2018 Oscar Predictions by AJ Beltis – Who Will Win and Who Should Win?

I know, I know. It’s been too long. Sorry.

Before I jump into my preferences and predictions for the 90th Academy Awards, I thought I’d let you know what I’ve been up to.

For the past couple months, I’ve been working on a new movie podcast with my friend and roommate Charlie Zizza. Charlie and I hosted this show back in college and got the band back together after becoming roommates.

So far, we’ve covered Oscar favorites Phantom Thread and Three Billboards, box office smashes Black Panther and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and surprise post-Super Bowl drop The Cloverfield Paradox. Make sure you check out The A to Z Movie Show on iTunes for reviews of new movies, modern classics, and our thoughts on some of the biggest news pieces in cinema.

Now to answer the question I know you’re asking: what separates our podcast from the hundreds of other movie podcasts out there? Well, here’s our pitch: Charlie is the average movie goes (representing many of you), while I play the persona of aspiring professional movie critic. Occasionally our opinions clash since we’re speaking for different audiences – which probably explains why Charlie hated The Shape of Water, while I thought it was fantastic.

We think this dynamic of a regular movie consumer challenging the voice of the critic sets our podcast apart from the rest, and we hope you enjoy it! Here’s hoping you give us a listen during your next road trip, commute, or workout. We have our chat while sipping on craft beer and try to have fun with it.

Listen to The A to Z Movie Show on iTunes.

Now on to the Oscar predictions.

Last year, I was pretty vocal about my disdain for 2016’s (lack of) film quality. Aside from a few standouts, I was seriously let down.

This year, I’m relieved to say I loved 2017 in film, which made making both my Top 10 list and my Oscar predictions a lot more difficult this time around.

Below are my predictions and preferences in all the major categories for the 2018 Oscars.

Best Picture

Predicted Winner: Get Out

scared get out GIF by Get Out Movie

This will probably be the most controversial prediction on my list, but hear me out.

The Shape of Water didn’t get a Best Ensemble nomination from the SAG Awards, limiting its chance of winning – the last time a movie won Best Picture without this nomination was 1995’s Braveheart. This was the first major warning sign for La La Land last year – it wasn’t recognized by the Screen Actors Guild and ultimately lost Best Picture.

Three Billboards didn’t score a Best Director nomination, and with the exception of Argo, a movie hasn’t pulled of a win for Best Picture without the Best Director nod since Driving Miss Daisy.

This narrows the field down to two movies that have scored nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cast at the SAGs: Get Out and Lady Bird. Of these two, I would argue Get Out is more socially relevant, more timely, better edited, and better written. Additionally, its maintained momentum for the past twelve months has been wildly impressive. For those reasons, I predict Jordan Peele’s cultural and critical success will see the big win.

Statistically, Get Out has its own disadvantages. Its low number of nominations and nonexistent Best Editing nod don’t exactly solidify its win, but the Oscars are different than any other awards show. Why is that?

Well, with nine films nominated this year – including underdog Darkest Hour and surprise favorite Phantom Thread – I wouldn’t be shocked for smaller films like these to take away votes from bigger contenders. All that said, I’m confident with my prediction here.

Looking at the category as a whole, only three films in my Top 10 got nominations this year. The only film I can say I didn’t like of these noms is Three Billboards, which still has a reasonable chance of winning.

🙁

AJ’s Rankings (aka my preferences):

1. Get Out
2. Dunkirk
3. The Shape of Water
4. Lady Bird
5. Call Me By Your Name
6. Phantom Thread
7. Darkest Hour
8. The Post
9. Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

Should Have Been Nominated: The Florida Project, Baby Driver, I, Tonya

Best Director

Predicted Winner: Del Toro, The Shape of Water

high five guillermo del toro GIF by Golden Globes

In a very, very packed year for behind-the-camera talent, Del Toro has emerged as the favorite to win. I’ll stick with the industry prediction because I wouldn’t even be able to guess who would take it home instead. Maybe the Academy tries to save face and act progressive, meaning Greta Gerwig spoils in the wake of the #TimesUp movement? We’ll see, but I wouldn’t count on it.

