CLEVELAND, Ohio – No matter how suspenseful you want this coming Sunday’s 89th Academy Awards to be, there are several awards that seem sewn up.
“La La Land” has become a massive favorite to win Best Picture (along with several other awards), while supporting actors Mahershala Ali (“Moonlight”) and Viola Davis (“Fences”) should definitely have their acceptance speeches ready.
Still, there are a few races that are close and could set the stage for a surprise come Sunday night:
Best Actress
With wins at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, Emma Stone has cemented herself as the favorite. The Academy Awards have also recently shown a willingness to honor young actresses in films that are also nominated for Best Picture (Jennifer Lawrence, Natalie Portman, Brie Larson, etc.). But don’t underestimate the slight backlash “La La Land” is getting. Stone is vulnerable, ever so slightly, to Isabelle Huppert in “Elle,” who has gotten her fair share of awards this season as well.
Best Actor
There was a time when Casey Affleck (“Manchester by the Sea”) seemed like a guarantee. But the SAG Awards said “Not so fast!” Affleck is going up against one of the most respected actors of all time in Denzel Washington. This could go either way. But Washington has become a slight favorite for his performance in “Fences.”
Best Original Screenplay
This is a key category for “La La Land” if it wants to tie the record for most wins at the Academy Awards. Right now, it’s not looking good, as “Manchester by the Sea” seems like a favorite (and the movie’s script is just better). But love for “La La Land” could lead voters to honor the film in just about any category possible.
Best Sound Editing
While “La La Land” very well could win Best Original Screenplay, it’s toughest hill to climb is Best Sound Editing, which typically goes to an action film. “Hacksaw Ridge” fits the mold this year and it’s also nominated for Best Picture, meaning voters will show Mel Gibson’s film respect.
Best Director
“La La Land’s” Damien Chazelle seems poised to win Best Director with his film being the favorite for Best Picture. But three of the past four years, voters have split the Best Picture and Director categories. Perhaps voters have been torn on the top film they want to honor or the achievements of a particular director are that staggering. Either way, it leaves room for Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”) to sneak in, given just how amazing his film actually is.
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