This year’s Academy Awards ceremony is shaping up to be diverse, with everything from children’s films (“Hugo”) to raunchy rom-coms (“Bridesmaids”) to a silent film (“The Artist”) up for major awards. But who will actually win Oscar gold, and who will go home empty-handed? Check out our predictions to win all your Oscar-related betting!
Best Picture
With nine nominees this year (“War Horse,” “The Artist,” “Moneyball,” “The Descendants,” “The Tree of Life,” “Midnight in Paris,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”), this category might seem difficult to call at first. Will the academy honor this year’s awards show darling (“The Artist,” fresh off Directors and Producers Guild Awards) or choose something more popular (“Hugo,” “Midnight in Paris”)? Based on recent precedent, with “The King’s Speech” and “The Hurt Locker” taking home best picture the last two years—both well-reviewed films that weren’t widely seen—we think this is the year silent film makes a comeback in Hollywood.
Best Director
While it’s natural—and very likely—that Michel Hazanavicius will win for “The Artist” following his Directors Guild win, don’t count out Martin Scorsese for “Hugo.” He scored the upset in this category at the last Golden Globes, and his lush children’s film has been hailed as the best 3-D film ever made.
Best Actor
Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”) is a safe bet for his charismatic, silent performance. If you’re looking for an upset, don’t rule out Gary Oldman’s controlled, masterful performance in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” or George Clooney’s turn in “The Descendants.”
Best Actress
A few weeks ago, many saw this year as Meryl Streep’s best opportunity to finally win another Oscar. Though she’s been nominated more times than any other actress, she has not won since 1982 for “Sophie’s Choice.” Her stunning performance in “The Iron Lady” led many to think this would be her year. However, enter Viola Davis. Her powerful role in “The Help” has been catching eyes since last summer, and her recent SAG award has many people thinking she might get her first Oscar—and we agree.
Best Supporting Actor
This is Christopher Plummer’s (“Beginners”) award. A beloved Hollywood actor, more than 80 years old, who’s yet to win an Oscar? Count it. Though there’s a small chance Max von Sydow (“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”) could pull off an upset, Plummer’s the best bet.
Best Supporting Actress
In a category filled with a ton of fresh Hollywood talent (Jessica Chastain, Melissa McCarthy, Bérénice Bejo, Janet McTeer and Octavia Spencer), this category has been historically tough to call and often features huge upsets. However, we think odds are with Octavia Spencer this year. “The Help” is riding a huge wave of audience support and awards gold, and despite other big talent in this category, we think she’s the likely favorite.
Best Animated Feature
Since Pixar dropped the ball in 2011 with “Cars 2” (the studio’s first negatively-reviewed film), this year’s animated film category is wide open. “Rango” seems to be the favorite, but “A Cat in Paris,” a more indie release, could pull off a last-minute upset like “Spirited Away” did in 2002.
Best Original Screenplay
Even though “Bridesmaids” was a box-office smash and critical hit, it hasn’t done super well this awards season. Best Screenplay might be the raunchy comedy’s only chance to shine at the Oscars. However, it will have to beat Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris,” “The Artist” and J.C. Chandor’s “Margin Call” (which some think might get the award as a nod to the Occupy movement) to get the award. We’re hoping for an upset!
Best Adapted Screenplay
Critical darling “Hugo” is the best bet here, but this category might be the best chance for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” or “The Descendants” to pick up an award.