The biggest surprise on this list? PTA – especially since he took Martin McDonagh’s supposedly locked spot. In a dream world, it would have gone to Sean Baker instead for his beautiful work in The Florida Project.

AJ’s Rankings:

1. Nolan, Dunkirk
2. 
Del Toro, The Shape of Water
3. Peele, Get Out
4. Gerwig, Lady Bird
5Anderson, Phantom Thread

Should Have Been Nominated: Baker, The Florida Project; Bigelow, Detroit

Best Actress

Predicted Winner: Frances McDormand, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

frances mcdormand no GIF by Fox Searchlight

In case you couldn’t tell by now, I’m not the biggest Three Billboards fan. Now don’t get me wrong – Frances did extremely well in this movie. Everything from her line delivery down to her facial expressions are exactly why she’s named a front runner – I just think the screenplay let her down.

However, I look at what Sally Hawkins was able to do in The Shape of Water. I think of how much joy, levity, and depth she brought to a character with no words, especially since half of her interactions were with a CGI fish man. I’d love to see her pull out a surprise win, but it looks like McDormand would be wise to clear a spot on her shelf for Oscar #2 next weekend.

I’d also like to take this time to commend Marogt Robbie for her performance as Tonya Harding and being the face of tragedy, competition, and determination in this year’s I, Tonya.

Overall, I’m impressed by everyone’s performances in this category this year, and I think they’re all worthy of their nominations. That said, I’d have loved a surprise nomination for Wind River’s Elizabeth Olsen in her best performance since Martha Marcy May Marlene. 

AJ’s Rankings: 

1. Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
2. 
Margot Robbie, I, Tonya
3. Frances McDormand, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
4. Meryl Streep, The Post
5Saorsie Ronan, Lady Bird

Should Have Been Nominated: Elizabeth Olsen, Wind River

Best Actor

Predicted Winner: Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

In a career spanning from an imposing Russian hijacker to Sirius Black, it’s a shame it has taken this long for Gary Oldman to get his recognition from the Academy. That said, it’ll be very satisfying to see him finally hold his Oscar this Sunday. Everyone else in the category can sit pretty while Oldman’s name is called – especially Daniel Kaluuya, whose nomination surprised me the most.

AJ’s Rankings:

1. Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
2. 
Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread
3. Timothee Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name
4. Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out
Also Nominated: Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Should Have Been Nominated: James Franco, The Disaster Artist

Best Supporting Actress

Predicted Winner: Allison Janney, I, Tonya

By no means is this my favorite of Allison Janney’s cinematic turns, so I’ll just have to take solace in it being a career award, much like Gary Oldman. I don’t think we can expect a win from anyone else on the list – perhaps a shocker from Laurie Metcalf?

Personally, I’m rooting for Lesley Manville, but I think her nomination is a victory enough for quite an underrated performance in Phantom Thread.

Also, I genuinely have no idea why Mary J. Blige or Octavia Spencer are on the list.

AJ’s Rankings:

1. Lesley Manville, Phantom Thread
2. 
Allison Janney, I, Tonya
3. Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird
4. Mary J. Blige, Mudbound
5. Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Should Have Been Nominated: Michelle Pfeiffer, mother!; Bria Vinaite, The Florida Project

Best Supporting Actor

Predicted Winner: Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

Sam Rockwell Oops GIF by Fox Searchlight

love Sam Rockwell! But not in this movie. I thought he was easily bested by Woody Harrelson, who brought much more emotional depth to a character in the same film, and by Dafoe and Jenkins. While I haven’t seen All the Money in the World, I can only imagine the world’s reaction if a man who filmed his scenes with no prep three weeks before a movie’s release won an Oscar.

Having just rewatched The Florida Project last night, I speak with full confidence that this award should go to Willem Dafoe. Instead, it’ll likely go to the water park owner from The Way Way Back. 

AJ’s Rankings:

1. Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project
2. 
Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water
3. Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
4. Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
Also Nominated: Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World

Should have been nominated: Armie Hammer, Call Me By Your Name

Best Adapted Screenplay

Predicted Winner: Call Me By Your Name

armie hammer trailer GIF

A pretty weak category has all but secured a win for Call Me By Your Name. The competition from traditional Oscar-bait titles was so lightweight that a James Franco comedy and a superhero movie both got Oscar nominations for screenwriting – both oddities for the Academy.

