As a family, we have been making Oscars predictions for many years. Most of the time we have no idea who should win, but we take a wild guess, or we pick our favorite based on the name, actor or actress. Rarely have we seen every movie nominated for Best Picture. We just do it for fun and to maybe win a couple of bucks.
But now that my kids are grown, they have really taken to movies. Ryan sees several a week and is becoming quite the movie critic. Maggie just loves a good movie now and then and probably sees one a week for sure. They wanted to write this “little” post on the Oscar nominees.
The Oscars are on February 9th this year, so if you want to see some of these movies you will still have a chance. If you enjoy the Oscars but don’t always know what they are talking about, then this post is for you. It’s a little long, but I hope you appreciate the knowledge of Ryan and the humor of Maggie. It’s a pretty quick read.
So, without making this any longer, here’s my children MJ and RJ with a breakdown of the 2020 Oscars predictions.
(The nominees in bold are the favorites according to Oddschecker.com on this date.)
Quick synopsis of the best picture nominees by RJ
Ford v Ferrari
Story of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles as they work with the Ford Motor Company to take on Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Possibly the quintessential dad movie of the decade, it’s a very fun movie that is very easy to watch.
The Irishman
A classic Martin Scorsese movie that stars Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Joe Peschi. If you love mob movies, you’ll most likely love this movie. Touches on the more dark and somber parts of being a gangster and doesn’t glorify the life like some of his past films.
Jojo Rabbit
This is the story of a boy who lives with his single mother in Germany during World War II. As a child he has a blind nationalism to Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler, who also happens to be his imaginary friend. He then discovers a Jewish girl in their attic that his mother is hiding. The movie is mostly about this boy trying to understand himself and his beliefs but also is somehow the funniest movie of the year. Highly recommend it.
Joker
The most polarizing movie of the year, this movie is all about the famous DC comic villain Joker. Joaquin Phoenix gives an incredible performance as a dark, menacing, failed comedian who turns into the famous character. It is a super dark film that is sometimes hard to watch, but it’s obviously a good movie if it is nominated.
Little Women
Another remake of the classic tale, this movie written and directed by Greta Gerwig was stunning. I’m sure you know the story already, so I won’t go over all of that again. She tells it in her own unique way where we see Jo March’s life at different times throughout the movie. Really great and a fun movie.
Marriage Story
This film is very good, but also very sad just by its nature. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johannsen star in this movie about a couple going through a divorce trying to figure out how to best raise their only son but also how they are going to cope with their reality. Very lovely movie with some of the best acting I’ve ever seen in a movie.
1917
This rare World War I movie is shot and edited in a way to make it all seem like it was filmed in one continuous shot. The story is about 2 boys who have to travel across the front line to deliver a message that could save 1600 men. It is a beautifully shot film that shows both the humanity of all the soldiers and the horrors of war.
Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
A classic Tarantino movie that has another star studded cast. Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie start in this film that introduces two unique characters that Leo and Brad play about an aging actor and his stunt double. Margot Robbie plays the lovely Sharon Tate. The movie is a love letter to the old Hollywood movie industry but also a re imagining of the story about the Manson family and the Tate murder. If you like Tarantino or old school Hollywood movies, you will really like this movie.
Parasite
The only foreign film nominated this year, Parasite, is a Korean film about a poor family basically infiltrating a very wealthy family by working for them. The film portrays the class discrimination at play in Korea and the world in a very subtle way. There really isn’t anything bad to say about this movie, it’s just a crazy good drama/mystery/thriller that will blow you away. If you can get by reading subtitles you will enjoy this movie, I promise you that. I really can’t say enough good things about it.
(Make sure to read to the bottom! This is fun! I also have a ballot for you at the end!)
BEST PICTURE
- Ford v Ferrari
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Little Women
- Marriage Story
- 1917
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
- Parasite
MJ – If “Best Picture” was really code for most re-watchable movie, Little Women would win by a landslide. However, I’m thinking Once upon a Time will win.
RJ – I have a lot to say about this category. This category really just shows how amazing of a year it was for movies. I mean 9 nominees! The voting system for best picture is weird if you were wondering how there is more than 5 like the other categories, they just recently changed it. So long story short I love every single one of these movies. It’s actually a pretty tight race between Once Upon a Time, Parasite, and 1917 for favorites for this category. My top 3 movies this year were Parasite, Once Upon a Time, and Jojo Rabbit in that order.
I understand Parasite is Korean film and not everyone will enjoy it, but it may be the most perfect movie I’ve ever seen. There just seems to be no flaws, the acting, the cinematography, the sets, the writing, the plot, and just the overall message. Director and writer Bong Joon-Ho creates a brilliant story that touches on the class structure not only in Korea but in society in general. That sounds very artsy, but it is just a wild ride of a movie that you don’t want to stop. If you love movies, you have to see this.
