Step right up, folks! Get your crystal ball fix with my sizzling hot 2023 Oscars forecast: Picking the winners in all 23 juicy categories!
With awards season drawing to a close, it’s time to gaze retrospectively at the cinematic masterpieces that graced our screens in 2022. From the spellbinding performances of Austin Butler to Ke Huy Quan’s astounding comeback and Angela Bassett’s indomitable spirit, it’s a no-brainer why these luminaries are amongst the contenders gunning for the ultimate accolade at this year’s 2023 Oscars. But they aren’t the only ones battling for glory in Tinseltown, as scores of filmmakers, actors, and designers have their sights set on the coveted prize.
With our humble predictions in all 23 categories, you’ll be privy to the know-how that’s sure to impress your fellow film buffs. So, as the 95th Academy Awards draws closer, strap in for a riveting ride as we take you on a journey of all the nominees, including their backgrounds and performances, and give you the edge in predicting who’ll snag the coveted statue on March 12th.
Best Picture: Embracing the Absurd – Why “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Should Take Home the Top Prize
The 10 nominees for Best Picture in this year’s 2023 Oscars have thrown up an exciting mix of films, including the likes of the foreign-language film “All Quiet on the Western Front,” box-office smashes “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” and indie flicks like “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” It’s the latter that’s got the critics’ tongues wagging and the audience’s hearts racing, with its outlandish plot, stellar performances, and breathtaking visuals.
Despite facing fierce competition from films like “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “The Fabelmans,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is the dark horse in this race, having already bagged big wins at the Critics’ Choice and Producers Guild Awards. This A24 film, helmed by Michelle Yeoh, delivers a blend of humor, action, and drama that’s sure to resonate with moviegoers of all stripes.
While the film’s frenzied storyline, which sees Yeoh’s character traverse multiple parallel universes to save the world from destruction, maybe a tad off-the-wall, it’s a masterclass in creativity and imagination. Director duo Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert take the audience on a mind-bending trip through multiple dimensions, anchored by an electrifying performance from Yeoh and an ensemble cast that’s at the top of their game.
In a year that’s been tumultuous for the film industry, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is the perfect antidote to the chaos, reminding us of the power of cinema to take us on a wild ride and make us feel something. It’s time for Hollywood to embrace the absurd and honor a film that’s truly unique and deserving of the top prize.
Will Win: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Could Win: “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Should Win: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Leading Ladies: Best Actress Nominees
This year, the Best Actress in a Leading Role category is stacked with powerhouses. With Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh leading the pack, this category is set to be one of the most competitive of the night. Though Andrea Riseborough’s nomination was met with some criticism, she still gave an outstanding performance in “To Leslie,” while Ana de Armas shines in “Blonde” as Marilyn Monroe. But let’s get down to business: who will walk away with the coveted statuette?
Michelle Yeoh, who took home the SAG award for her captivating performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is a strong contender. However, it’s hard to deny the brilliance of Cate Blanchett’s work in “Tár,” which has already earned her accolades at the Critics’ Choice and BAFTA Awards. Blanchett has already won two Oscars in the past, and her performance in “Tár” is nothing short of mesmerizing, making her the most likely candidate to take home the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Will Win: Cate Blanchett
Could Win: Michelle Yeoh
Should Win: Cate Blanchett
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Brendan Fraser’s Triumphant Return
After being out of the spotlight for years, Brendan Fraser made a triumphant return to Hollywood with his emotionally charged performance in “The Whale,” and it looks like it could pay off with an Oscar win. While Austin Butler and Colin Farrell delivered impressive performances, Fraser’s Critics’ Choice and SAG wins make him the favorite going into the awards ceremony.
Fraser’s portrayal of a 600-pound recluse in “The Whale” was not only physically demanding, but it also required a powerful emotional depth that the actor delivered flawlessly. His nuanced and complex performance has captivated audiences and critics alike, cementing his place as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
While it’s impossible to predict the outcome of this tight race with certainty, Fraser’s comeback story and outstanding performance make him the top choice for the Academy Award. The ceremony will surely be a memorable night for Fraser and his fans, who have eagerly awaited his return to the limelight.