My pick? I’d cast my vote for Mudbound, but when it comes down to two period pieces with equally timely messages, the mainstream release will probably win over Netflix.

AJ’s Rankings:

1. Mudbound
2. Call Me By Your Name
3. The Disaster Artist
4. Logan
Also Nominated: Molly’s Game

Best Original Screenplay

Predicted Winner: Get Out

Get Out Smile GIF by Get Out Movie

Aside from Best Picture, this is the toughest major category to predict. Get Out, Lady Bird, and Three Billboards all have a legitimate chance of winning.

Again, I lean towards Get Out, as I’m clinging to its Best Picture chances, and with its WGA win over Lady Bird, it seems this may be Peele’s Oscar.

But if awards season has shown anything so far, it’s not to underestimate Three Billboards.

Vomit.

Preference-wise, I’m thrilled to see The Big Sick get recognized and equally disappointed to see the weakest aspect of The Shape of Water – its screenplay – be recognized with a nod.

AJ’s Rankings:

1. Get Out
2. The Big Sick
3. Lady Bird
4. The Shape of Water
5. Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri

Should Have Been Nominated: Baby Driver, Wind River, Detroit

And now, the rest of the nominees for feature film…

Best Cinematography
Prediction: Blade Runner 2049
Preference: Blade Runner 2049

Best Costume Design
Prediction: Beauty and the Beast
Preference: Beauty and the Beast

Best Film Editing
Prediction: Dunkirk
Preference: Baby Driver

Best Production Design
Prediction: The Shape of Water
Preference: The Shape of Water

Best Original Score
Prediction: The Shape of Water
Preference: Dunkirk

Best Sound Editing
Prediction: Dunkirk
Preference: Baby Driver

Best Sound Mixing
Prediction: Baby Driver
Preference: Baby Driver

Best Visual Effects
Prediction: Blade Runner 2049
Preference: Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Best Animated Feature
Prediction: Coco

Best Makeup & Hairstyling
Prediction: Darkest Hour

Best Original Song
Prediction: Remember Me (Coco)

Tallied Predictions

The Shape of Water: 3 wins out of 13 nominations
Get Out: 2 wins out of 4 nominations
Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri: 2 wins out of 7 nominations
Coco: 2 wins out of 2 nominations
Dunkirk: 2 wins out of 8 nominations
Darkest Hour: 2 wins out of 4 nominations
Blade Runner 2049: 2 wins out of 5 nominations
Call Me By Your Name: 1 win out of 4 nominations
I, Tonya: 1 win out of 3 nominations
Baby Driver: 1 win out of 3 nominations
Beauty and the Beast: 1 win out of 2 nominations

Gifted (2017) – Movie Review By AJ Beltis

gifted review

“Gifted” is not only the title of this wonderful film. It’s also an adjective that can be used to accurately describe music composer Rob Simonsen, cinematographer Stuart Deyburgh, director Marc Webb (yes, even in the wake of The Amazing Spider-Man), and – most of all – young actress Mckenna Grace. Heck, I’m feeling generous, so I’ll even say the term applies to Chris Evans, since the Avengers star gives what may be his best performance yet.

The film stars Mckenna as Mary, the 7-year-old niece to Chris Evans’ character Frank. Stemming from the genetics of her mother, Mary is a mathematical prodigy, effortlessly utilizing the Trachtenberg system to crunch numbers in her mind, shocking her first grade teacher Miss Stevens (Jenny Slate) on her first day of school.

As the word of Mary’s genius spreads throughout the administration, Frank’s choice to place Mary in the traditional education system and live a “normal” life starts to get scrutinized. The school decides to reach out to Mary’s grandmother and Frank’s mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), who takes her son to court for the right to raise young Mary and choose a more challenging path for her education. In Evelyn’s eyes, it’s worthwhile to skip prom and Girl Scouts to properly foster one of the greatest minds in the history of mankind.

Gifted is a film about love, its countless forms, and how it’s perceived by different generations and those in various walks of life. It’s a film about family, and serves as a reminder that one can never fuly separate  themselves from their family’s presence – physical or otherwise – despite the truest or most arduous efforts. It’s a film that rips your heart out and then makes it soar in the course of 15 minutes without at all feeling manipulated by a film crew or a production studio’s budget.

