2019 Oscar Nominations: A First Look

Alright, you movie geek maniacs: the 2019 Oscar nominations were announced today, and we’re going to be taking a look at some of the categories we actually know a decent amount about and sticking our greasy little fingers into them to try and guess who’s going to win. Like last year, we’re going to take a look at who we think actually will take home the prize, and who we think should, because we’re contrarian snarkers at the best of times and the Oscars is far from that. Alright, to the nominations!

Best Picture
BlacKkKlansman
Black Panther
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Favourite
Green Book
Roma
A Star Is Born
Vice

What Will Win: Honestly, it would not shock me to see critical favourites A Star is Born or Bohemian Rhapsody walk away with this prize.

What Should Win: This is a really strong run of movies, but I would love to see the bold, original, woman-driven The Favourite take this one home. Also, sorry, I don’t know where else to put this, but: holy shit, Black Panther got a Best Picture nomination! I don’t think it was the best film of the year by far, but damn, I’m actually kind of here for that recognition. On yourself, Ryan Coogler and company.

Best Director
Alfonso Cuaron (Roma)
Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite)
Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman)
Adam McKay (Vice)
Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War)

Who Will Win: Spike Lee. And, you know, much as I love Yorgos Lanthimos distinctive and bold style, I think that Lee’s astonishing work on his latest falls under the What Should Win category as well. Black KkKlansman is honestly one of the most striking movies of the year, and comes with a timely and furious political message that deserves recognition.

Best Actor
Christian Bale (Vice)
Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born)
Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate)
Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody)
Viggo Mortensen (Green Book)

Who Will Win: Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody, if the previous awards season is anything to go by. Which, you know. Sure. Rami Malek is a good actor. I liked him better when he was doing a whole episode of dolphin noises in Bojack Horseman, to be honest. Also worth noting: Bradley Cooper getting a nod here and not in the directing category could be an attempt to put all his eggs in the basket the studio thinks he might actually win, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get it, either. Not shocked. Annoyed, though.

Who Should Win: Let’s be real, Christian Bale. He’s a fucking amazing actor taking on a fundamentally fascinating character. Give it to him.

Best Actress
Yalitza Aparicio (Roma)
Glenn Close (The Wife)
Olivia Colman (The Favourite)
Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born)
Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)

Who Will Win: I wouldn’t be surprised to see Glenn Close sneak this one for her amazing turn in the worthy, timely The Wife. And I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Lady Gaga grab her Oscar ear, since so many people seem determined to shower her with acting awards. But honestly, I think one woman has this in the bag, and that’s Who Should Win, Olivia Colman, for The Favourite. Colman is probably the best actress we have working today, and she needs her fucking Oscar already, people, come on.