Oscar week! We’ve entered the final lap of the 90th run of the Academy Awards. At this late date in the awards season, the favorites in the acting categories have cemented into granite certainty. In other words: Frances McDormand (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”), Gary Oldman (“Darkest Hour”), Allison Janney (“I, Tonya”) and Sam Rockwell (“Three Billboards”) are just begging for a comeuppance, and for Laurie Metcalf to somehow take all four contests, not simply the best supporting actress race.
Yet there’s enough uncertainty and churn in the best picture category to make things interesting. Statistically, based on awards already won this season, it’s down to “Three Billboards” versus “The Shape of Water.” Some film industry observers, however, on Twitter and elsewhere, believe “Get Out” may be coming up on the rail. This is despite Jordan Peele’s thriller opening last March, seven months before the beginning of the end of Harvey Weinstein. And “Lady Bird,” a small, quiet, pretty perfect picture, is right behind.
If either wins, it’ll be surprise enough for me.
This much we know: For every nominee, there is an equally worthy actor or director or picture starring in an alternate-universe awards show titled “And the Winners Aren’t.” In this alternate universe, justice is served, and those recognized aren’t always the loudest, neediest performances in the multiplex.
From the great sea of the un-nominated, let’s rescue and nominate 10.