It is so effective at what it sets out to be because of the true talent in front of and behind the camera. There were no weak links in the characters – other than that they are flawed humans just like you and I. The scenes where Frank is at odds with Mary or Evelyn are because the characters are so sincerely written and established that their conflicts are justified, believable, and thus heartbreaking.

Yet for every scene like this, there are two or three that counter it with soul-lifting humor and emotion. Mckenna’s performance as Mary is a revelation, making us laugh and gasp in a truly unbelievable child on-screen presence. She’s confident in her character and in her acting ability, and with this one credit (plus her brief stint on “Fuller House” (yes I watch “Fuller House”)), she has cemented her name on my list of young stars to watch, alongside such talents as Tye Sheridan and Jacob Tremblay.

And again, I can’t dismiss the work of Chris Evans, who’s extremely believable as Frank and conveys the man’s inner turmoil with such earnestness. The same goes for the Duncan and Slate, each of whom possess a magnetic quality in front of the camera even in a packed ensemble.

What’s so impressive about this film is the depth of the decision that must be made when it comes to Mary, and how every character – lead and supporting, family members, Frank & Mary’s neighbor Roberta (Octavia Spencer), judges, and lawyers – all have a stake in what happens to young Mary, yet none of them go about handling the dilemma with selfish reasons, even though they absolutely are in opposing character’s eyes.

Through these characters, the movie thrusts the decision on the viewer with a “What would you do?” mentality that I haven’t seen in anything this deep since 2007’s Gone Baby Gone. We’re confronted with the reality that no one – ourselves included – really knows what the “right” way to bring Mary up is. All the while, Simonsen’s breezy soundtrack helps to painstakingly depict what is – or in some scenes, what could be – a better day for these characters.

I’ve thought about why I would give Gifted anything less than 5 stars. Maybe it would be because the movie was safe – but it wasn’t. The more I think back on it, the more I recognize its unexpected depth and appreciate the legitimacy and importance of its themes. Maybe it would be because the movie coerced me into a false state of sappiness – but it wasn’t sappy, and it wasn’t false. I genuinely cared for Mary, Frank, Roberta, and Miss Stevens (and even Evelyn towards the end).

Admittedly, I feel like I’ll get some backlash for rating this film so highly, which is why I’m doing my best to lay out why I do think this film is well worth your time. And I know I haven’t reviewed many movies lately, but the more I think about what it means to be a film critic, I’ve come to realize it’s less about speaking to your perception.

Don’t get me wrong – agree or disagree with me all you want, that’s your right. Email me and I’ll happily drop what I’m doing and discuss the merit of any film ad nauseam. However, what I am doing with this platform is speaking from my feelings and experience in an attempt to justify what I think about a movie.

When it comes to Gifted, I’ve got no complaints.

Rating: 5/5

2017 Oscar Predictions by AJ Beltis – Who Will Win and Who Should Win?

oscar predictions

As I write this, I sit in my room watching 2014’s Boyhood. Not too long ago, this movie was snubbed a rightful Best Picture win, losing to a film about the glam and the struggles of Hollywood stars.

Looks like history is about to repeat itself.

Don’t get me wrong – La La Land is a good film, but it’s a spectacular production wrapped in an all-too-conventional narrative. There’s plenty in there to love, but 2016 had even more to love from other movies, seldom of which were nominated for Best Picture.

As much as it pains me to admit, sometimes my opinion has no impact. I’m no member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, so my preference carries no real weight here. But I’ll make the case for why I’d vote a certain way if my vote counted on Oscar night.

I’ll also try to make my best guess as to who will win in the following categories. Finally, with so many movies overlooked this year, I’ll throw in a few names that I think should have made the cut this year in these categories.

Best Picture

Predicted Winner: La La Land

Everyone in the crowd will be shocked if La La Land doesn’t pick up the big win on Oscar night. It’s all about Hollywood – wonderful, difficult, magical Hollywood. Needless to say, it was a shoo-in months ago.

To be totally transparent, I did like La La Land a lot, and there were parts that I thought were just delightful. Emma Stone’s performance, the songs, and the production value are all marvelous. None of this can be knocked down by the next two big contenders – Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea.

