Will La La Land make history by eclipsing the record of 11 Academy Awards? Damien Chazelle’s magical homage to the Hollywood musical definitely has a decent shot. After all, it’s a lock to win in 5 categories: Best Picture, Director, Score, Original Song, and Sound Mixing. And it ‘s the heavy favorite in another 5: Lead Actress, Cinematography, Costume Design, Production Design and Film Editing.
That leaves Sound Editing, Original Screenplay and Lead Actor. La La’s best shot at tying the record will be by beating the World War II epic, Hacksaw Ridge in Sound Editing. If successful there, it has two paths to 12. Unfortunately, Ryan Gosling is unlikely to win for Lead Actor because he’s up against some very stiff competition in Casey Affleck and Denzel Washington. That leaves Original Screenplay where Manchester by the Sea has the advantage by virtue of its being a super-realistic drama as opposed to an escapist musical fantasy.
Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that the Academy voters will pull the lever for the very-deserving La La Land a record-breaking dozen times. The Envelope Please!
Best Picture
Will Win: La La Land, Deserves to Win: La La Land, Overlooked: Deadpool
Best Director
Will Win: Damien Chazelle (La La Land), Deserves to Win: Damien Chazelle, Overlooked: Denzel Washington (Fences) and Theodore Melfi (Hidden Figures) Comment: Wunderkind Damien Chazelle, at 32, becomes the youngest Best Director winner in history.
Best Actor
Will Win: Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea), Deserves to Win: Casey Affleck, Overlooked: Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool)
Best Actress
Will Win: Emma Stone (La La Land), Deserves to Win: Emma Stone, Overlooked: Amy Adams (Arrival) and Annette Bening (20th Century Women)
Best Supporting Actor
Will Win: Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Deserves to Win: Mahershala Ali, Overlooked: Andre Holland (Moonlight) and John (La La Land),
Best Supporting Actress
Will Win: Viola Davis (Fences), Deserves to Win: Viola Davis, Overlooked: Greta Gerwig (20th Century Women) and Janelle Monae (Moonlight)
Best Original Screenplay
Will Win: La La Land, Deserves to Win: La La Land, Overlooked: Loving
Best Adapted Screenplay
Will Win: Moonlight, Deserves to Win: Moonlight, Overlooked: Deadpool