The 93rd annual Academy Awards are upon us! This year we have a shortened list because we weren't able to see anything in the theatre, making several categories too hard to judge whilst watching at home.
So sit back, have a read & see if you agree with Nick & Katy's 2021 Oscar Picks!
THE BALCONY IS NOW OPEN!
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Nominees:
"Nomadland" Chloé Zhao
"Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" Sacha Baron Cohen, Peter Baynham, Jena Friedman, Anthony Hines, Lee Kern, Dan Mazer, Erica Rivinoja & Dan Swimer; Story: Baron Cohen, Hines, Nina Pedrad & Swimer
"The Father" Florian Zeller, Christopher Hampton
"One Night in Miami" Kemp Powers
"The White Tiger" Ramon Bahari
NICK: "Nomadland" is almost certain to win. Chloé Zhao is a clear talent, however I personally thought "The Father," as upsetting as it is in many ways, is a masterpiece. The dialogue is extraordinary, the movie really is quite amazing. I'd be happy for it to win. On a side note, I've heard good things about "The White Tiger," and hope to see it soon.
KATY: I didn't see "The Father" (more on that later) but I saw "The White Tiger" and it told an intricate tale really well. I'd love it to win this award, and was sad it wasn't nominated for more. That being said, I am pretty sure "Nomadland" is a lock here.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: "The Father" WILL WIN: "Nomadland"
Katy: SHOULD WIN: "The White Tiger" WILL WIN: "Nomadland"
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
The Nominees:
"Promising Young Woman" Emerald Fennell
"Minari" Lee Issac Chung
"The Trial of the Chicago 7" Aaron Sorkin
"Sound of Metal" Abraham & Darius Marder; Story: Derek Cianfrance & Darius Marder
"Judas and the Black Messiah" Will Berson & Shaka King; Story: Berson, King, Keith Lucas & Kenny Lucas
NICK: I've seen all of these movies and enjoyed them all. My personal favourite was "Promising Young Woman." It was truly original. I am a fan of "Killing Eve," also from Emerald Fennell, and I believe it set the mold in some ways for this film. Emerald has an unusual style, which makes me want to see her film win even more. I am going to say "Promising Young Woman" is also my "going to win" pick. That being said, I won't be surprised if "The Trial of the Chicago 7" takes the prize. This is a tough category.
KATY: I did not love "Promising Young Woman" the way Nick did. I found it a little farcical. I loved "Minari," it was subtle and wonderful, but maybe not right for this award. I liked "Sound of Metal," and, if I am honest, was a little bored with "Judas and the Black Messiah." I believe "The Trial of the Chicago 7" deserves to win, and will win.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: "Promising Young Woman." WILL WIN: "Promising Young Woman."
Katy: SHOULD WIN: "The Trial of the Chicago 7" WILL WIN: "The Trial of the Chicago 7"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
The Nominees:
Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari"
Maria Bakalova, "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm"
Amanda Seyfried, "Mank"
Glenn Close, "Hillbilly Elegy"
Olivia Colman, "The Father"
NICK: I liked "Mank" way more than you did Kathryn, and loved Amanda's performance. I loved Maria Bakalova in "Borat," so I'd be happy to see her win as well. I wouldn't see a film called "Hillbilly Elegy" in any year, and while Olivia Colman is amazing in everything, including "The Father," this isn't her year to win. Without a doubt, Yuh-Jung Youn will win for "Minari." She was outstanding.
KATY: I don't know what Glenn Close is doing here. I think she took Jodie Foster's deserved nomination for her role in "The Mauritanian." Amanda Seyfried was an early frontrunner for "Mank" but it seems she has lost momentum. Maria Bakalova deserves an Oscar for exposing Rudy Giuliani if for nothing else, but I do believe Yuh-Jung Youn will win for her role as the Grandmother in "Minari."
Nick: SHOULD WIN: Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari" WILL WIN: Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari"
Katy: SHOULD WIN: Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari" WILL WIN: Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
The Nominees:
Daniel Kaluuya, "Judas and the Black Messiah"
Sacha Baron Cohen, "The Trial of the Chicago 7"
Leslie Odom, Jr., "One Night in Miami"
Paul Raci, "Sound of Metal"
LaKeith Stanfield, "Judas and the Black Messiah"
NICK: Again, all strong movies in this category. I think Paul Raci was kind of great in "Sound of Metal," and I'd love to see that movie get something, but it won't likely be this award. I think one of my favourite performances this year was Daniel Kaluuya in "Judas and the Black Messiah." What a great face he has, such expressive eyes. The only thing I would say is that Daniel seemed like the lead actor to me, but he is sure to win for his role as Fred Hampton, one of the leaders of the Black Panther movement.
