Oscars 2021: Final Predictions In All 23 Categories
7. Best Original Screenplay
At one point, this was Trial of the Chicago 7's to lose. It started off the season with a strong Globe win but has fallen one too many times to Promising Young Woman since. All five nominees are strong, Judas and the Black Messiah is the weakest with an unfocused second act but it still deserves its placement here.
Sound of Metal feels like the most lucky to be here (most likely taking a spot that would have gone to a more traditional Oscar bait film such as Mank) and that isn't a slight against the film at all.
Minari should be a stronger contender here than it ultimately will be which is a shame because the screenplay for the wholesome drama is one of its high points.
Trial of the Chicago 7 and Promising Young Woman both deserve to win this award and are the two best screenplays of the year which is unfortunate as they fall in the same category. Both are ambitious which means neither is perfect.
Promising Young Woman has some minor plot holes and Trial feels like it's trying too hard at times. Those are nit-picks because they are both exceptional scripts. Aaron Sorkin already has an Oscar and Trial is very on brand for him, Promising Young Woman has the potential to be talked about for years to come on its concept alone.
What Should Win: Promising Young Woman
What Will Win: Promising Young Woman