Oscars 2018 – Who Should Win

So the day is quickly approaching! Just two days to go until the most prestigious awards in cinema are handed out. The Oscars are this Sunday.
It’s been a truly remarkable year for cinema. There have been lots of wonderful films and, in an ideal world, they should all be recognised.
But, as we all know, there is always one film that stands out as the favourite. This year that film seems to be Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Anyway, enough of who will win. We will be reporting on the winners the morning after the ceremony. So we’re going to do something a bit different in this post.
If I had it my way, these would be the recipients of this year’s top prizes. If only, if only…
Best Picture
The shiny golden man statuette will most probably go to either ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ or ‘The Shape of Water’.
Who should win? ‘Get Out’ or ‘Call Me By Your Name’.

Get Out has to be one of the most ground-breaking and thought-provoking films of the year. ‘Call Me By Your Name’ is one of the most moving and un-clichéd romances in recent years and a truly beautiful film.
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Frances McDormand has so far swept up all the prizes for her turn as vengeful mother Mildred in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’.
Who should win? Sally Hawking in The Shape of Water.

Sally Hawkins’ role as mute janitor Elisa who falls in love with a amphibian-like man is, honestly, one of the most enchanting performances of the last few years. With no words, just by her facial expressions and gestures, Sally Hawkins manages to deliver a memorable performance.
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Gary Oldman is bound to collect his first-ever Oscar on Sunday night for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in ‘Darkest Hour’.
Who should win? Timothée Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name.

There is no doubt in my mind. This young actor has literally come out of nowhere and delivered a performance that will stick with many for years to come. Chalamet’s turn as Elio, especially the closing scenes, is enough to include him on a list of nominees that include the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Allison Janney has so far won every award in that category for her role as figure ice skater Tonya Harding’s mother in ‘I, Tonya’.
Who should win? Allison Janney in ‘I, Tonya’ or Laurie Metcalf in ‘Lady Bird’.

Allison Janney has been in so many amazing films and always delivers wonderful performances. It seems quite incredible that this is her first nomination. On the other hand, Laurie Metcalf’s turn as Lady Bird’s mother is very moving.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Sam Rockwell remains the favourite to take home this award for his role as a racist cop in ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’.
Who should win? Willem Dafoe in The Florida Project.

‘The Florida Project’ is a film that is perfect in its simplicity and, since this is the only Oscar nod it has received, Willem Dafoe should win. That is not the only reason though – Dafoe delivers one of his best performances in recent years as concerned and caring motel manager Bobby. The performance is both captivating and incredibly textured.
Best Director
Guillermo del Toro is expected to win for his remarkable work on ‘The Shape of Water’. I would be happy if the award went to Guillermo del Toro but a part of me would love it if the award went to Christopher Nolan for his work on the incredibly gripping war epic ‘Dunkirk’.

Best Adapted Screenplay
The ‘Call Me By Your Name’ script by James Ivory, adapted from the novel of the same name by André Aciman, seems to be the favourite as it has won the award in that category at other ceremonies. I wouldn’t have it any other way. The script for ‘Molly’s Game’ was also exceptional but there is something incredibly powerful about the monologues in Luca Guadagnino’s film and some of the shorter but incredibly powerful lines.

Best Original Screenplay
‘Get Out’ and ‘Three Billboards’ are the two main contenders for the award this year. Awards for writing have gone to both Jordan Peele and Martin McDonagh during awards season. If I had it my way, the award would go to Jordan Peele for his amazing script for horror/comedy ‘Get Out’ and yet Lady Bird could sneak through and win Greta Gerwig her first Academy Award for the incredibly witty and heart warming script for her directorial debut Lady Bird.

Films like ‘Dunkirk’ and ‘Blade Runner 2049’ should be recognised in the sound, film editing, cinematography and visual effects categories because of their remarkable achievements. ‘Darkest Hour’ should win Best Make-Up and Hairstyling and ‘Phantom Thread’ should be recognised for the incredible work of their costume design department.
> Naomi Round