Now we’re on to the production design, makeup, costumes, etc. These are always fun, but mostly because they fool me into thinking I’m an expert in each category, when that’s probably not how the Academy even votes for them. I don’t think they critique things the way I would if I were an actual voter.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
- Beauty and the Beast
- Darkest Hour
- Phantom Thread
- The Shape of Water
- Victoria & Abdul
Okay, so I think this is Phantom Thread, which is about fashion design, so how could it lose, right? Plus it was nominated for Best Picture and it’s the only category where it could really win, so I would think they’d want to give it something. It also won the BAFTA. On the other hand, there was an upset at the Costume Designers Guild last week, where it lost to The Shape of Water. Hmm. I’ll stick with it anyway.
Winner: Phantom Thread
Alternate: The Shape of Water
Dark Horse: Beauty and the Beast (I thought these costumes were garish but sometimes movies win this category for exactly that reason- see Alice in Wonderland).
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
- Beauty and the Beast
- Blade Runner 2049
- Darkest Hour
- Dunkirk
- The Shape of Water
I think that Blade Runner is the one that deserves to win this, but The Shape of Water won the guild award for it, and also the BAFTA, so it looks like it has it in the bag.
Winner: The Shape of Water
Alternate: Blade Runner 2049
BEST MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING
- Darkest Hour
- Victoria & Abdul
- Wonder
This very likely goes to the BAFTA and guild winner Darkest Hour, although I wouldn’t necessarily rule out Wonder. Still, best to stick with the BP nominee here.
Winner: Darkest Hour
Alternate: Wonder
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
- Blade Runner 2049
- Darkest Hour
- Dunkirk
- Mudbound
- The Shape of Water
This is a closer race I think, even though it shouldn’t be and legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins ought to finally win his Oscar for Blade Runner after a long, stellar career of incredible work (of which this is probably his finest). He also won the ASC (the guild) and the BAFTA, so it’s looking good for him. But there’s a chance for The Shape of Water and also Mudbound, which made history in having Rachel Morrison as the first woman ever nominated for cinematography.
Winner: Blade Runner 2049
Alternate: The Shape of Water
Dark Horse: Mudbound
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
- Dunkirk
- Phantom Thread
- The Shape of Water
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
The Shape of Water seems to be the consensus favorite here, after winning the BAFTA and Critics Choice awards. I don’t think it’s a particularly close race for this one.
Winner: The Shape of Water
Alternate: Phantom Thread
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
- “Mighty River,” Mudbound
- “Mystery of Love,” Call Me By Your Name
- “Remember Me,” Coco
- “Stand Up for Something,” Marshall
- “This is Me,” The Greatest Showman
I think this will go to Coco, although I suppose there’s a chance for Mary J. Blige’s song from Mudbound or the song from the sleeper hit The Greatest Showman. But I think Coco is the safest bet. It's the one that made everybody cry, right?
Winner: “Remember Me”
Alternate: “Mighty River”
Dark Horse: “This is Me”