KATY: I think we're agreeing again - I don't know how Sasha could be singled out for "The Trial of the Chicago 7" when the entire cast was so strong. Paul Raci was fantastic in "Sound of Metal," and this was his first major film role. LaKeith Stanfield was really good in "Judas and the Black Messiah" and was the true supporting actor in that movie. However, I agree that 100% Daniel Kaluuya will win for "Judas and the Black Messiah."
Nick: SHOULD WIN: Daniel Kaluuya, "Judas and the Black Messiah" WILL WIN: Daniel Kaluuya, "Judas and the Black Messiah"
Katy: SHOULD WIN: Daniel Kaluuya, "Judas and the Black Messiah" WILL WIN: Daniel Kaluuya, "Judas and the Black Messiah"
BEST ACTRESS
The Nominees:
Viola Davis, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Frances McDormand, "Nomadland"
Andra Day, "The United States vs. Billie Holiday"
Carey Mulligan, "Promising Young Woman"
Vanessa Kirby, "Pieces of a Woman"
NICK: This is a spectacular list of actresses. I loved every performance except Vanessa Kirby, only because I didn't see the film. The other four though... I've loved Frances McDormand since "Fargo." She is great in everything. I couldn't be saddened by her winning because it was a spectacular performance although "Nomadland" wasn't one of my favourites. Andra Day was a big surprise to me in "The United States vs. Billie Holiday." I thought she was spectacularly touching. Andra brought something new to the role of Billie. It is a complex character to play and she got it right. I would be happy to have her win too, but don't think she will. I loved Carey Mulligan in "Promising Young Woman" because it was one of the most unique and original movies of the year. It was strange and twisted, and highlighted how prevalent bad behaviour is. She was terrific. I'm a little torn here, I enjoyed "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and thought Viola Davis was just perfect as Ma Rainey; a performance like that doesn't come along that often.
KATY: I did not see "Pieces of a Woman," and while I heard Vanessa Kirby was excellent, I don't think she will win this year. Even though Andra Day was fantastic in "The United States vs Billie Holiday," I don't believe she, or the movie, have enough momentum to carry her to the Oscar. Carey Mulligan was great in a juicy role in "Promising Young Woman," which I didn't love as much as Nick did. I don't think Carey's role 'earns' the Best Actress Oscar for several reasons, one of which was it was sort of one note. Neck and neck, to me, are Frances McDormand for "Nomadland" and Viola Davis for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." Viola. Wow. She was unbelievable in the part of Ma Rainey, just outstanding. But Frances... She didn't campaign for the Oscar, so not sure she will win, but she sure deserves to. It was difficult role, and her expressions and body language was as much a part of her performance as her words, and that made it a win for me.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: Viola Davis, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" WILL WIN: Frances McDormand, "Nomadland"
Katy: SHOULD WIN: Frances McDormand, "Nomadland" WILL WIN: Carey Mulligan, "Promising Young Woman"
BEST ACTOR
The Nominees:
Chadwick Boseman, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Anthony Hopkins, "The Father"
Riz Ahmed, "Sound of Metal"
Steven Yeun, "Minari"
Gary Oldman, "Mank"
NICK: This is equally as impressive a list as Best Actress. I loved Chadwick Boseman in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and it is complicated by his terrible loss. Anthony Hopkins making "The Father" at the age of 83 is almost an impossibility of greatness. I was speechless. He delivered one of the best performances I've ever seen. Every movement, gesture and glance was heartbreaking. How great was Riz Ahmed in "Sound of Metal"? He took you with him on his journey, along with all of his character's anger and resentment. Steven Yeun was part of an ensemble cast in "Minari," one of those movies where the characters where all equal in what they added to the film. I really really loved "Mank" (unlike Kathryn). I loved Gary Oldman in it, as I have all his performances since "Sid & Nancy." I would be beyond delighted for him to win the Best Actor award.
