Oscar ballots are out for voting today, and they must be returned by end of the day Tuesday in Los Angeles.
In a perfect world, Best Picture nods would go to “The Irishman,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Little Women,” “1917,” “Ford v Ferrari,” “Just Mercy,” “Richard Jewell,” “Marriage Story,” “The Farewell.” I loved two foreign language films, also: “Pain and Glory,” and “Parasite.” There two films I didn’t care for especially, despite their intentions: “Jojo Rabbit” and “Uncut Gems.”
Best Actor: Robert De Niro, Joaquin Phoenix, Adam Driver, Eddie Murphy, Jonathan Pryce. This is a crowded field. Leonardo DiCaprio was excellent, so was Antonio Banderas. The latter has an excellent shot if he unseats Pryce or Murphy.
Best Actress: There are three “locks”: Renee Zellweger, Charlize Theron, and Saoirse Ronan. I like Cynthia Erivo and Alfre Woodard for spots four and five.
Best Supporting Actress: Kathy Bates, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Laura Dern, and then…Jennifer Lopez? Maybe. Florence Pugh? Definitely. Scarlett Johansson? My secret wish: Zhao Shuzhen from “The Farewell.”
Best Supporting Actor: Wow. What a crowd: Al Pacino, Brad Pitt, Joe Pesci, Tom Hanks– must be Tom Hanks. Jamie Foxx? Yes.
Best Director: Tarantino, Scorsese, Mendes all in. Now what? Bong Joon Ho? Probably, for “Parasite.” And Greta Gerwig for “Little Women.” Noah Baumbach is the X factor here, for “Marriage Story.” He may take Bong’s spot.
This is going to be one big reveal when the votes are counted. I can’t remember such a wide open crazy year. And so many great choices1!
