A&E
88th Academy Awards: Will DiCaprio finally win his first Oscar?
By Matt Burner ’17
February 18, 2016
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After about two months, the major film award circuit is drawing to an end. The final and biggest awards show, the Academy Awards Ceremony, will be held on Feb. 28. While there has been much justified criticism regarding the lack of diversity, the Oscars still hold sway with much of the American public. After often long, exacting shoots and publicity tours, an Oscar can be the ultimate prize to many an actor and filmmaker. This has absolutely been one of the better years in film and all the major categories consist of many stellar and worthy candidates. Although the Oscars’ categories cover a wide range, most pay heed primarily to the essential few. Following is a list of the nominees for the main categories and a prediction of the respective winners.
Actor in a Leading Role Nominees:
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
Matt Damon, The Martian
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
The question seemingly on the minds of all is whether this will be the year Leonardo DiCaprio can win his first Oscar. Nominated four other times, his many failings at the Oscars have become a long-running joke. Besides DiCaprio, the field is full of many highly regarded actors. Matt Damon almost single-handedly carries special effects laden The Martian, charismatically playing an astronaut mistakenly left by his team on Mars. Bryan Cranston, of Breaking Bad fame, receives his first Academy Award nomination for playing the 1950’s Hollywood screenwriter who was persecuted for his Communist tendencies. Michael Fassbender and Eddie Redmayne also perform admirably in their respective films. However, none of the performances outmatch DiCaprio’s. His willingness to endure brutal conditions and masterful portrayal of the maimed and often-alone trapper Glass mean that this is the year he finally wins his Oscar.
Actress in a Leading Role Nominees:
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
The best actress category is filled with nominees of years past. Jennifer Lawrence has been nominated four of the past six years, winning once, while Cate Blanchett has been nominated seven times total and won twice. Blanchett and Lawrence deliver star performances once again with both playing independent woman living in mid-to-late-20th century America. Saoirse Ronan also plays a character living in a similar time period, however, her role is that of an Irish immigrant torn between two countries. While all of these actresses, along with Charlotte Rampling in 45 Years, deliver stellar performances. The clear favorite to win the award is Brie Larson. Playing a woman who has lived as a captive with her son for seven years, the film chronicles their shared experiences after finally gaining their freedom. Larson delivers a touchingly human performance, reminding the viewer about the importance of family and human relationships.
Best Picture Nominees:
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight
Although the past few years have seemingly always had an easy to predict winner, this year’s race for best picture is much more closely contested. While The Big Short may not be typical Oscar bait with its upbeat tempo and comedic underpinnings, it certainly is one of the three potential winners. Its funny retelling of the few who bet against the market collapsing in 2008, along with great acting by all cast members, is certainly a story that resonated with audiences and voters. Adopting the opposite of The Big Short’s comedic approach, Spotlight is a sobering look at the team of Boston Globe reporters who broke the story regarding the Boston Catholic diocese’s cover-up of child sex abuse. Featuring a terrific ensemble cast and captivating story, Spotlight is a reminder of the power a film can have on one. However, the film that will end up winning the Academy Award is The Revenant. Already discussed earlier with regard to Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant tells the gripping tale of a broken man’s journey for revenge through endless miles of wilderness. Featuring stunning vistas and impressive acting, this will be the second year in a row director Alejandro Iñárritu’s film wins best picture.Catch the Oscars on ABC on Feb. 28.