Oscars 2021: Final Predictions In All 23 Categories
11. Best Costume Design
Another category where the transformation of Viola Davis will help to win an Oscar. A notably weaker category than usual, Pinocchio's appeal is in its prosthetics not its costumes and Mulan has done nothing new or original with its armours and robes.
Emma does have something to offer here with bright and gorgeous dresses and suits that jump off the screen thanks to their varied colours. Mank is likely here solely for the third act costume party scene which admittedly had a number of standout costumes (Amanda Seyfried's Ringmaster being the best).
It will be Ma Rainey's Black Bottom that will emerge the victor however, almost singlehandedly down to the costumes of the eponymous character. The suits of the bandmembers are good too and all the costumes are period appropriate but it is Ma Rainey who is fully embodied here, from the combined work of Viola Davis, the makeup department and the illustrious costumes.
What Should Win: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
What Will Win: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom