It’s that time of the year, the nominations are out and we’re here to battle and talk about it. 

So, Andres and Arianne are here. We’re going to talk about these nominations. Let’s talk about these things. From the list we have below, we will be talking about them from the bottom to the top, ending with us talking aboutBest Picture. 

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Best Picture

• The Father
• Judas and the Black Messiah
• Mank
• Minari
• Nomadland
• Promising Young Woman
• Sound of Metal
• The Trail of the Chicago Seven

Actor in a Leading Role

• Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal
• Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
• Anthony Hopkins, The Father
• Gary Oldman, Mank
• Steven Yeun, Minari

Actor in a Leading Role

• Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal
• Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
• Anthony Hopkins, The Father
• Gary Oldman, Mank
• Steven Yeun, Minari

Actress in a Leading Role

• Viola Davis, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
• Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday
• Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman
• Frances McDormand, Nomadland
• Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Sacha Baron Cohen, The Trial of the Chicago Seven
• Daniel Kaluuya, Judas and the Black Messiah
• Leslie Odom, Jr., One Night in Miami
• Paul Raci, Sound of Metal
• Lakeith Stanfield, Judas and the Black Messiah

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
• Glenn Close, Hillbilly Elegy
• Olivia Colman, The Father
• Amanda Seyfried, Mank
• Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari

Directing

• Thomas Vinterberg, Another Round
• David Fincher, Mank
• Lee Isaac Chung, Minari
• Chloe Zhao, Nomadland
• Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman

Cinematography

• Judas and the Black Messiah
• Mank
• News of the World
• Nomadland
• The Trial of the Chicago Seven

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

• Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
• The Father
• Nomadland
• One Night in Miami
• The White Tiger

Writing (Original Screenplay)

• Judas and the Black Messiah
• Minari
• Promising Young Woman
• Sound of Metal
• The Trail of the Chicago Seven

Film Editing

• The Father
• Nomadland
• Promising Young Woman
• Sound of Metal
• The Trial of the Chicago Seven

International Feature Film

• Another Round
• Better Days
• Collective
• The Man Who Sold His Skin
• Quo Vadis, Aida?

Animated Feature Film

• Onward
• Over the Moon
• A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
• Soul
• Wolfwalkers

Animated Short Film

• Burrow
• Genius Loci
• If Anything Happens
• Opera
• Yes People

Music (Original Song)

• “Fight For You,” Judas and the Black Messiah
• “Hear My Voice,” The Trail of the Chicago Seven
• “Husavik,” Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
• “Io Si,” The Life Ahead
• “Speak Now,” One Night in Miami

Music (Original Score)

• Da Five Bloods
• Mank
• Minari
• News of the World
• Soul

Sound

• Greyhound
• Sound of Metal
• Mank
• News of the World
• Soul

Documentary Feature

• Collective
• Crip Camp
• The Mole Agent
• My Octopus Teacher
• Time

Documentary Short Subject

• Colette
• A Concerto Is a Conversation
• Do Not Split
• Hunger Ward
• A Love Song For Latasha

Makeup and Hairstyling

• Emma
• Hillbilly Elegy
• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
• Mank
• Pinocchio

Costume Design

• Emma
• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
• Mank
• Mulan
• Pinocchio

Live Action Short Film

• Feeling Through
• The Letter Room
• The Present
• Two Distant Strangers
• White Eye

Production Design

• The Father
• Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
• Mank
• News of the World
• Tenet

Visual Effects

• Love and Monsters
• The Midnight Sky
• Mulan
• The One and Only Ivan
• Tenet

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A legend: Andres will be italicized and Arianne will be bolded.

First up, Visual Effects

So I haven’t seen most of these films. To be fair, Love and Monsters is the only film that I’m upset I haven’t seen yet. I’m not running anywhere to see The One and Only Ivan. That being said, I didn’t really care for Tenet. It’s Nolan’s weakest film but the way he talked about it was going to save movie theatres, and it really didn’t. I wouldn’t be upset if it won, but I’m still rooting for Love and Monsters in a way.

