This coming weekend (Sunday February 9th, 2020), some of the most prestigious awards in the film industry will be handed out to Hollywood's finest. Though there's an argument to be had about representation for minorities and women once again, some of the big main eight categories have done well to include a well-balanced group of nominees. We've had a look through them all, and made predictions - some bolder than others - about who and what will be crowned on the night...
Best Picture: The Irishman
Just to be clear from the jump, the favourite going into the Oscars 2020 is quite clearly 1917, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Sam Mendes pipped to the post by Netflix original movie The Irishman.
Named as our Movie of the Year in the Female First Awards 2019, The Irishman comes from director Martin Scorsese, and is a mammoth gangster flick that manages to stick to the origins of the genre, all whilst reinventing it with an A-list cast. If you haven't seen it yet and have a Netflix sub, get watching!
Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo, Harriet
Again, there's another favourite heading into the event in Renée Zellweger, for her portrayal of Judy Garland, but we'd love to see Cynthia Erivo celebrated for bringing Harriet Tubman to life in the fantastic biographical film named after the historical figure.
In the works for years before it was announced Erivo would be taking on the titular role, audiences got the opportunity to see a stunning portrayal of one of the bravest and most beloved activists the world has ever seen.
Best Actor: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
He gave an absolutely outstanding speech at the BAFTAs, and it'd be interesting to see what he had to say at the Oscars should Joaquin Phoenix scoop the gong for Best Actor. With the universal acclaim that has come Phoenix's way thanks to his portrayal of the misunderstood Arthur Fleck - who goes on to become DC Comics villain the Joker - it's hard to see anybody beating him out in this category.
Best Director: Bong Joon-ho, Parasite
The world is becoming ever more open to foreign film, and if Bong Joon-ho's Parasite is anything to go by, that's a beautiful thing. The director has encouraged audiences to go and watch more Korean cinema following the release of his latest thriller, and you'd be a fool not to take his advice.
Though Parasite should probably snatch the prize in every category, the biggest chance it has of making waves at the Oscars is likely going to be for Best Director.
Best Supporting Actress: Margot Robbie, Bombshell
This is one of the most open categories of the night, especially when it comes to the 'big eight'. Many expect Laura Dern to walk away with a Cheshire Cat grin, thanks to her brilliant work in Marriage Story, but don't be surprised if Margot Robbie manages to pick up the gong for Bombshell.
Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Gaining headlines for all the right reasons as of late, Brad Pitt is enjoying a wealth of positivity thanks to his actions. Lucky for him, his work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was just as brilliant, which should see him easily secure the win in the Best Supporting Actor category this year.
Considering some of the wise-cracks he's been coming out with, we imagine he'll have some witty one-liners up his sleeves if and when he takes to the stage.
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood will likely also see success in the Best Original Screenplay category, where Quentin Tarantino could be celebrated for his work in bringing another exciting feature to the big screen.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Greta Gerwig, Little Women
When it comes to the Best Adapted Screenplay category, it seems the Oscars would be shooting themselves in the foot if they didn't award Greta Gerwig and Little Women the prize for Best Adapted Screenplay. They're more than deserving of the prize, so can the judges really ignore them when there's such an important conversation surrounding representation going on?
Tagged in Oscars