Not long now before the gongs! Time for our Oscars predictions.

Curtis Mason
Account Manager, VIC

Above: Frances McDormand stars in Nomadland

It’s every cinema lover’s favourite awards ceremony, and it’s finally coming to recognise the best of the best in film over the past hellfire of a year that was!

The movie industry’s night-of-nights has locked in its nominated hopefuls as we count down to the 93rd Academy Awards on Sunday 25th April (Monday 26th April at 10AM here in Aus).

The full list of nominations can be found here, but our cinephile rep Curt Mason has picked out his top 5 picks for sure-fire wins:

Best Picture, Best Director & Best Adapted Screenplay– Nomadland (in cinemas now)

This slow-burn beauty is currently gracing the big screen and showcasing the depth of human connection against the monumental and secluded backdrop of America’s wild west. I CANNOT recommend this film enough.

* Of note, Director Chloe Zhao has smashed through the celluloid ceiling and broken records to become the first woman ever to be nominated in four categories for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.

Best Actress – Carey Mulligan in Promising Young Woman (in limited cinemas now)

If you haven’t seen Promising Young Woman, do yourselves a favour and RUN out to the cinema before it disappears. Carey Mulligan leads with a powerhouse performance as tormented Cassie in this dish-best-served-cold revenge thriller.

Best Supporting Actor – Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah (in cinemas now)

Daniel Kaluuya has been praised for his raw and gripping performance in this retelling of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton’s betrayal by FBI informant William O’Neal. Bizarrely, Lakeith Stanfield who portrays O’Neal has also been nominated in the same category.

Best Supporting Actress – Olivia Coleman in The Father (in cinemas 1st April)

Olivia Coleman previously won Best Actress for 2018’s The Favourite and is back in a dominating performance as the daughter of an aging man (played by Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins) who appears to be slowly losing grip of reality.

Best International Film – Another Round (in limited cinemas now)

Director Thomas Vinterburg’s dark comedy details the lives of four high school teachers as they consume alcohol on a daily basis to see how it affects their social and professional lives. A heartfelt and touching film about appreciating life in all its ups and downs.