I am so happy that Love and Monsters got some love because that is a movie that unfortunately got killed at release because of the pandemic and it deserved so much more attention. I am laughing at Mulan because I know it’s Disney and was always going to get some love but the fact that it’s getting a nomination for visual effects when I was laughing at them while watching it. I didn’t care for Tenet either in all honesty, but I understand why it’s there and, at least to me, will probably win. I haven’t seen The One and Only Ivan or The Midnight Sky so I can’t really talk about them.

Next up, Production Design

And that’s two for Tenet, and that’s it for them. Thankfully they never got Sound (which is sadly now one category). This is a category that isn’t really surprising, it feels pretty safe and normal. Though I haven’t seen The Father, I still think that Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom or even Mank could end up winning this. It’s always the period pieces and dedication to it all that they go after at least.

I want The Father to win this, the production design in this film is a character in itself, integral to the story. (My review for the film will be out later this week on the site.) I could see Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom or Mank winning, especially Mank which I think will get shut out of the big categories so they might take a lot of the production side of things. But I really want The Father to win. (Just not Tenet please.)

Admittedly, we haven’t seen any of the short films, so we’ll be skipping those. Next up, Costume Design.

It’s a bit upsetting that they’re not giving the film its proper title, it’s called Emma. not Emma, but I digress. I know you and Alex had your issues with the film, and I have a few, but I like it more as I think about it, and the costumes are to die for. But again, between Mank and Ma Rainey’s, it’s a bit of a toss-up on who can walk away with it. Also, Pinnochio comes in out of nowhere and makes an appearance. I could see them getting it too. I’m just here to also state that if Mank wins anything this year, I’m hoping it’s one of these below the line awards and not one of the bigger awards. (Love you Fincher, but not this year, sorry).

Honestly, I can’t judge Emma. because I fell asleep in it… And I don’t really think it’s because I was bored, but simply because I was tired. In all honesty, I can’t see Emma. win next to Mank and Ma Rainey’s. But also the Oscars love to throw weird choices at times and I wouldn’t be surprised if something like Pinnochio (I didn’t even know this movie existed) or even Mulan wins. 

Pinnochio is an Italian film with Roberto Benigni. I remember hearing about it, and seeing the trailer and being creeped out and then heard nothing else until reviews and awards came in. And the major consensus was “this exists?”

Interesting, so it really came out of nowhere…

Basically.

Next up, Makeup and Hairstyling.

Give it to Hillbilly. 

You can make Glenn Close and Amy Adams look like that, why not?

Yeah right. Anyway.  Ma Rainey’s, for sure. But you do make a good point, might actually push them to win the award with that logic so let’s not be that loud as we talk about it.

God, I hope it doesn’t win. I mean, I get it they did a phenomenal job, but let’s not reward this movie, please. And yeah, I want Ma Rainey’s to win, it’s a deserved win there. And I can use the same logic with Ma Rainey’s with Viola Davis so it works.

We haven’t found the time (not a pun) to watch any of the docs, so next up, Sound.

Sound of Metal. Sound of Metal. Sound of Metal. Not just because it’s in the name, no other film uses it to be part of the story and film we’re watching. It’s crucial, and it’s incredible. So well done. Soul might potentially be able to have a fighting chance and I didn’t see either of the Tom Hanks period pieces. Are they period pieces? I think they are. Regardless, I feel this has to go to Sound of Metal.

I am so mad that sound is now just one category. Just needed to say it. Because sound mixing and sound editing are two very different things. But that’s just the filmmaking side of me having a fit… I will say if anything but Sound of Metal wins, I will lose my mind. It’s their category, I don’t care. Sure Soul could come in and win, but it shouldn’t. This is Sound of Metal all the way through.

Next up, Music (Original Score).

Well, Da 5 Bloods is nominated. For something, at least. It’s not nearly enough. I feel like it’s clear, but Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are walking away with an Oscar this year. Between the two nominations. The only difference is, is Jon Baptiste also walking away with an Oscar? I hope so, I think the Soul score is pretty spectacular. I appreciate the effort the duo went into making the Mank score but it’s not a stand-out score for me. Minari’s score is pretty too, but this sadly isn’t the Oscar they’re getting.

