Hammerle on … 2018 Oscar predictions

Once again, it’s time for me to demonstrate my yearly ineptitude by making my Oscar predictions. As I noted long ago, I don’t pretend to think you should go to Vegas and bet on these predictions, as they are made by an aging criminal defense lawyer who has never been afraid to be wrong. In any event, here we go.

Best picture: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

While I think “Vice,” “Green Book,” “Roma” and “Black Panther” will challenge, “Bohemian Rhapsody” remains my favorite film of the past year. I saw it twice, and I have yet to talk to any person, regardless of age or gender, who did not love it.

Best director: Spike Lee

Given the fact that the overwhelming favorite is Alfonso Cuarón for “Roma,” I’m probably stepping on my toes with this pick. However, “BlacKkKlansman” was a magnificent film, and Lee deserves to finally win this recognition. At least I hope so.

Best actress: Glenn Close

While I am secretly hoping Lady Gaga sneaks through and wins this award for her memorable performance in “A Star is Born,” the fact that the talented Glenn Close has won this award in most of the pre-Oscar ceremonies makes her the likely winner for her role in “The Wife.”

Best actor: Rami Malek

When all is said and done, I can’t help but think this award will come down to either Christian Bale for his role as Dick Cheney in “Vice” or Rami Malek for his unforgettable portrayal of Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” This may be a bit of a gamble, but no one will cheer louder than me should Malek win.

Best supporting actress: Amy Adams

I think Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz cancel each other out as nominees from the same film, “The Favourite.” That leaves the likely choice between the wildly and properly praised Regina King in “If Beale Street Could Talk” and Amy Adams as Mrs. Cheney in “Vice.” While there is no question that King’s performance is beguiling in every respect, I think Adams will finally win given her many prior nominations where she has fallen short.

Best supporting actor: Richard E. Grant

I remain a big fan of Mahershala Ali, who previously won this Oscar in “Moonlight” (2016). Additionally, he remains an overwhelming favorite to win here for his role in this year’s fantastic “Green Book.” Regardless, though I respect Adam Driver’s performance in “BlacKkKlansman” and Sam Rockwell for his portrayal of George W. Bush in “Vice,” this award has to go to Richard E. Grant for his captivating performance in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” He was a standout by any definition, and no one would be more delighted than me to see him recognized.

Documentary feature: “RBG”

First of all, I still can’t forgive the voters for failing to nominate the remarkable film about Mr. Rogers, “Won’t You be My Neighbor?” Though I thought it was the best documentary of last year, “Free Solo” and “RBG” are left knocking on the same door. Both are deserving, but I don’t think the Academy will ignore “RBG,” nor should they.

Foreign language film: “Roma”

Write in “Roma” as a lock. Like many, I really like this film, but I am not as obsessed with it as many other far more talented critics circling around Hollywood. Regardless, it outshines all its competitors.

Makeup and hairstyling: “Vice”

This has to go to “Vice” for the transformation of Christian Bale into Dick Cheney. As “Darkest Hour” won this same award for its ability to transform Gary Oldman into the British hero, the same is accomplished here.

Animated feature: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

It will be hard to beat “Incredibles 2” given the historic position of Pixar. Regardless, while I certainly would applaud if “Isle of Dogs” sneaked through, I believe this award has to go “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”

Sound editing and sound mixing: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

These are two separate awards that simply have to recognize the significance of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” As noted above, I saw it twice and loved it each time, and it was the sound that made it special.

Film editing: John Ottman, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

This is always a tough pick, but I again think it should go to John Ottman for “Bohemian Rhapsody.” No one could complain if any of his fellow nominees won this award, but “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the only film I saw this last year where every viewer I talked to was entranced.

Production design: “Black Panther”

“Black Panther” simply can’t go without being recognized, and nothing was more important than the skill of Hannah Beachler in putting this movie together.

Costume design: Ruth E. Carter for “Black Panther”

The wardrobe in “Black Panther” captured your attention from beginning to end, and Carter deserves this award.

Visual effects: “First Man”

Though I may clearly be wrong with this selection, this was another excellent film that deserves to be recognized. No apologies will be necessary if it is given this award.

Adapted screenplay: “If Beale Street Could Talk”

If I am wrong about Spike Lee wining the Oscar for Best Director, BlacKkKlansman could sneak in here. And while I also feel that “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” was one of the year’s most pleasant surprises, Barry Jenkin’s magnificent talent in adapting “If Beale Street Could Talk” will likely be awarded with this prize.

Original screenplay: “Green Book”

From my standpoint, this prize will come down to either “Green Book” or “Vice.” That is ironic given that few people have seen “Vice,” while “Green Book” has had to absorb undeserved criticism. Nonetheless, let’s set those unfounded remarks aside and give “Green Book” this Oscar.

Cinematography: “Roma”

Quite frankly, I didn’t think any of the nominees were nearly as impressive as the cinematography in “Free Solo,” but it went unrecognized. Thus, forced to choose between “Roma” and “A Star is Born,” I’ll pick “Roma.”

Original song: “Shallow” from “A Star is Born”

Despite the fact that my favorite song was the heartbreaking “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from “Mary Poppins Returns,” “Shallow” seems to be as much of a certain winner as “Roma” is in the foreign film category.

Original score: “Mary Poppins Returns”

Smart money would place this award on “Black Panther,” but “Mary Poppins Returns” is far too wonderful a film to be ignored. Who could not embrace the music throughout the entire film? I pick it to win this award.

Live action short film: “Marguerite”

Ironically, four of the five nominated films in this category function as a cinematic trip through hell. Those four movies center on the death of children in a violent fashion, while “Marguerite” saves the cost of your ticket by focusing on an aging woman who relives missed opportunities in her life with the help of a lesbian caretaker. You learn the sad reality of having lived in a world where religions found homosexuality to be a mortal sin.

Animated short film: “Animal Behaviour” (Canada)

Though it is likely to be challenged by “One Small Step” and “Weekends,” “Animal Behaviour” was the most creative animated short film nominated this year. It tells the story of a hysterical therapy session for animals led by a therapist who happens to be a dog. In the process, you watch animals discuss compulsive behavior as Victor, an ape, wrestles over his anger problems, Cheryl, a praying mantis, discusses her anxiety over raising 1,000 offspring, and a snail prefers to face life with a bag over his head. It’s a very engaging film that deserves this award.•

• Robert Hammerle practices criminal law in Indianapolis. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmouthbobs.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.