Oscar buzzing in my ear

OSCARS. Emma Stone (“La La Land”) is a lock for Best Actress. Viola Davis (“Fences”), a lock for Best Supporting. Mahershala Ali (“Moonlight”) also for Best Supporting. Damien Chazelle (“La La Land”), Best Director.

Minutes ago civilization believed Casey Affleck (“Manchester by the Sea”) wrapped it for Best Actor. Still on track, but the heat’s now for

Denzel Washington (“Fences”). Whoever “they” are wanted playwright August Wilson honored. “Fences,” no original movie, is an adapted stage drama written by the late Wilson.

The dish: Meryl Streep’s Golden Globe speech helped her nomination . . . Director Denzel gave himself too many close-ups . . . Emma Stone’s the only white woman likely to win . . . Hollywood’s so far to one side that their cars refuse to turn right. One Beverly Hills conservative became ostracized. Even old friends no longer invite her.

Why no Tom Hanks for playing Sully in “Sully”? Why “Arrival” arrived as a Best Picture nom and not Amy Adams? Paramount was so sure that they planned a big-time luncheon for her in London. They’ve since canceled it. “Hidden Figures”? The studio sent zero screeners, thus making everyone trudge to a theater to see it, so why no Kevin Costner when his film made Best Picture list?

Bits & pieces

LEFTOVER stuff: Obama stiffed the clergy after inauguration services. Nodded to them only. Donald shook everyone’s hand . . . Kasich, who’d been a loud anti-Trumper candidate, told Donald: “I’m with you.” Problem is, this was two days after DJT had already won the election.