I hate that Da 5 Bloods isn’t getting more love. I think it’s all because of Netflix and the fact that unfortunately, they released it at the wrong time and after Chadwick’s passing decided to push Ma Rainey’s instead. But that is another story. I think Soul will take this, I would love for Minari to win but I don’t think it will. In all honesty, any of these films could win and I would not be mad about it, even News of The World which I haven’t seen.

Next up, Music (Original Song)

I wanna start by saying I am so excited that “Husavik” from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is there.

I haven’t seen Eurovision but I’m surprised after all the talk I’ve seen about it, it’s not “Jaja Ding Dong” that’s nominated. That’s the big one everyone was talking about at least. I’ve written a few reviews this year while listening to Leslie Odom Jr’s “Speak Now” for One Night In Miami, it’s simple, subdued and packs a punch. Maybe not as much as Judas’ song, but something about giving another award to Leslie is exciting to me.

I’m not surprised that “Jaja Ding Dong” wasn’t pushed, because Husavik is truly the more “Oscar Contention” song. But we will forever be robbed of Will Ferrell performing it at the ceremony and for that I am sad.

That makes sense, watching the clip now of Jaja Ding Dong, it won’t work at the ceremony. Or it could if they want audience participation. Give us a medley you cowards.

But, I agree, I want Leslie to win this for “Speak Now”. I want to be able to say that he is only missing an Emmy and would be an EGOT winner. I just love him so much, I want him to win everything. 

Maybe he might win an Emmy for Central Park. Probably not, but maybe. 

They don’t really give Emmy’s for voice acting, which is stupid.

He was nominated for it last year. Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance. But he lost to Maya Rudolph in Big Mouth. 

Oh, interesting. Maybe then, maybe!

He’ll get it one day. 

Next up, Animated Feature Film.

So I haven’t seen Wolfwalkers, but I know I should. I think it’s still safe that Pixar will take it, once again. I loved Onward, but with Soul. It would be cool for Apple, home of Ted Lasso, to get their first Oscar, but I don’t think it’ll be here, but it could very well be between those two.

I want Wolfwalkers to win. I know, Soul will probably win and deserves it, but I want Wolfwalkers. Honestly, nothing but Soul or Wolfwalkers have a shot of winning this…

I don’t see any of the other three having a fighting chance. I have heard great things about both Over the Moon and Farmageddon.

Over the Moon was really great, but again, Netflix only pushed for one of their films and it wasn’t Over the Moon.

Valid.

Next up, International Feature Film.

It goes without saying, I need this to go to Another Round. Mads in this is next-level good. As if he’s ever not, but what a rollercoaster of a ride with a beautiful love letter to Vinterberg’s daughter. There’s also something about day drinking that speaks to our lives in a COVID world.

Thank you Oscars for not putting Minari in this category. And I have only seen Another Round and I didn’t love it like you did, but I think it’s the only one that I can see winning. I will try and watch the others before the ceremony, so this might change, but I think Another Round will take this.

Next up, Film Editing.

I feel as if it might go between Promising Young Woman or Sound of Metal. Trial is moderately abysmal. Like, it was a fine movie but deserved none of this praise. Love you Kelvin, your parts are solid, but it’s a bit of a mess. But it’s mostly that it’s passable, it’s enjoyable while on screen and I think Sorkin pats himself on the back for trying to stay part of the conversation while also trying to get ahead of the conversation. Without Sorkin’s name, I think this would have been either buried or forgotten.

See, I disagree. I think this is where we will see the start of the Nomadland sweep. I love Sound of Metal and Promising Young Woman but I think Nomadland will sweep this ceremony in all honesty. I also would love The Father to win because with a non-linear storytelling, the editing is crucial, but again the Oscars gave editing to Bohemian Rhapsody a few years ago when The Favourite was right there, so don’t be surprised if The Trial of the Chicago Seven wins.

