Oscars 2019: Who will win?

Maya Dennis, A&E Critic
January 29, 2019

The nominees for the biggest — and debatably, the most important — awards show have finally been released. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the 2019 Oscar Nominations a little late compared to their regular schedule. With only four weeks to decide who will win, there’s no telling who will take home the big prize.

“The Favourite” took the lead alongside “Roma” with ten nominations apiece. Following with eight each is “A Star is Born, ” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Vice.” And with “Black Panther” and “Green Book” at the end of the most nominated list with seven nominations each.

Unsurprisingly, “The Favourite” came out on top, leading the race with ten nominations. Since it’s unexpected arrival, critics have been raving about its unconventional take on period-piece dramas. However, it doesn’t seem to be making out with too many awards, so the possibility of it taking home Best Picture has become unlikely.

“Roma” started out as being nominated for Best Foreign Film, but as awards season has progressed it has slowly gained more and more popularity with award voters. And as awards season continues the film seems to be making off with the goods. However, this isn’t too much of a surprise seeing as how “Roma” is one of the most comfortable scripts and technically stunning films of the year.

One of the biggest snubs of the year is Bradley Cooper not receiving a nomination for Best Director. Peculiar, considering a film can’t really go anywhere without its director. It’s also concerning that Malek keeps taking the Best Actor awards, making some — myself included — worried that he’ll take home the Academy Awards too.

But this isn’t something new to the Academy. In 2017, people were confused as to why Denzel Washington received the same treatment. While some may debate that it’s because the Academy only allows half the amount of directors as films, there is still a disconnect.

Malek did an excellent job portraying Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, but none of the singing is his own — which you might say is fair considering Mercury’s voice is so iconic — however, Cooper does all of his own singing and even wrote a few songs for the film.

“Black Panther” made history by becoming the first Marvel and superhero film ever to be nominated for Best Picture. The film recently took home the SAG for Best Cast Ensemble which is basically the equivalent of Best Picture.

At the Golden Globes, most weren’t expecting “Green Book” to make out with as many awards as it did. But as Awards season is coming to a close, it seems more likely that it’ll take home a few Oscars. Mahershala Ali has his second Oscar in the bag, but everything else is iffy.

To go in-depth into specific categories would take time, but predictions are important, so I’ll put mine below.

The 91st Academy Awards will air at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 on ABC.

To see the full list click here: Academy Award Nominees

And of course, don’t forget to use our scorecard!