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The Envelope scoured the darkest of theaters to find six of the world’s most highly trained (or maybe that’s “opinionated”) Oscar pundits, writers and film critics to predict this year’s Academy Awards. They’ve tried their hand at the nominations (and pretty much nailed it), but now the pressure is on. With few obvious winners at this stage, who will take the Oscar in key categories at this year’s ceremony Feb. 24? Here the Buzzmeter panelists offer their predictions on who the winners will be. Check back here in the lead-up to the awards as they weigh in on a new category, or go online for all their picks at once at latimes.com/buzzmeter.
Justin Chang Los Angeles Times Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman” Adam McKay, “Vice” Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War” Spike Lee could pull off an upset, but Cuarón just has the aura of a two-time winner.
Tom O’Neil Gold Derby Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman” Adam McKay, “Vice” Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War” This whole awards derby season has been a love fest for Cuarón, but beware: Spike Lee could pull off an upset. He’s never been nominated in this category, so he’s a fascinating wild card to ponder.
Anne Thompson IndieWire
Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma” Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman”
Adam McKay, “Vice” Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War” This race is close. Voters might give the multitasking Cuarón wins for picture, foreign and cinematography and let Lee take his historic win as the first black filmmaker to win best director.
Nicole Sperling Vanity Fair Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman” Adam McKay, “Vice” Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War” While a win for Spike Lee would be a pleasant surprise, it’s more likely that Cuarón will be taking home his second directing Oscar.
Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times
Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma” Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman”
Adam McKay, “Vice” Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War” The academy is wild about Cuarón, and he is the favorite, but it just might be Lee’s time.
Glenn Whipp The Envelope Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma”
Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” Spike Lee, “BlacKkKlansman” Adam McKay, “Vice” Pawel Pawlikowski, “Cold War” Lee will merit consideration for “BlacKkKlansman” and a stellar career, but Cuarón will likely prevail, winning a second directing Oscar.