Oscar winner predictions (the other categories)

One quick note on the rest of the nominations: I think it is going to be a very good night for Mad Max: Fury Road.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant) has won the last two years in this category. Robert Richardson (The Hateful Eight) already has won three. John Seale (Mad Max: Fury Road) already has an Oscar. Roger Deakins is a legend who has never won -- but Sicario isn't in other categories. I could also build a case for the gorgeous work of non-winner Edward Lachman in Carol. I just can't build a strong enough case against the three-peat.

Winner: The Revenant (Emmanuel Lubezki)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

In a category usually dominated by period pieces, truly unique work not in the past can break through. That is one film this year.

Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Jenny Beavan)

BEST FILM EDITING

If Spotlight or The Big Picture wins here, that film will win best picture. But I suspect the winner in this category is the one with non-stop action that was still easy to follow.

Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Margaret Sixel)

BEST MAKE-UP

Frequently the most outlandish wins here.

Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Lesley Vanderwalt, Damian Martin, Elka Wardega)

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

Not only is a legend long overdue, but he turned in great work this year.

Winner: The Hateful Eight (Ennio Morricone)

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

The subject matter has something to do with it. So does the fact Diane Warren has never won. So does the fact Lady Gaga is a major star, and this category like stars. It also happens to be the best song this year.

Winner: Til It Happens to You (The Hunting Ground): Dianne Warren, Lady Gaga

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Because of those amazing vehicles.

Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Colin Gibson; Katie Sharrock, Lisa Thompson)

BEST SOUND (both categories)

Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

What was the most impressive effect this year? It really looked like Leonardo DiCaprio was actually mauled by a bear.

Winner: The Revenant (Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

When in doubt, vote for Pixar

Winner: Inside Out

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

One film has dominated the precursors this year.

Winner: Son of Saul

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

One film has dominated the precursors this year.

Winner: Amy

BEST DOCUMETARY SHORT

The favorite is Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah, And certainly, a film about a film about the holocaust certainly ticks the boxes to be a favorite. But if you have seen the shorts, you know one has a unique approach using animation and also is political. I'm predicting the upset.

Winner: Last Day of Freedom

BEST ANIMATED SHORT

I'm going with the most unique look which also has a unique storyline. Yes, I am betting against Pixar this year.

Winner: World of Tomorrow

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT

A high quality category this year, and for me one of the most difficult calls. Sometimes the winner is the one that is different than the others. One film brings you into the life of its main character, demonstrates a sense of humor, and ends on a perfect note. So while I would not be surprised by wins by Day One, or Everything Will Be Okay (or disappointed as they are great as well), there is one film that stands out as unique this year.

Winner: Stutterer