With the 2021 Oscar’s ceremony only a week away, many are eagerly anticipating which of last year’s best films will be honored. The Oscars, a world famous awards ceremony, was established to honor each year’s best movies. In this article, I will be breaking down what my Oscar predictions for this year are!

Best Picture Prediction: “Minari”

A beautifully shot exploration of family, culture, and the American Dream, Minari follows a Korean-American family as they start a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Moving and uplifting, Minari has been described as a gentle, wondrous, and lovely look into the inner workings of a family. 

Best Director Prediction: Chloé Zhao for “Nomadland”

This movie is no doubt the most beautifully shot film of the year. Zhao’s camera work avoids becoming too elaborate or fancy, rather focusing on simple takes that feel both intimate and important. “Nomadland” is not exactly a technical feat, but Zhao’s gentle direction captures the film’s beauty perfectly.

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Riz Ahmed for “The Sound of Metal”

Ahmed stars in this movie as a professional heavy metal drummer who discovers that he is going completely deaf. Ahmed’s performance is at once guarded and vulnerable, allowing you to feel his character’s confusion and pain, while also lending the movie its message of triumph and perseverance. 

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Carey Mulligan for “Promising Young Woman”

In this fresh take on the revenge thriller archetype, Mulligan stars as a young woman who seeks vengeance for her best friend after she is sexually assaulted. Mulligan’s performance is absurdly good, always keeping the audience at arm’s reach while keeping her character relatable and life-like. 

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Daniel Kaluuya for “Judah and The Black Messiah”

Starring as Fred Hampton, the historic leader of the Black Panther Party, Kaluuya gives a startling and urgent performance of the late activist, all while keeping the film grounded. 

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Glenn Close for “Hillbilly Elegy” 

Close stars as a southern family’s grandma matriarch as she tries to simultaneously raise her grandson and help her daughter battle addiction. Her performance is both heartbreaking and deeply funny, giving the film a certain charm and character. If nothing else, Close will win after being snubbed for best actress at the 2019 ceremony.