THE OSCARS 2026
Yes the Academy Awards can be dreadful to the cynical minded and it’s hard not to be cynical these days. Nevertheless, it’s that time of year again, so get over yourself and enjoy something ya grinch.
I made predictions some time ago which are listed below along side the actual winners. There are 24 categories, I guessed 11 right. Not great. I made more recent predictions for a competition at Matakana Cinemas and my predictions then were closer to the zeitgeist but probably still well off. Haven’t heard anything so probably not a winner.
BEST PICTURE
WINNER - One Battle After Another
PREDICTION - One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another is the 18th film to win the trifecta; The Golden Globe, The Bafta and The Oscar for Best Picture of some sort. That’s no mean feat and the other films in the list actually make quite the movie marathon I have yet to make. Starting with The Best Years Of Our Lives in 1946, films like Bridge On The River Kwai, Ben-Hur, Lawrence Of Arabia, followed in this tradition. Schindler’s List, Gladiator, 12 Years A Slave and Oppenheimer are scattered in there too. Big hitters. Memorable films. Arguably of course.
BEST ACTOR
WINNER - Michael B. Jordan
PREDICTION - Timothee Chalamet
I was surprised Chalamet didn’t win. But to be honest, I am glad he didn’t. His ego needs a check. But I was even more surprised Michael B. Jordan won, never thought of his performance as Oscar worthy. I also didn’t think Leo made an Oscar worthy performance. Never saw Blue Moon but I wish Ethan Hawke won it just because lol.
BEST ACTRESS
WINNER - Jessie Buckley
PREDICTION - Kate Hudson
I thought there maybe an upset but who was I kidding. I feel sorry for anyone else up against Jessie.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
WINNER - Amy Madigan
PREDICTION - Teyana Taylor
This was just who I wanted to win, I knew they wouldn't. Surprised about Amy Madigan though, I was leaning to Inga or Wunmi.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
WINNER - Sean Penn
PREDICTION - Sean Penn
He had to win this, there was no one else that came close. Who cares if he doesn’t care about turning up to accept it?
BEST DIRECTOR
WINNER - Paul Thomas Anderson
PREDICTION - Paul Thomas Anderson
This is not my favourite Paul Thomas Anderson film, or even in my top 3 of his films, but it was a film where Paul Thomas Anderson’s directing talents absolutely shined through. I’ve seen it 3 times at the cinema because that is where it needs to be seen, and heard for that matter.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
WINNER - One Battle After Another
PREDICTION - One Battle After Another
It had to be.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
WINNER - Sinners
PREDICTION - Sinners
I didn’t want it to but I knew it would. Marty Supreme is what I would have preferred.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
WINNER - Golden - Kpop Demon Hunters
PREDICTION - Golden - Kpop Demon Hunters
Never heard it but I have heard the hype.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
WINNER - Ludwig Gorransson - Sinners
PREDICTION - Jonny Greenwood - One Battle After Another
Jonny Greenwood was robbed.
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE
WINNER - Sentimental Value
PREDICTION - Sentimental Value
I wanted Sirat to win.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
WINNER - Kpop Demon Hunters
PREDICTION - Kpop Demon Hunters
Never seen but have once again heard the hype.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
WINNER - Mr Nobody Against Putin
PREDICTION - *No Prediction*
Saw none of the documentaries.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
WINNER - Frankenstein
PREDICTION - Sinners
Wasn’t a fan of Frankenstein, let alone Sinners.
BEST MAKE-UP & HAIR DESIGN
WINNER - Frankenstein
PREDICTION - Sinners
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
WINNER - Frankenstein
PREDICTION - Sinners
BEST SOUND
WINNER - F1
PREDICTION - One Battle After Another
I agree with the winner on this one.
BEST FILM EDITING
WINNER - One Battle After Another
PREDICTION - One Battle After Another
I concur. Do you concur?
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
WINNER - Sinners
PREDICTION - One Battle After Another
Sigh.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
WINNER - Avatar: Fire & Ash
PREDICTION - Avatar: Fire & Ash
I think everyone would agree with this.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
WINNER - The Singers
PREDICTION - *No Prediction*
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
WINNER - The Girl Who Cried Pearls
PREDICTION - *No Prediction*
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
WINNER - All The Empty Rooms
PREDICTION - *No Prediction*
BEST CASTING
WINNER - One Battle After Another
PREDICTION - One Battle After Another
I mean, come on, what a cast!
So there it is, another year done.
I should have a marathon of all the winning films but I don’t……yet!
