Best Picture: “The Revenant”
Leading the pack with a total of 12 nominations, “The Revenant” is most likely the best picture winner. This film has been gaining momentum as it continues to garner success at other award shows. It captured both a Golden Globe and a British Academy of Film and British Television Award (BAFTA) for best picture earlier this season, both strong indicators toward a best picture win at the Academy Awards.
In “The Revenant,” Inarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki take viewers on a wild ride so immersive that the struggle of survival, as beautifully acted by Leonardo DiCaprio, becomes palpable. The visceral physicality of the film is made apparent by Lubezki’s use of continuous filming. The camera follows DiCaprio on foot, on horseback, through water, and through air with little editing, yet it is seamlessly choreographed. Widescreen lenses and up-angle pans brilliantly reflect the scope and power of the landscape. Shot only with natural light, this film rarely succumbs to artificiality and is anchored by DiCaprio’s stellar performance. All of these elements lock this film pretty squarely in the winning position.
Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Revenant”
It’s Leo’s year. Despite being nominated six times for previous works, from “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” to “The Wolf of Wall Street,” DiCaprio will finally go home with an Oscar for his work in “The Revenant.” DiCaprio, a method actor, cut no corners on his performance. He suffered hypothermia, crushed ribs, and even ate a buffalo liver all while giving a gut-wrenching performance about human survival. The actor has already earned a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild award in this category.
Best Actress: Brie Larson, “Room”
Larson, who catapulted to the attention of the Hollywood Foreign Press after her success in “Short Term 12,” is suddenly a Hollywood darling. Larson, a relative newcomer, is the front-runner for the category. She’s swept the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild award, and Critic’s Choice award for her performance in “Room,” making it highly likely she will take home an Academy Award come Sunday.
“Room,” based on the novel of the same name, is about a mother who is held captive with her young son, who knows no other life. Themes of innocence, familial relationships, and the tenacity of the human spirit are at play. As the action of the plot is internalized, Larson’s performance drives the film. Her range is astounding, as Larson is able to grapple with dark subject matter and deliver a layered, nuanced, and thoroughly captivating performance.
Best Director: Alejandro Inarritu, “The Revenant”
Inarritu is a clear choice for best director. This would be his second consecutive win, as he also won last year for directing “Birdman.” Inarritu became the first director in history to win consecutive Director’s Guild of America awards, which makes a strong case for an academy win.