The Reel: 2017 Academy Awards Predictions

The best of 2016, this Feb. 26

La+La+Land%2C+starring+Emma+Stone+and+Ryan+Gosling%2C+is+nominated+for+14+Academy+Awards%2C+including+Best+Picture%2C+Best+Director%2C+and+Best+Original+Soundtrack.+%28Photo+courtesy+of+Lionsgate%29

“La La Land,” starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, is nominated for 14 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Soundtrack. (Photo courtesy of Lionsgate)

On Monday night, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed their nominations for the 2017 Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars.

Oscars are more than just golden statues; they represent the culmination of hundreds of hours of hard work, creativity, ingenuity and talent. The individuals awarded on Feb. 26 will carry that honor throughout their entire careers and be held up to a higher standard than ever before.

For filmmakers, the Oscars mean both a ticket to success and a huge responsibility, to inspire, entertain and express.

I need not tell you how much film means to me. I grew up with movies; they shaped who I am today. To win an Academy Award is to hold a representation of influence and creativity. 2016 gave us numerous amazing films, many of which I found hugely entertaining.

Before I begin listing my personal opinions on which/who should win what, I just want to establish that no, I have not seen all of the nominated films. However, I have seen many of them, so keep in mind that this is a limited-perspective expression of belief and opinion.

So, without further ado, here are my personal picks/predictions for the 2017 Academy Awards.

 

Best Live Action Short Film: Haven’t seen any of the nominations

Best Animated Short Film: Piper, Alan Barillaro, Marc Sondheimer

Best Documentary Short Subject: Haven’t seen any of the nominations

Best Documentary Feature: *write-in*: Weiner, Josh Kriegman, Elyse Steinberg

Best Visual Effects: Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean, Brad Schiff, Kubo and the Two Strings

Best Sound Editing: Sylvain Bellemare, Arrival

Best Sound Mixing: Ai-Ling Lee, Andy Nelson, Steven Morrow, La La Land

Best Original Song: “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, La La Land

Best Original Score: Justin Hurwitz, La La Land

Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Joel Harlow, Richard Alonzo, Star Trek: Beyond

Best Costume Design: Mary Zophres, La La Land

Best Production Design: David Wasco, Sandy Reynolds-Wasco, La La Land

Best Film Editing: Tom Cross, La La Land

Best Cinematography: Linus Sandgren, La La Land

Best Foreign Language Film: Toni Erdmann

Best Animated Feature Film: Zootopia, Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Clark Spencer

Best Adapted Screenplay: August Wilson, Fences

Best Original Screenplay: Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthymis Filippou, The Lobster

Best Director: Damien Chazelle, La La Land

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Naomie Harris, Moonlight

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Emma Stone, La La Land

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea or Denzel Washington, Fences (I’m torn)

Best Motion Picture of the Year: La La Land