The 2020 Oscars air Sun., Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. on ABC. After a high-quality year of movies and performances, here’s who will — and who should — bring home the big prize at the 92nd Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay in “1917.”APBest Picture:
Will win:“1917”
Should win: “1917”
The WWI epic with a jaw-dropping, one-take style reminds audiences why it’s worth it to get off the couch and go to a movie theater.
Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker.”Niko TaverniseBest Actor:
Will win: Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
Should win: Antonio Banderas, “Pain and Glory”
Banderas does heartbreaking work here that ranks with his best. Phoenix, on the other hand, relies on tics and a baby voice.
Renée Zellweger in “Judy.”APBest Actress:
Will win: Renée Zellweger, “Judy”
Should win: Renée Zellweger, “Judy”
Any comeback is hard. A comeback to glory is damn near impossible. Zellweger has made the latter look easy.
Laura Dern and Scarlett Johansson in “Marriage Story.”Wilson WebbBest Supporting Actress:
Will win: Laura Dern, “Marriage Story”
Should win: Florence Pugh, “Little Women”
Pugh’s complex turn made the villainous Amy March into a sympathetic human. And it only took six film adaptations to do it.
Brad Pitt in “Once Upon a Time in … Hollywood.”APBest Supporting Actor:
Will win: Brad Pitt, “Once Upon A Time In … Hollywood”
Should win: Joe Pesci, “The Irishman”
Sure, it’s not as sexy as Pitt’s dumb ’70s hunk — but Joe Pesci’s soft-spoken performance as Russell Bufalino is simply on another level.
Sam Mendes (center) on the set of “1917.”APBest Director:
Will Win: Sam Mendes, “1917”
Should win: Sam Mendes, “1917”
Bong Joon Ho would also be a worthy winner for “Parasite,” but when it comes to marrying scorching visuals and acting, Mendes has the edge.
Sun-kyun Lee and Yeo-jeong Jo in “Parasite.”NEON CJ EntertainmentBest International Film:
Will win:“Parasite” (South Korea)
Should win: “Parasite”
More so than just about any foreign film since “Life Is Beautiful,” the brilliant “Parasite” has been enthusiastically embraced by regular moviegoers. That’s a feat.
Taron Egerton as Elton John in “Rocketman.”APBest Song:
Will win: “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from “Rocketman,” (music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin)
“Should win: “I’m Gonna Love Me Again”
Besides being, ya know, Elton John, it’s a nice consolation prize for the fact that this solid movie — and lead actor Taron Egerton — were otherwise snubbed.
