December is in many ways the most interesting time of the year for cinema lovers. We get to see the last films of the year, which are often some of the best, and from now through February we’ll see all kinds of speculation as to what the best projects and performances of 2018 really were. Following that period of debate we get the biggest show in cinema: the Academy Awards, which in 2019 will be held on March 4 2019.
Oscars 2019 – Can You Predict?
In short, what that all means is that it’s about time to start the Oscars conversation. And if you’d like to catch yourself up on what people are already saying, or approach this conversation with some knowledge of the films that figure to be in the mix for big awards, I have three quick suggestions:
1 – Read & Listen To “Top Tens”
This time of year there are all kinds of “top ten” lists coming out about the year in film. Just recently, The Ringer did a wonderful podcast in which three different writers and film critics debated their top tens, with a specific eye toward possible Oscar contention. It’s just one example but it’s exactly the type of content to absorb if you want to get a feel for what projects people are talking about, where the conversation is shifting, etc. And the best part is, this type of content should continue to come out for at least a month or so.
2 – Watch The Earlier Award Shows
Award season more or less officially kicked off this past week with the announcement of the nominees for Golden Globes. The Globes are generally seen as the “just for fun” show, but they can absolutely help actors and films establish momentum heading into some of the more “serious” shows. So, watching the Globes and then the SAG Awards can often give you a very good feel for how the Oscars are going to shape up. Though it should be noted there is not necessarily exact correlation on the main awards – just indications.
3 – Mind The Bookmaker Listings
It’s still a tiny bit early for this, but it won’t be before long. Bookmakers gives you a nice idea of the different platforms that you can view online for the most up-to-date odds on major events, which this time of year tend to include the award shows. So, even if you don’t plan on actually placing bets, it can be fun to look back now and then at the listings to see which films and actors are the favorites, what movement might be occurring in the markets, etc. The odds aren’t always right, but they do exist for a reason (which is to be right as often as possible).
Oscars 2019 – The Current Predictions
Following those tips will keep you on the right track if you’d like to be in on Oscars action. As for how things look right now though, here are a few words on what appear to be the top contenders for some of the big awards.
Best Picture
Right now the Best Picture race is fairly murky, though the Bradley Cooper-helmed remake of A Star Is Born appears to be out in front. Roma, a black-and-white family drama taking place in 1970s Mexico City and directed by the great Alfonso Cuaron, may have the best chance to unseat A Star Is Born. The Favourite and Green Book are in the mix as well, and it’s quite possible we could see late momentum for Black Panther or Vice.
Best Director
There will definitely be some buzz around Bradley Cooper in this category, simply because the consensus is that he knocked it out of the park with his debut directing effort in A Star Is Born. However, Cuaron may be the favorite, perhaps in part because Roma is more of a long shot in the Best Picture category. Damien Chazelle (First Man), Adam McKay (Vice), and Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) are also worth keeping an eye on.
Best Actor
Here again, Cooper may have the inside track. We’ll say this: it seems very unlikely he receives no recognition at all, so he’s probably winning one of these first three. However, Rami Malek is a very strong contender for his role as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, and Christian Bale, playing Dick Cheney in Vice, will absolutely factor in. This one looks like a three-man race at this point.
Best Actress
This is an interesting category in that we could get a relative newcomer. Lady Gaga earned raves for her own work in A Star Is Born despite being more or less new to cinema. And Olivia Colman, who is known as a wonderful TV actress, broke through in a big way in The Favourite. Glenn Close (The Wife), Rosamund Pike (A Private War), and Viola Davis (Widows) could factor in here as well.
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