Precursors: Last-Minute Broadcast Critics Predictions

Because the Broadcast Film Critics Association, under the trademarked name “Critics’ Choice,” has decided to host their event so early this year, I didn’t have enough time to scramble together our customary predictions thread. However, I still wanted to post my last-minute predictions for tonight’s ceremony. I’ve advised my contributors that they can add their predictions in the comments section below if they so choose.

Here are my predictions:

The Nominations

Best Picture

La La Land

There seem to be three films that have been dominating precursors so far and would seem to be the year’s leading contenders for Best Picture: La La Land, Manchester by the Sea, and Moonlight. With its Old Hollywood stylings, La La Land would be the go-to choice for this group, especially considering how populist they tend to run. Moonlight, I think, could play the spoiler.

Best Animated Feature

Kubo and the Two Strings

I’m going out on a bit of a limb here, not because I don’t think Kubo and the Two Strings can win, but because I think this group is more likely to recognize Zootopia. I honestly think either could win, or we could get a surprise by the likes of Moana or The Red Turtle.

Best Director

Damien Chazelle – La La Land

To date, Barry Jenkins has been dominating the critics’ prizes. Does that end tonight? I suspect it does as Chazelle seem a more natural fit for this group. Watch out for Jenkins, though, we could have a steamroller here.

Best Actor

Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea

It’s easy to believe that the Critics Choice voters could throw a curve ball here, but why not anoint the current king of this race? Denzel Washington could play spoiler.

Best Actress

Emma Stone – La La Land

Is this the place for Emma Stone to finally emerge as a force in the race? Natalie Portman might have something to say about it, but I suspect the Broadcast Critics may be gaga for La La Land and this would be its only acting citation potential.

Best Supporting Actor

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight

One should never bet against the individual dominating the precursors and Ali is the most awarded so far. Whether there’s a spoiler or not is uncertain, but any of the others could mount a feasible challenge.

Best Supporting Actress

Viola Davis – Fences

There’s so much buzz about Davis and being an Oscar force that I think that the Broadcasters will anoint her here tonight so they can crow about being the first. Watch out for Naomie Harris, Michelle Williams, and Nicole Kidman, though.

Best Original Screenplay

Moonlight

Apart from its win for Best Supporting Actor, this may be the only other award the film receives and that might be enough for this group to recognize it here. Either of the two other Best Picture contenders could win, or the left-field The Lobster could take it.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Lion

If Harvey Weinstein has any cloud, this may be the only place he can wield it. This category is ripe for upsets, though, so any of the films on the list could win. I suspect Fences might be the runner-up in this race.

Best Score

La La Land – Justin Hurwitz

Unless they really love the score to Jackie, expect this to be the easiest win of the evening.

Best Song

“City of Stars” – La La Land

Either of the La La Land tracks could win, as could Moana or Trolls, but the real spoiler could be Sing Street, a much more critic friendly film than all but La La Land.

Best Editing

La La Land – Tom Cross

Musical editing isn’t easy, so I suspect Clint Eastwood’s longtime cinematographer could pick up the prize.

Best Cinematography

La La Land – Linus Sandgren

I could actually see Arrival winning this, but I’m predicting a strong sweep for Chazelle’s film.

Best Production Design

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

I could definitely be wrong, but I suspect La La Land‘s streak won’t extend to this category. Fantastic Beasts is probably the most non-traditional of the bunch, which could help it win.

Best Costume Design

Love & Friendship, with all its frocks, probably has a leg up, though Fantastic Beasts, Florence Foster Jenkins, and Jackie could also easily win.

Best Hair & Makeup

Star Trek Beyond

The heavy use of prosthetic makeup will help the film, but this is an odd category filled with unusual contenders, so anything could happen.

Best Visual Effects

The Jungle Book

This is Jungle Book‘s to lose. Doctor Strange could stop it, as could Arrival or Fantastic Beasts. A Monster Calls would be an unusual selection since it isn’t on the Academy shortlist.

Best Foreign Language Film

Elle

Not being able to recognize Huppert in Best Actress may lead it to win here. However, Toni Erdmann has done well with other groups, so it could be a spoiler.

Best Young Actor/Actress

Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea

With two major Best Picture competitors here, the more mature Lucas Hedges can likely hold off the others, but watch out for Alex R. Hibbert and Hailee Steinfeld with Sunny Pawar and Madina Nalwanga distinct possibilities as well.

Best Acting Ensemble

Hidden Figures

I’d be surprised if they didn’t go with the more star-studded ensemble, though Moonlight could pull out a win as well.

Best Action Movie

Hacksaw Ridge

When all else fails, go for the Best Picture nominee. Deadpool could also be a surprise victor here, but its chances are better in the comedy catgories.

Best Actor in an Action Movie

Andrew Garfield – Hacksaw Ridge

Ryan Reynolds could be a double winner, but Garfield is nominated for Best Actor. Oftentimes, this group spreads the love to these “lesser” categories in order to make sure they cover all their bases.

Best Actress in an Action Movie

Margot Robbie – Suicide Squad

Such an odd collection, I suspect that Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie are the top contenders, but since Robbie gets to be crazier in her film, I give her the edge. Never count out the enigmatic Tilda Swinton, though, or even the hot newcomer Gal Gadot.

Best Comedy

Deadpool

Expect this group to try and be “hip” with its selection here. Although I suspect The Edge of Seventeen is a distinct possibility, I’d be surprised if Deadpool didn’t win.

Best Actor in a Comedy

Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool

Reynolds was on fire in Deadpool, literally and figuratively, but Viggo Mortensen could be he spoiler here, as could potential Best Supporting Actor nominee Hugh Grant or nominated-for-a-different-film Ryan Gosling.