I personally thought Hacksaw Ridge was a more tightly-made motion picture than La La Land, while Manchester by the Sea and Fences were more emotional, and Hidden Figures was more relevant and enjoyable. So while La La Land is a great film – in my opinion – it was not the best of the year. Moonlight was overrated, Lion and HoHW were good, and Arrival was simply “High School Spanish Class: The Movie.” I fully love just three movies on this year’s list, none of which are La La Land.

AJ’s Rankings

  1. Hacksaw Ridge
  2. Manchester by the Sea
  3. Fences
  4. Hidden Figures
  5. La La Land
  6. Moonlight
  7. Lion
  8. Hell or High Water
  9. Arrival

Should Have Been Nominated: The Birth of a Nation, Nocturnal Animals, The VVitch

Best Director

Predicted Winner: Damien Chazelle, La La Land

Damien Chazelle is a filmmaker talented beyond his years. With only two major movies under his belt, Chazelle is becoming one of the industry’s most renowned directors. I personally liked Whiplash a lot better and was a much more powerful endeavor overall, but his moviemaking passion is clear in this film as well. I’d love to see the Oscars split Picture and Director like they have in previous years, maybe giving this award to Lonnergan for MBTS or one of their competitors. But it seems like the La La Land craze is here to stay (at least until Sunday).

As for my opinion, I’ve got to show my cards and give props to Mel Gibson for helming the best war movie since Saving Private Ryan (or maybe ever, for that matter). Lonnergan, Jenkins, and Chazelle brought out fantastic performances from their casts, while Villeneuve – who misinterprets boredom for purposeful pacing – should not be on this list.

AJ’s Rankings

  1. Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge
  2. Chazelle, La La Land
  3. Lonnergan, Manchester by the Sea
  4. Jenkins, Moonlight
  5. Villeneuve, Arrival

Should Have Been Nominated: Parker – The Birth of a Nation, Ford – Nocturnal AnimalsFavreau – The Jungle Book, Craig – The Edge of Seventeen

Best Actor

Predicted Winner: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea

It’s a race to the finish between Affleck and Denzel! I found Denzel to be more entertaining to watch – which made his character’s mid-movie revelation that changes the course of the film all the more powerful. Affleck is equally as powerful – just in a much more subtle way. Denzel and his Hollywood buddies could rally for a strong finish, but Affleck was the early front-runner, so I’ll stick with the prediction for Affleck’s deserved win.

As for my preference, I’d love to see Affleck finish strong, especially since this role is not unfamiliar to Denzel (a Tony Award winner for the exact same role on Broadway). Andrew Garfield does some of his best work in Hacksaw, and Gosling gets the classic nomination-by-association for La La Land. I have yet to see Captain Fantastic, yet have heard nothing but good things about Mortensen and the movie.

AJ’s Rankings

  1. Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
  2. Denzel Washington, Fences
  3. Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
  4. Ryan Gosling, La La Land
    Also Nominated: Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic

Should Have Been Nominated: Joel Edgerton – LovingSunny Pawar – Lion

Best Actress

Predicted Winner: Emma Stone, La La Land

As good as I have tried to be about seeing movies this year, I missed out on a few – notably Elle, Jackie, and Florence Foster Jenkins. So…#TeamEmma? I’m just mad that Hailee Steinfeld missed the mark here for The Edge of Seventeen, as did Taraji P. Hensen for Hidden Figures, though I speak with less confidence here because I’m suggesting these two replace performances that I haven’t seen yet.

Best Supporting Actor

Predicted Winner: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

I’ve kind of hated the supporting categories these past few years. This year is no different. With a short yet respectable performance in Moonlight, Mahershala Ali is set to take the stage on Sunday.

I don’t think this was the best supporting male performance of 2016 – nor the best performance in Moonlight for that matter. The Academy also nominated the wrong actors from Nocturnal Animals, Lion, and Hell or High Water. That said, I honestly don’t care who the win goes to this year because I know it’s not going to my preference – the bare and moving performance from Lucas Hedges in Manchester by the Sea.

