Oscars 2017: Predicting The Winners
15. Best Cinematography
Will Win: Arrival Should Win: Moonlight Surprise Win: La La Land
Denis Villeneuve switched cinematographers following several films with Roger Deakins (who for some reason, has still not won an Oscar) but his collaboration with Arrival's cinematographer Bradford Young has resulted in a beautiful-looking film. At once intimate and cold, it is unlike any science fiction film we've seen before, with a look that is both wistful and quietly terrifying. For a film that has got so many nominations, it would be a surprise if such a poetic piece of cinematography didn't win.
However, Moonlight has a far more vibrant, distinctive look. Director of Photography James Laxton brings life to destitute neighbourhoods in sun-drenched Miami, creating an altogether different style during the nighttime. Never has a beach looked more delicate and sensitive, distinguishing it as a place which offers Chiron different kinds of love throughout the film. Layton's work is a perfect blend of harsh and romantic, and manages to convey more emotion through its look than Arrival does.
There is also every chance that La La Land will win this category as well: it is a colourful and heavily stylised film, and may win for the bright and showy look that Director of Photography Linus Sandgren achieves.