Will Win: Brendan Fraser
Could Win: Austin Butler
Should Win: Colin Farrell
Daniels Will Take Home Best Directing
The Best Directing category is filled with talent this year, but it’s clear who the winner should be. Martin McDonagh and Steven Spielberg are veterans in the industry, but the young directing duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as the “Daniels,” have made an indelible mark on Hollywood. The genre-bending film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” showcases their incredible skill and innovation, which has earned them critical acclaim and top prizes at the Directors Guild and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Even though the duo is up against legendary directors like Spielberg and McDonagh, it’s clear that their work stands out from the pack. It’s rare for the Best Picture and Best Directing categories to go to different films, but this year’s ceremony may break that trend. It’s almost a certainty that the Daniels will take home the Best Directing award, cementing their place as some of the most exciting and innovative directors working today.
Will Win: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
Could Win: Steven Spielberg
Should Win: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
A Supporting Star Steals the Show: Ke Huy Quan in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
When it comes to the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category, this year’s nominees are a powerhouse of talent. From Troy Kotsur’s incredible work in “CODA” to Kodi Smit-McPhee’s haunting turn in “The Power of the Dog,” it’s a tough race to call. However, one performance that stands out is Ke Huy Quan’s portrayal of Waymond Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
Quan, who first rose to fame as a child actor in movies like “The Goonies” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” delivers a genuinely show-stopping performance in “Everything Everywhere.” His portrayal of the wise-cracking, kung-fu-fighting Waymond is both hilarious and touching, stealing scenes from even the biggest names in the cast. With a career spanning decades, it’s about time for Quan to receive the recognition he deserves for his incredible work.
Will Win: TBD
Could Win: Troy Kotsur, Kodi Smit-McPhee
Should Win: Ke Huy Quan
Angela Bassett’s 2023 Oscars Win is Long Overdue
In the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category, there’s a clear frontrunner: the iconic Angela Bassett. Her performance as Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was nothing short of exceptional, and if there’s any justice in the world, she’ll finally get the 2023 Oscars that she’s been long overdue for.
Bassett has been a powerhouse in Hollywood for decades, bringing her talent and grace to a wide range of roles on both the big and small screens. She’s been nominated for an Academy Award once before, back in 1994 for her unforgettable performance as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Despite giving so many outstanding performances over the years, she’s yet to win the award.
It’s time to correct this injustice, and it looks like this year could be the year that Bassett finally gets her due. If she wins, she’ll also make history as the first actor to win a 2023 Oscars for a performance in a Marvel movie. So, let’s hope the voters do the right thing and give Bassett the recognition she deserves.
Will Win: Angela Bassett
Could Win: None
Should Win: Angela Bassett
Best Original Screenplay Category
Sizzling with creativity and intellectual prowess, the Best Original Screenplay category has quite the list of contenders. While “Banshees” certainly deserves its place on the roster, the smart money is on “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to snatch the coveted trophy. Boasting a mind-bending script that’s as unconventional as it is captivating, the film is a triumph of imagination and an ode to the limitless possibilities of storytelling. With the film’s impressive wins at the Writers Guild and Critics’ Choice Awards, it’s safe to say that the film’s boundless ingenuity has struck a chord with the industry, making it the clear favorite for the prize.
Will Win: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Could Win: “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Should Win: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Best Adapted Screenplay Category
Contemplating the Best Adapted Screenplay category is like trying to choose between an apple and cherry pie – both are delicious, but which one takes the crown? While Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” is certainly a strong contender, it’s hard to ignore the powerful and poignant themes of sexual abuse and female empowerment that are delicately woven throughout “Women Talking.” Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Miriam Toews, the screenplay tackles the heavy subject matter with grace and sensitivity, making it a standout in a sea of adaptations. So while Johnson’s clever whodunit may be the fan favorite, my money is on “Women Talking” to take home the trophy on 2023 Oscars night.
Vie for Best Animated Feature Film
And the 2023 Oscars for Best Animated Feature Film goes to… “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”! This stunning film, directed by Mark Gustafson and co-written by Guillermo del Toro, tells the classic tale of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. But this version of the story is not for children – it’s a dark, twisted, and visually stunning work of art that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Using stop-motion animation, Gustafson and his team have created a breathtaking world full of intricate details and vibrant colors that transport viewers into the heart of Pinocchio’s journey. While “Puss in Boots:
The Last Wish” was a fun adventure, it just can’t compete with the masterful craftsmanship and storytelling of “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.” This award is well-deserved and a testament to the power of animation as an art form.
With so many strong contenders, the 2023 Oscars promise to be a thrilling and unpredictable event. Don’t miss it!
Tune in to the 2023 Oscars on March 12th to see who takes home the top honors in film.
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