95th Academy Awards Predictions

Normally I'd have a big write up for my Oscar predictions, but life happens. So I'll keep it simple by posting my picks with little or no explanation. Hopefully, the Academy can focus on the films and not who slapped who and why. JV

Best Picture

"All Quiet on the Western Front” (Netflix)

"Avatar: The Way of Water” (20th Century Studios)

“The Banshees of Inisherin” (Searchlight Pictures)

“Elvis” (Warner Bros.)

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” (A24)

"The Fabelmans” (Universal Pictures)

“Tár” (Focus Features)

“Top Gun: Maverick” (Paramount Pictures)

"Triangle of Sadness” (Neon)

“Women Talking” (MGM/United Artists Releasing)

Who I Like: "Everything Everywhere All at Once"

Who I Think: "Everything Everywhere All at Once"

Dark Horse: "Top Gun: Maverick"

Best Director

Martin McDonagh (“The Banshees of Inisherin”)

Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”)

Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”)

Todd Field (“Tár”)

Ruben Östlund (“Triangle of Sadness”)

Who I Like: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

Who I Think: Todd Field

Dark Horse: Steven Spielberg

Imagine Spielberg being the greatest filmmaker of his generation (and arguably all time), yet he's a dark horse this year.

Best Actor

Austin Butler (“Elvis”)

Colin Farrell (“The Banshees of Inisherin”)

Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”)

Paul Mescal (“Aftersun”)

Bill Nighy (“Living”)

Who I Like: Brendan Fraser

Who I Think: Austin Butler

Dark Horse: Colin Farrell

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett (“Tár”)

Ana de Armas (“Blonde”)

Andrea Riseborough (“To Leslie”)

Michelle Williams (“The Fabelmans”)

Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”)

Who I Like: Michelle Yeoh

Who I Think: Cate Blanchett

Dark Horse: Cate Blanchett

Blanchett shouldn't be seen as a dark horse because she is actually a favorite. But Yeoh and EEAAO has been cleaning up during awards season.