More techs today. There are some 50/50 ones in here, but I think most of them are pretty secure. The biggest question mark for me on this one is song, actually.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
1917
The Irishman
Joker
The Lighthouse
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
No suspense on this one. Roger Deakins won the guild (ASC) and the BAFTA, so it’s a lock for 1917, which could turn out to be quite the sweeper (rare in recent years).
Winner: 1917
BEST MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING
Bombshell
Joker
Judy
1917
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Bombshell won both the guild and the BAFTA, so I don’t think this one is in doubt either. Transforming Charlize Theron’s face into Megyn Kelly’s was too impressive.
Winner: Bombshell
Alternate: Joker (this is a BP nominee with obvious showy makeup, so it could happen)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
The Irishman
Now this one’s harder. Jojo Rabbit won the guild, and Little Women wasn’t even nominated there, but it did take the BAFTA award for costumes. Little Women’s costumes are the more traditional winner in this category, and I do think they’re showier than Jojo’s, although that one is a period piece too. I think it’s close, but this will be Little Women’s only Oscar.
Winner: Little Women
Alternate: Jojo Rabbit
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
1917
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite
Another slightly tough one- Once Upon a Time has the guild, 1917 got BAFTA. I think Once Upon a Time will prevail here though- 1917 won’t win everything and the 1960’s Hollywood recreation was so memorable.
Winner: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Alternate: 1917
Dark Horse: Parasite (also a guild winner in contemporary art direction)
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
1917
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
There’s no guild for music, but Joker seems to be the frontrunner. It won both the Golden Globe and the BAFTA. I don’t personally remember the score in it much and thought some of these were clearly better (like Marriage Story), but I guess it’s Joker’s. Coincidentally it will be the first time a female composer has won this category in over twenty years, so that’s cool.
Winner: Joker
Alternate: 1917 (Composer Thomas Newman is overdue here)
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away,” Toy Story 4 (Randy Newman)
“I’m Gonna Love Me Again,” Rocketman (Elton John & Bernie Taupin)
“I’m Standing With You,” Breakthrough (Diane Warren)
“Into the Unknown,” Frozen 2 (Robert Lopez & Kristen Anderson-Lopez)
“Stand Up,” Harriet (Joshuah Brian Campbell & Cynthia Erivo)
I thought Elton John would take this walking away, but since the Academy seems to have barely seen Rocketman, now I wonder. Could it go to the song from Harriet, making Cynthia Erivo an EGOT winner? Maybe, but I still think John is likelier. There’s no big hit this year, so it’s uncertain.
Winner: “I’m Gonna Love Me Again”
Alternate: “Stand Up”