(Deep Breath)
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is just amazing, plain and simple. It is long and slow in some parts, but you just fall in love with the characters and could watch them do anything. And that ending…. love it. Tarentino has also surprisingly never won best picture so the Academy could give it to him now. Jojo Rabbit was probably the funniest movie of the year for me. Taiki Waititi writes and stars as Adolf Hitler in this comedy about Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Now it sounds like there’s no way you could actually make a comedy about those events, but he pulls it off so effortlessly. It is really funny, this movie and Long Shot (which came out earlier this year) were the hardest I’ve laughed in a theater in a long time. In order this is how I would rank them. Parasite, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Jojo Rabbit, Little Women, Marriage Story, Ford v Ferrari, 1917, Joker, The Irishman.
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
- 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
MJ – It would be fun to see someone other than Joaquin Phoenix win for this category – but god DAMN does the academy love a Joker performance.
RJ- Leonardo and Driver I thought were absolutely outstanding in their movies this year, but what Joaquin did in the Joker was pretty incredible. The movie is really polarizing, and many don’t like it, but no one can deny Joaquin’s amazing performance. That being said, Taron Edgerton should’ve easily been nominated here, his performance as Elton John was really good. If Rami Malik can WIN this category last year, Taron could’ve won it this year, and Taron actually sang the songs while Rami didn’t.
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- 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
MJ – I would love to see Al Pacino win this one, but it’s been fun watching Brad speak at all the other award shows this season.
RJ – This is the most incredible award of the night to me, just read all those names again. 5 first ballot hall of fame actors and its pretty crazy how Brad Pitt is actually the favorite to win.
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
- Cynthia Erivo, Harriet
- Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story
- Saoirse Ronan, Little Women
- Charlize Theron, Bombshell
- Renée Zellweger, Judy
MJ – This category is stacked.
RJ – Another great category, all of these performances were great but there is no way Renee loses for her performance as Judy Garland.
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
- Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell
- Laura Dern, Marriage Story
- Scarlett Johansson, Jojo Rabbit
- Florence Pugh, Little Women
- Margot Robbie, Bombshell
MJ – I would be elated for any one of these nominees to win. Great to see Laura Dern earn some recognition though. Remind me to get divorced in LA?
RJ – I was the most shocked by this category, but at the same time the most pleased. I loved every single one of these movies and performances. Richard Jewell is awesome, and it is heartbreaking to watch Kathy Bates in it. Laura Dern (who pretty much has this locked up) is also incredible. I love to see ScarJo get some recognition for her role in Jojo Rabbit. That was one of my favorite movies of the year and she was excellent in it. Florence Pugh is an absolute star and will be a household name soon, she had an incredible year in a lot of great movies, happy to see her get nominated. Then Margot in Bombshell, another heart wrenching performance.
DIRECTING
- The Irishman – Martin Scorsese
- Joker – Todd Phillips
- 1917 – Sam Mendes
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood – Quentin Tarantino
- Parasite – Bong Joon Ho
MJ – I wanted to hate 1917 so bad. However, the directing and number of shots in the film that left me speechless changed my mind. This is NOT just another war movie.
RJ – 1917 will probably win here too, Sam Mendes has been getting a lot of love this awards season. Could really see anyone here win this award. They could give Scorsese the award for The Irishman just because the academy loves him, they also love movies about Hollywood so Tarantino wouldn’t be a stretch, and it seems like everyone loves Parasite (I do too), but like I said Sam Mendes will probably win for 1917.
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
- I Lost My Body
- Klaus
- Missing Link
- Toy Story 4
MJ – I can provide zero insights or fun information to this category.
RJ – IDK, Toy Story 4 was underwhelming, and I know people love Klaus, no Frozen 2?
CINEMATOGRAPHY
- The Irishman
- Joker
- The Lighthouse
- 1917
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
MJ – For someone who loves throwing around the word “cinematography” when seeing a beautiful movie, I have no idea what this category actually means. My vote is Once upon a Time – just because I got fully sucked into 1969 hippy Hollywood’s vintage filter. The set and lighting couldn’t have been more beautiful.
RJ – I agree, Once upon a Time was beautiful movie, but this one will most likely go to 1917. Roger Deakins will win his 2nd Oscar for this same category. He previously did for Blade Runner 2049.
COSTUME DESIGN
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Little Women
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
MJ – LITTLE WOMEN PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
RJ – Nothing to add here I agree.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
- American Factory
- The Cave
- The Edge of Democracy
- For Sama
- Honeyland
MJ – *shoulder shrug emoji*
DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
- In the Absence
- Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)
- Life Overtakes Me
- Louis Superman
- Walk Run Cha-Cha
MJ – Umm…
Another Post By Maggie – My Daughter’s Experience with Whole 30
FILM EDITING
- Ford v Ferrari
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Parasite
MJ – I’m assuming Ford v Ferrari will win? You can’t make a good race car with shitty editing.
