Oscars Preview

The wait is almost over. Tomorrow we will find out who the Academy thinks should be recognized for achievement in film for 2019. I have to say, I was impressed with the accuracy of the nominees this year, and felt there were truly fewer snubs than in the NBA All Star game. I am not expecting the winners to deviate very far from predictions, and the winners will all assuredly be deserving. In a time when it's an honor just to be nominated, you could honestly make arguments in earnest that there are no less than two other deserving nominees, but that's not what matters. What matters is who wins. Tomorrow night, an actress will receive her second Oscar, and three people will receive their first (as actors).

Picture - 1917. Devastating and beautiful. The film is a true cinematic triumph and will be a model of excellence for several years to come.

Director - Sam Mendes. His visionary style created a breathtaking experience that honestly if you haven't seen it on the big screen, you really are missing out. 1917 is tremendous.

Cinematography - Roger Deakins. Anyone who can make a film appear done in two shots is a genius. I've loved his work for decades now.

Original Writing - Quentin Tarantino - Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The master of banal dialogue and quirky characters created one of the stronger contenders this year, thanks in large part to his two leads, but there is something mesmerizing about the dialogue of a Tarantino movie. It sucks you in, and before you know it, you're having a great time.

Adapted Screenplay - Todd Philips, Joker. One of the weaker categories this year, this is the one pick I'm less confident with. Joker was a controversial film, but understanding the intent of the vision and the execution of the character, all of the darkness is completely justified.

Supporting Actor - Brad Pitt. A completely effortless portrayal of a guy who is too cool to care about anything bothering him. Brad Pitt will get his long sought-after Oscar and he deserves it. This stage of his career is going to be fun to watch as he has limitless possibilities in front of him, although his producing career is more likely to churn out more golden statues.

Supporting Actress - Laura Dern. Marriage Story was a difficult movie to love because it was so heartbreaking. I do remember while watching just being in awe of Laura Dern commanding every ounce of attention with every scene she was in. She'd better thank Noah Baumbach first and foremost for writing that character into existence.

Actor - Joaquin Phoenix - A no-brainer this year, Joaquin has emerged with a haunting performance that makes you think about Heath Ledger's iconic portrayal of the clown prince of Gotham and genuinely struggle to decide who played it better. A ripe role, he's the perfect actor to pull it off, and one prediction is that his acceptance speech will be the wildest one of the night.

Actress - Renee Zellweger. Not my favorite film of the year, and not my favorite actress, but a home run performance. I wouldn't be upset if another actress won, but I also doubt it will happen. Sincerely.

2019 was a record-shattering year for film, and 1917, Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood, and Ford v Ferrari were the clear best films of the year. Avengers blew the box office out of orbit, and Midsommar left a mark as a guilty horror pleasure. Paddleton came and went on Netflix without so much as a mention, and the Peanut Butter Falcon raised my eyebrows to a Shia LeBeouf resurrection. His performance in Honey Boy is nothing to sneeze at either.

I'm already looking forward to 2020's delivery of goods. I'm just ready for the Trump Impeachment film. I'm guessing Adam McKay is working on something already and wouldn't be surprised if Russell Crowe or Christian Bale went after the role. With Meryl Streep as Nancy Pelosi, and Steve Carell as Adam Schiff? Just off the top of my head.