The best picture award will go to ‘The Brutalist.’ Overall, each film nominated has had a lot of buzz this season. While some films were snubbed, the academy nominated some of the most talked about films this year. With nominations for “The Substance,” “Anora,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Wicked,” “The Brutalist,” and “Emilia Perez.” Nominations were also given to “Sing, Sing,” directed by Greg Kwedar tells the story of incarcerated men who escape that reality by joining a theater group. “Dune: Part Two,” directed by Dennis Villenueve, continues the story of Paul Atreides’ journey through the deserts of Arrakis. “Nickel Boys,” directed by RaMell Ross, based on the book, introduces Elwood Curtis’ college dreams being crushed after being sent to a reformatory school in the Jim Crow South. He meets Turner, and they find optimistic outlooks on the situation they’ve been put in. Lastly, “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles was nominated for best picture. After her husband’s disappearance, Eunice Paiva struggles to discover the truth behind his absence, while attempting to keep her family strong. I ultimately believe Best Picture will be awarded to “The Brutalist.” The exclusivity of the movie has caused it to be very desirable. People were trying to watch it any way they could, and it just recently has become available in local theaters weeks after its release. The historical drama stands out as captivating and complex with its themes and characters. The volume of it is hard to compare with the other films as well. With its ten nominations for this Oscar season, I believe it will take the biggest award of the night.

For best actor in a leading role, Adrien Brody will receive it for ‘The Brutalist.’ There are vast differences in the approaches taken by the Actors nominated for this award. There’s Colman Domingo in “Sing, Sing,” and Sebastian Stan in “The Apprentice.” While both performances were impressionable, the other three have taken audiences by storm. It’s easy to applaud Timothee Chalamet for his role as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” He’s been preparing for this role for the last five years, to learn Bob Dylan’s songs and mannerisms, so he could mimic them himself. Then you have Ralph Fiennes in “Conclave,” exploring his struggles with reforms made in the Catholic Church. On the other hand, there’s “The Brutalist” which has not made itself easy to view in local theaters. The three and a half hour long film features Adrien Brody’s character moving to a post-war America to create a new life for him and his family. His performance has been recognized as the best in this category for the Golden Globes, with his ability to emphasize the rekindling and belonging his character had found on his journey. Out of the top three, Brody’s ability to make the three hour movie a truly immersive experience was incredible. None of the other actors’ performances nominated for long films have held up, and his lead with The Academy already shows that he has a high chance of winning.

Best actress in a leading role belongs to Mikey Madison for “Anora.” This category is filled with a variety of acting styles that are vastly different and hard to compare. Cynthia Erivo led as Elphaba in “Wicked” bringing a new light to the stage version. Demi Moore has been acting since the 80’s, but has never won an Oscar. Her role in “The Substance” leaves audiences with a different perspective on beauty standards, and how objectification can control someone. Moore won this award at the Golden Globes, so there is a high chance The Academy will make the same decision. But, my hope is for this award to go to Mikey Madison for her portrayal of Ani in “Anora.” This film is very vulnerable and focuses on the dangers of a “too good to be true” experience. When things go sideways for Ani, Madison’s portrayal of her struggles is a crazy, sad, and hilarious experience as a viewer. It’s easy to support her character because she is trying her best to overcome the obstacles she faces. Regardless of who wins, Madison is new to the game, and I know that Hollywood has good things coming her way.