Will Win: Inside Llewyn Davis Should Win: Prisoners Surprise Win: Nebraska It's a real surprise at the lack of love for the latest Coen Brothers' film. Maybe it's just too 'out-there' for the voters. It is nice to see it get a nod here for its very distinctive look. This seems to be the nominee more defined by its visuals than the rest, and since everyone likes to give a Coen Brothers film and award, it will win here. But it's one of the year's, and the Coen Brother's, most visually striking films and is not a controversial prediction. But Prisoners should win for all sorts of reasons- for a start, it's about time Roger Deakins finally won an Oscar after 11 nominations (he should have won last year above every other time he'd been nominated, but that's besides the point...). Secondly, it is a truly great example of Cinematography and should win because of how good it looks and how much it complements the rest of the film. And last, and most importantly, Prisoners was the best film of last year and it's disgusting how overlooked it's been. It was an example of gripping, mature filmmaking we so rarely see. No sign of Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal or Denis Villeneuve anywhere- so Deakins should pikc it up not just because he deserves it, but at least Prisoners will have won something. But as it's unlikely to receive much love elsewhere, Nebraska could come out of nowhere to win this one. Frankly, it would kick ass for a black-and-white film to win the award in this category and that would be one of the nicer surprises of this year's ceremony.
Aspiring Director, Screenwriter and Actor. Film is my passion, but I indulge in TV, Theatre and Literature as well! Any comments or suggestions, please tweet me @IAmOscarHarding