AJ’s Rankings

  1. Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea

4-way tie for “Who cares?”: Michael Shannon – Nocturnal Animals, Mahershala Ali – Moonlight, Dev Patel – Lion, Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water

Should Have Been Nominated: John Goodman – 10 Cloverfield Lane, Aaron Taylor-Johnson – Nocturnal Animals

Best Supporting Actress

Predicted Winner: Viola Davis, Fences

Viola hands in quite a performance in Fences, and all bets should be on her. Her one point of weakness is that she – like Denzel – has performed this role before and has already been awarded for it.

My personal preference goes to Naomi Harris, who gave the actual best performance in Moonlight, ranging from vulnerable to vicious. Viola’s only real competition – however distant – is from Michelle Williams, who may be more of a front-runner had she been given a bit more screen time.

As for the other nominees…what exactly is Nicole Kidman doing here? I also feel the Academy nominated the wrong actress from Hidden Figures here – Janelle Monae had a more important and engaging story, plus a stronger on-screen presence.

AJ’s Rankings

  1. Naomi Harris, Moonlight
  2. Michelle Williams, Manchester by the Sea
  3. Viola Davis, Fences
  4. Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
  5. Nicole Kidman, Lion

Should Have Been Nominated: Amy Adams – Nocturnal AnimalsJanelle Monae – Hidden Figures

Best Original Screenplay

Predicted Winner: La La Land

I am predicting a win for La La Land, but I am praying for a win for Manchester by the Sea. Unquestionably, the least impressive aspect of La La Land was its screenplay. Its characters, their conflicts, and the central romance were noting special whatsoever. What was special, however, was Manchester by the Sea. It’s raw, heart-wrenching, and dares to go where few screenplays have – and it is done well. There is a chance this dark horse could be victorious. Until then, I’ll dream.

This category also includes the quirky and unique screenplay for The Lobster, which is probably too polarizing for a win. 20th Century Women’s screenplay was an earnest endeavor, and the last half hour of that film was cinematic bliss. That said, it lacks the punch of the two frontrunnners of MBTS and La La Land. Hell or High Water also had quite a sincere screenplay, but faces a tough sea of competition.

AJ’s Rankings

  1. Manchester by the Sea
  2. 20th Century Women
  3. The Lobster
  4. La La Land
  5. Hell or High Water

Should Have Been Nominated: The Birth of a Nation, The Edge of Seventeen, Zootopia, Sing Street

Best Adapted Screenplay

Predicted Winner: Moonlight

The only reason I am slightly okay with the probability of Moonlight winning is because that means Arrival won’t. Fences’ dialogue and story structure were truly astounding, but doesn’t have too strong a shot compared the the previously-mentioned scripts. Hidden Figures was a bit too much of a crowd-pleaser, and God forbid the Academy recognizes one of those. Lion was a moving picture, but that’s more to do with its editing, directing, and acting compared to its screenplay.

AJ’s Rankings

  1. Fences
  2. Hidden Figures
  3. Moonlight
  4. Lion
  5. Arrival

Should Have Been Nominated: Nocturnal Animals, Loving

And now, the rest of the nominees for feature film…

Best Cinematography
Prediction: La La Land
Preference: Arrival

Best Costume Design
Prediction: La La Land
Preference: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Best Film Editing
Prediction: La La Land
Preference: Hacksaw Ridge

Best Production Design
Prediction: La La Land
Preference: Passengers

Best Original Score
Prediction: La La Land
Preference: La La Land

Best Original Song
Prediction: La La Land (City of Stars) 
Preference: Trolls (Can’t Stop the Feeling)

Best Sound Editing
Prediction: Hacksaw Ridge
Preference: Hacksaw Ridge

Best Sound Mixing
Prediction: La La Land
Preference: Hacksaw Ridge

Best Visual Effects
Prediction: The Jungle Book
Preference: The Jungle Book

Best Animated Feature
Prediction: Zootopia
Preference: Zootopia

Best Makeup & Hairstyling
Prediction: Star Trek Beyond

Tallied Predictions

La La Land: 11
Moonlight: 2
Fences: 1
Hacksaw Ridge
: 1
The Jungle Book: 1
Manchester by the Sea
: 1
Star Trek Beyond: 1
Zootopia: 1