Moving on to the bigger tech categories today, we have sets, costumes, lighting, etc. Let’s get started.
PRODUCTION DESIGN
The Father
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Mank
News of the World
Tenet
Mank has been sweeping this award throughout the season, winning the guild, Bafta, critics choice, etc. The art direction is lovely and period black and white (1940’s), I’d say it’s definitely got this one locked down.
Winner: Mank
Alternate: The Father
COSTUME DESIGN
Emma
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Mank
Mulan
Pinocchio
I once thought Emma could win this award, but Ma Rainey has swept it the way Mank has production design. The truth is it’s just a more widely seen movie. Still, you don’t go against the guild, Bafta and critics choice winner in either case.
Winner: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Alternate: Emma
Dark Horse: Mulan
MAKEUP & HAIRSTYLING
Emma
Hillbilly Elegy
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Mank
Pinocchio
Chalk this one up to Ma Rainey as well, although Pinocchio deserves this in my opinion. Again, Ma Rainey is just more widely seen. Pinocchio could pull it off if less people were to vote in this category, but still, Bafta and the guild says it’s Ma Rainey.
Winner: Ma Rainey
Alternate: Pinocchio
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Judas and the Black Messiah
Mank
News of the World
Nomadland
The Trial of the Chicago 7
This one is a little more interesting, because we have a precursor split. Nomadland won at Bafta and critics choice, but Mank pulled out the ASC, which is the guild award. And Mank’s cinematography is gorgeous (and black and white to boot). I think it’s probably still going to go to Nomadland, which is the Best Picture frontrunner, but I would not be shocked if it didn’t.
Winner: Nomadland
Alternate: Mank
Dark Horse: News of the World (should have gotten more awards love)
ORIGINAL SCORE
Da 5 Bloods
Mank
Minari
News of the World
Soul
Soul has been winning this award handily for Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and The Late Show band leader Jon Batiste. I’d expect that streak to continue easily.
Winner: Soul
Alternate: Minari
Dark Horse: News of the World (this category had some very good scores overall)
ORIGINAL SONG
“Fight For You,” Judas and the Black Messiah
“Hear My Voice,” The Trial of the Chicago 7
“Hasavik,” Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
“lo Is (Seen),” The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se)
“Speak Now,” One Night in Miami
I don’t have a lot of insight into this category and I’m betting the voters don’t know any of these songs either. I think it’ll probably go to “Speak Now,” which is sung by Leslie Odom Jr., so because that one probably has the most name recognition, I think it’ll come out on top. But many probably won’t vote on this.
Winner: “Speak Now”
Alternate: “Fight for You” (this is from a Best Picture nominee, so it’s possible too)