Yeah, they make a lot of mistakes sometimes. *Has flashbacks to The Film Queue days when The Revenant won*

Next up, Writing (Original Screenplay)

I mean, I think we all know what I’m hoping for but in all honesty, it’s almost a perfect category.

It is. I don’t know who will win this one. All of them are great. And I am so happy Minari is getting so much love.

I’m hoping it’s not Sorkin, not for this.

They love Sorkin, so it might be.

But, Darius Marder. Put together an excellent film, Lee Isaac Chung’s script about something so American and pure to the immigrant story. Judas’ film perfectly mirrors and mimics Jesus and Judas, and Promising Young Woman, an explosive feature to say the least. I’ll be anxiously waiting to see who gets it, and as long as it’s not Sorkin, I’ll be happy.

I agree. Anything but Sorkin and I will be happy. Which is weird for me to say because Sorkin is one of my favourite writers…

He’s definitely one of mine, but it just feels like a miss.

But I will say, the only miss is where the hell is Da 5 Bloods?

No love for Da 5 Bloods. Or Mank, which I’m surprised. I didn’t want it to win, but I would have liked Jack Fincher to have been nominated for an Oscar, that could have been sweet. Make it six nominations, get rid of Trial, put in Da 5 Bloods and Mank.

Next up, Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

One Night in Miami, let’s go. But I’m deeply saddened at no Kaufman! I’m Thinking of Ending Things took a very hard book to adapt and did it expertly well. Kaufman brought some of his own self into it. I don’t want Borat to win. How does a semi-documentary get nominated for screenplay? Make it make sense. But also, Nomadland is probably winning.

Yeah, this is Nomadland. I can’t see anything else winning. Maybe One Night in Miami, but like I said, I think Nomadland will sweep. Also, I am surprised The White Tiger got in there…

Agreed. I was surprised. Go Ramin Bahrani. Festival darling, I haven’t seen most of his films but I saw 99 Homes and quite liked that.

Next up, Cinematography.

Okay so. It’s Nomadland. I mean, Sean Bobbitt could come in and take it. But it’s Nomadland. 

Yeah, nothing but Nomadland has a shot. But again… Where is Da 5 Bloods! Also why the hell is Chicago Seven here, the cinematography is boring.

I might have allowed Erik Messerschmidt for Mank, but yeah. Nomadland. And also, Trial’s cinematography is simple, plain and not fun to look at, in the slightest. 

Mank at least had some interesting shots. Chicago Seven was just by the number cinematography.

Admittedly, I still think about the shot with the coin, or the bottle. 

Next up, Directing.

Where is Regina King? Where is Spike Lee? Where is Shaka King? I love that Thomas and Lee Isaac got in there but the lack of black directors is shocking.

I wanted to make a comment about the lack of royalty considering Regina King and Shaka King were ignored. I’m super glad that Sorkin didn’t get nominated. 

I mean, we all know who is winning this, it’s Chloe’s award but still.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they split it. I can actually see it going to Lee Isaac Chung.

I would love for Lee Isaac Chung to win. But I don’t think anyone but Chloe Zhao has a shot. She has swept the award season. (And you know Marvel is so excited to drop that Eternals trailer as soon as she wins.) Also excited that Emerald got some love, two female directors in this category is a good thing.

It could have been 3 with Regina. Should have been three.

Yes, it should have. But I am happy a woman is probably going to win because only one has ever won and that is such a disgrace.

Next up, Actress in a Supporting Role.

Hahahahaha. Hillbilly snuck in. 

Glenn Close nominated for an Oscar and a Razzie for the same performance. What a year we are in.

Just for the record before continuing. Fuck the Razzie’s.

Yes, fuck them. But I just hope that Glenn doesn’t win an Oscar for such a movie. I get it, she should have an Oscar already but god, please don’t do this to her.

Anyway, not that awful. Seyfried got in, Maria is actually nominated for Borat (what a MINDFUCK of a sentence). Was the first film nominated?