KATY: There's no arguing with much of what Nicholas has said. Chadwick Boseman was an incredible actor and it's so tragic that he passed away at such a young age. He had a moving speech in "Ma Rainey" about his character's childhood and I think that speech will win him the Award. I didn't see "The Father," because the subject matter was too hard and too personal for me. I am sure Anthony Hopkins was spectacular, but I can't choose him if I didn't see it! Riz Ahmed was sort of a revelation to me, but my issue was that I didn't find his character very likable. Steven Yeun in "Minari" was terrific, but, as Nick said, it was more of an ensemble piece. As much as Nick loved "Mank" is as much as I disliked it. It was hard to get through it in my opinion, so forget Gary Oldman.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: Anthony Hopkins, "The Father" WILL WIN: Chadwick Boseman, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Katy: SHOULD WIN: Not Choosing Anyone WILL WIN: Chadwick Boseman, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
BEST DIRECTOR
The Nominees:
Chloé Zhao, "Nomadland"
Emerald Fennell, "Promising Young Woman"
Lee Isaac Chung, "Minari"
David Fincher, "Mank"
Thomas Vinterberg, "Another Round"
NICK: The one movie I really wanted to see, but didn't get to, is "Another Round," therefore I have to discount that from my choices. I liked the remaining four films very much. I have a dilemma; "Minari" and "Nomadland" were both heartfelt human stories about people in the real world trying to find their way. They're both "road movies," in a way, and are "Oscar friendly." I personally found "Promising Young Woman" more interesting and well executed than the prior two films mentioned. "Mank" was beautifully directed, the performances were all great, and it has an impeccable script. It was intellectual. For that reason, I am going to say I'd like David Fincher to win Best Director.
KATY: I loved "Another Round," it is actually nominated for Best Foreign Film this year, which makes sense, but not sure why Thomas Vinterberg was nominated for Best Director. I am scratching David Fincher off for "Mank," since I disliked it. That leaves three. I am also scratching off "Minari," because, while I loved the movie, I don't believe it was the Best Directed Film of the year. That leaves two: Emerald Fennell for "Promising Young Woman" and Chloé Zhao for "Nomadland." I believe "Nomadland" was the best directed movie of the choices for this year.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: David Fincher, "Mank" WILL WIN: Chloé Zhao, "Nomadland"
Katy: SHOULD WIN: Chloé Zhao, "Nomadland" WILL WIN: Chloé Zhao, "Nomadland"
BEST PICTURE
The Nominees:
"Nomadland"
"The Trial of the Chicago 7"
"Minari"
"Promising Young Woman"
"The Father"
"Sound of Metal"
"Judas and the Black Messiah"
"Mank"
NICK: The more I look at this list, the more I feel it wasn't such a bad year for movies at all. Every one of these movies deserved a nomination. "Nomadland" is for sure going to win Best Picture. It won the BAFTA and many other awards as well. Undoubtedly a great movie, but not my favourite, as I mentioned. As much as I liked "Promising Young Woman," it is almost too "indie" to win Best Picture. "Minari" won't win because a Korean movie won last year, and I am sorry to say that will likely play into how the Academy will vote. "The Trial of Chicago 7" was so well done. "The Father" was incredible. "Judas and the Black Messiah" and "Sound of Metal", both too 'off the beaten path' for many Voters. I'd be happy to see "Mank" win, it had an elegance to it as a movie... It doesn't ring the same bell as a lot of the other nominees do. It tells a fabulous story.
KATY: "Mank" stank! I didn't see "The Father," so I have to cross that one out. I'm taking out "Mank" and "Judas and the Black Messiah." "Judas," was good, but not a Best Picture - Daniel was amazing, not the movie. I am also removing "Minari," because, while it was a lovely movie, it wasn't a Best Picture. I wanted to love "Promising Young Woman," and may have if I thought I was going to see a black comedy. That leaves me with "Nomadland" and "The Trial of Chicago 7." I am sure "Nomadland" is going to win Best Picture but I feel "The Trial of the Chicago 7" was the best movie of this year. All the performances, the script, how it kept me interested the entire time, and how it stayed with me afterwards. I'd love to see it take home the big prize.
Nick: SHOULD WIN: "Mank" WHAT I'D LIKE TO SEE WIN: "Promising Young Woman" WILL WIN: "Nomadland"
Katy: SHOULD WIN: "The Trial of the Chicago 7" WILL WIN: "Nomadland"
How will we do? Tune in to the The 93rd annual Oscars, airing on April 25 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.
Members of the fan community can listen to the entire audio on duranduranmusic.com
