inclined to favor something less traditional.” – Gemma Peplow
**BEST ACTOR**
**Nominees:** Adrien Brody – The Brutalist, Timothee Chalamet – A Complete Unknown, Colman Domingo – Sing Sing, Ralph Fiennes – Conclave, Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice
**Predicted Winner:** Adrien Brody; Timothee Chalamet
**Should Win:** Colman Domingo; Adrien Brody
– “Adrien Brody has truly delivered an outstanding performance that deserves recognition.