Yes, Borat was nominated but only for Screenplay. Sasha did win the Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy but was not nominated for the Oscars. I will be honest, the Actresses categories (both Supporting and Leading) are just a mindfuck this year. I have no clue who will win. But I did scream when I saw that Yuh-Jung Youn got nominated for her role in Minari.

I’m hoping for Maria if I’m being honest. She risked her life for this Oscar.

Honestly, I hope so too. I think her, Yuh-Jung or Amanda would make me happy. Just not Glenn.

It’s the writing category again, literally anyone but Sorkin.

Next up, Actor in a Supporting Role.

Alright, here’s some bullshit. LaKeith isn’t supporting. He wasn’t submitted as supporting, but somehow he’s there. It’s upsetting because I think this will split the vote, and now Daniel isn’t going to win his Oscar and instead, Sasha is going to fucking win for TRIAL OF CHICAGO SEVEN. Of all things.

Why is LaKeith in the supporting category? They campaigned for Lead… I will still hope that Daniel will win because he deserves it and I want him to win. But I agree, this will split the vote. I am happy that Paul Raci got in for Sound of Metal but WHY IS LAKEITH IN SUPPORTING.

I’m very happy that Raci got in for Sound of Metal. And I hope that Daniel gets it, or even LaKeith if I’m being honest. Just not Sasha.

I could see the Academy voting for Sasha a bit like they did for Alicia Vikander and her win. Voting for him because of Borat. (But also, he was the best part of Chicago Seven.)

Next up, Actress in a Leading Role.

I feel it’s either Carey or Frances, likely to go to Frances. 

Honestly, I have no clue who wins this… The Leading Actress category this year is so strong. I loved Andra, she was the only good thing about Billie Holiday but, I don’t want her to win for this film. I want Carey to finally get her Oscar if I am honest.

Frances has already won, let’s give it to Carey.

Exactly and Carey was so good in Promising Young Woman and it was so against type for her, give it to her.

Next up, Chadwick’s Award or Actor in a Leading Role. 

So yeah, I mean, I want Riz to win. Or Yeun winning could be sweet as well. But his name is already engraved on that award.

Yeah, this is all Chadwick. Look, we can argue that maybe he would not have won if he hadn’t passed, but I just think this was the best performance of the year and his career too. Which is insane because he also gave us a heartbreaking performance with Da 5 Bloods. And speaking of Da 5 Bloods WHERE IS DELROY LINDO???? The lack of love for Da 5 Bloods is making me so angry.

He was incredible in both performances. I sadly understand why they didn’t try to nominate him for Da 5 Bloods when Ma Rainey is right there. I’ve said it before but listening to Chadwick speak in Ma Rainey, was like music to my ears. The way he spoke felt like I was watching someone dance and sing. And then there’s Riz, who transforms in front of us. I first saw him like most in Nightcrawler (another film that was never nominated). And I mean, from the first frame to the last – I’m happy that he’s nominated, and that he’ll forever have that following him, and that more and more people will see his work because of it. I just think that if Chadwick hadn’t passed, it’d be Riz’s name they call.

I will say, I am happy with the representation in this category. 

Next up and the last one, Best Picture.

Okay, The Academy is just being rude now. You have two more spots… Just put One Night in Miami and Da 5 Bloods. Like honestly, I don’t get how these two films didn’t get more love… I mean, Nomadland is winning this, I could see Chicago Seven too because it is an Oscar-bait movie, but I just want Nomadland to win or Minari.

Yeah, I’m still kind of baffled about the slots for Best Picture. I think we should stick to ten. Or any number rather. I think 8 could be a solid number for every year, just pick a number, please. I don’t think that Trial is winning. Call it ignorance or something, but there’s no way it’s getting Best Picture. I would like Minari to win, but maybe we’ll see it on the night of and the momentum, but Nomadland is probably winning. 

Honestly, either or I will be happy. Both were fantastic and if Minari gets it over Nomadland I will not be mad about it.

Nor will I.

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That is all for us. What do you think of this year’s nomination? Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments!