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The Mass Media

UMass Boston Movie Buff Predicts Oscar Winners

Academy+Award+trophy.

Academy Award trophy.

Hollywood revolves around one singular event every year: The Academy Awards. It is the be-all, end-all of recognition for achievement in film. This year had its fair share of high-quality films with nominees in a range of different categories. With Oscar season upon us, here are some predictions on who will win the major awards this year.

Best Supporting Actress: Allison Janney in “I, Tonya”

This award has several nominees that truly deserve the award. Octavia Spencer’s performance in “The Shape of Water” was delivered with her signature humor and charm. She was the dash of realism in an otherwise very unique film. Laurie Metcalf was also fantastic in “Lady Bird,” portraying a role that was a little different for her, something that the Academy always likes to see. However, Janney really captured the essence of the abusive mother of Tonya Harding. The dark humor of the film really complimented Janney’s delivery, making her role both comedic and shocking at the same time.

Best Supporting Actor: Sam Rockwell in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Rockwell is the clear-cut favorite for this award. He won the same award for this performance at the Golden Globes, and that is because he really is brilliant in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” With a terrific character arc, quality humor, and unique mannerisms, Rockwell really did a remarkable job in this role.

Best Actress: Frances McDormand in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

This is one I am really torn on. Flip a coin, really, because this award is either going to Sally Hawkins or Frances McDormand. I simply couldn’t decide on this one, but if you made me choose, I’d have to say McDormand. While Hawkins is absolutely fantastic as a mute woman in “The Shape of Water,” conveying so much emotion with facial expressions and body language, McDormand’s performance in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is just so nuanced and memorable. My pick is McDormand, but I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Hawkins won this one.

Best Actor: Daniel Kaluuya in “Get Out”

There are a lot of truly brilliant performances nominated this year. Gary Oldman was excellent as Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour” as was Daniel Day-Lewis in “Phantom Thread.” However, no performance was more memorable than the one given by Daniel Kaluuya in “Get Out.” Kaluuya nailed every aspect of his character, a black man made to feel like he was different. The film was a successful political statement, due in part to Kaluuya’s performance.

Best Director: Guillermo Del Toro of “The Shape of Water”

You won’t find a more unique film this year than “The Shape of Water.” Guillermo Del Toro has made a career out of directing inventive films, but “The Shape of Water” combines a strange sci-fi concept with a a very heartfelt romance. The film is very interesting and unlike anything I have ever watched, in large part due to Del Toro’s directing.

Best Picture: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Once again, there are several deserving films here. However, you will be hard pressed to find a film more memorable this year than “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” The film has all the makings of a classic: great acting, an amazing story that goes in so many directions, and memorable nuances spread out all over the film. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is the triumph of 2017, and certainly deserves to win best picture.