RJ- Kind of weird 1917 didn’t get nominated in this category, but this is sort of toss up for me. It’s hard to tell what a great edited film looks like. What is easy to see is a badly edited film looks like, and this award was a bit controversial last year when Bohemian Rhapsody won this award. Which is crazy because most people agree that was maybe one of the worst edited films of the year. So, who knows? I would LOVE to see Ford v Ferrari win this too.
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
- Corpus Christi
- Honeyland
- Les Misérables
- Pain and Glory
- Parasite
MJ – The people of the world can’t get enough of Parasite. I didn’t see it, but I trust everyone for some reason.
RJ – This one isn’t up for debate; Parasite will win this category. Haven’t seen any of the other movies, but a foreign film hasn’t gotten this much buzz ever before.
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
- Bombshell
- Joker
- Judy
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
- 1917
MJ – I swear if they give Joker this just because he wears scary clown makeup for the half the movie…
RJ – No idea, Bombshell maybe? Charlize Theron looks exactly like Megan Kelly. Maybe Judy too, no clue.
ORIGINAL SCORE
- Joker
- Little Women
- Marriage Story
- 1917
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
MJ – John Williams will likely never do another Star Wars score. Let’s just show him some love!
RJ – I’ve heard some people suggest that John Williams will win just because it might be his last score ever, just give him the legacy Oscar. The other films did have terrific scores though.
ORIGINAL SONG
- “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away,” Toy Story 4
- “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” Rocketman
- “I’m Standing With You,” Breakthrough
- “Into The Unknown,” Frozen II
- “Stand Up,” Harriet
MJ – As fun as it would be to see Elton win, let’s throw Frozen a bone!
RJ – Would be hard to give this to anyone but Elton, but Into the Unknown is great!
PRODUCTION DESIGN
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- 1917
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
- Parasite
MJ – Has there ever been a more gorgeous set than Once upon a Time?! Could’ve fooled me that it wasn’t actually filmed in 1969. Even with some of the biggest stars in the world acting in the film, it never felt 2019.
RJ – Once upon a time will probably win but I could see 1917 or Parasite also win.
ANIMATED SHORT FILM
- Dcera (Daughter)
- Hair Love
- Kitbull
- Memorable
- Sister
MJ – Take it away, Ryan!
RJ – Ha!
LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
- Brotherhood
- Nefta Football Club
- The Neighbors’ Window
- Saria
- A Sister
MJ – …
RJ – We don’t have to talk about these lol
SOUND EDITING
- Ford v Ferrari
- Joker
- 1917
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
MJ – Star Wars? Pew pew.
RJ – Literally no idea
SOUND MIXING
- Ad Astra
- Ford v Ferrari
- Joker
- 1917
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
MJ – Ford v Ferrari. Major props to anyone that has to completely add in audio and mix it together smoothly.
RJ – Yeah Ford v Ferrari should win I hope
VISUAL EFFECTS
- Avengers: Endgame
- The Irishman
- The Lion King
- 1917
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
MJ – MARVEL?! YEP.
RJ – YEP
LJ – Of course Marvel!
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
- The Irishman
- Jojo Rabbit
- Joker
- Little Women
- The Two Popes
MJ – Has there ever been a fresher take on a classic piece of literature?! Give Little Women all the awards.
RJ – Hope Little Women wins, but also hope Jojo Rabbit wins.
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
- Knives Out
- Marriage Story
- 1917
- Once upon a Time…in Hollywood
- Parasite
MJ – At this point I don’t even care anymore.
RJ – Nice to see Knives Out get some love, but I think Parasite will win.
Favorites and chance for upsets:
In bold are all the favorites to win their respective categories, for the most part the favorites usually win. The Academy is fairly predictable, but their recently has been some history of upsets. Everyone can remember 3 years ago when my favorite movie of all time La La Land got accidentally called up on stage when in fact Moonlight had won best picture in a huge upset. Rami Malik was an underdog to win best actor last year until he won the golden globes and SAG (Screen Actor Guild) awards. The categories that are prone to upsets are usually the supporting actor and actress awards.
Most of the time you can tell what movie will do good at the end with the big awards based on what other awards they win. For example if Once Upon a Time picks up some early awards in the night you can expect for that movie to do very well and probably sweep up a bunch of awards and most likely best picture. Same goes for the other heavily nominated movies like Joker and 1917.
Good luck with your Oscars predictions! I hope this helps!
Just because this stuff is kind of fun for me, I’ve created a ballot for you!
